Guides · Common Fakes & Counterfeits · Sports cards guide
Common fakes: sports cards
Slabs, certificates and autographs can all be faked. Match everything, not just one detail.
General tips, not authentication. This is an estimate, not an appraisal. When in doubt, use a professional authentication service.
Most common fakes
- Trimmed cards and reprints. Sources: pregradecards.com · fakeslabs.com
- Fake slabs that reuse real certificate numbers. Sources: psacard.com · cgccards.com · fakeslabs.com
How to spot them
- The Rookie Card (RC) label means a rookie year in that league or brand. It isn't always the player's first card. Serial numbering such as 49/99 shows the print run. Sources: sportscardmanual.com · upperdeck.com
- Know the difference between on-card and sticker autographs. Relic cards contain worn or used material. Sources: sportscardmanual.com · theballersbank.com
Tests you can do safely
- Check the certificate free with Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) or Certified Guaranty Company (CGC), then match the card to the images on file. A valid number by itself isn't proof. Sources: psacard.com · cgccards.com · fakeslabs.com
- Measure a suspect card against a known original, and compare the card stock and gloss. Sources: pregradecards.com · fakeslabs.com
When to get it authenticated
- For autographs, verify the certificate of authenticity with PSA/DNA (Professional Sports Authenticator's autograph service), James Spence Authentication (JSA) or Beckett. Sources: psacard.com · autographia.com
These guides are general screening tips, not authentication or appraisals. Sources are independent sites we don't control and aren't affiliated with. Sources checked Nov 2, 2026.
Let us do the homework
Bidding on a whole sale?
We identify every item, flag the standouts in the photos, and set a max bid on every lot.