Fake cards - Questions from a new collector

[kor]

Hello all,
I was hoping to get some general guidelines on what characteristics are common on repro cards. I used to collect vintage Star Wars years ago but there weren't any real problems with fake cards back then. I just came back to the hobby and I'm a little shocked at how much of a problem this is becoming.

Several questions:
-Are the more common carded figures being faked?
-Are the fakers able to reproduce price tags like toys r us, kmart, etc?
-I'm assuming that the fakers are using original bubbles or are they reproducing those as well?

I've heard people say that fake cards are less glossy, the wrong thickness of card stock, and often the image on the card isn't as sharp. Is there anything else to look for, especially when buying on ebay where you have to judge it just from a photo?

Thanks so much,
Keith

 

[BlueDog]

Hi Keith, welcome to the forum.

You name it and chances are someone has a repro version of it. Cards, bubbles, weapons it really quite a lucrative business for those who produce them. I'm only new to collecting myself and ffrom what I've seen the quality ranges from really obviously fake with flat poorly printed cards to extremely high quality repro cards that most would struggle to notice, especially from a photo.

Others on here will have a better idea of what to look for, the best I could recommend is to try and buy through reputable dealers and forums such as this where at least you can refer to other members regarding the honesty of the member selling.

Good luck and welcome back to collecting.

Cheers Ryan

 

[tiefighterboy]

Heres a list

1. Punch off location or non-existent
2. Bubble to large and stem incorect (This does not apply to the newer repo's which are exact copies.
3. No footer or footer incorrect.
4. Use of high gloss photo paper (Only by retards) or mate paper (Dull gloss)....Although someone has started making this by the same printing process I have heard...but have not seen yet. Card thickness too as you stated.
5. Poor image and colors off
6. Glue residue on bubble and no waffle pattern on bubble.
7. POTF Figures bubble incorrect around coin area and sometimes contains repro painted coin (But somebody has started making metal copies that are exact)
8. Figures show signs of wear and weapon is placed incorrectly and weapon is most likely repro.


That is for starters...best bet is no what your looking at, ask for more pictures if necessary and deal with people you know.

 

[Chewie]

the best I could recommend is to try and buy through reputable dealers and forums such as this where at least you can refer to other members regarding the honesty of the member selling.

Thats the best advice you can take :wink: Its a mine field out there

 

[kor]

Thanks for the replies. What exactly does a "waffle pattern" on the bubble look like?

 

[Joe]

I know it's not on this forum but I was putting together a MOC guide for newbies on TIG here - http://www.imperialgunneryforum.com/t1110-vintage-moc-collecting-the-discussion-and-information-thread

You should be able to read all the discussions without signing up if you don't want to.

There is a close up waffle pattern pictured in the first post on that thread (as well as other bits of useful info)

 

[kor]

I know it's not on this forum but I was putting together a MOC guide for newbies on TIG here - http://www.imperialgunneryforum.com/t1110-vintage-moc-collecting-the-discussion-and-information-thread

You should be able to read all the discussions without signing up if you don't want to.

There is a close up waffle pattern pictured in the first post on that thread (as well as other bits of useful info)

Thank you sir!! That helps a ton!

 

[CHT]

I recently came upon a stack of Star Wars cards. Although I love Star Wars I really don't need another hobby. How is the best way of authenticating these cards? There is a very high possibility that they are original.