How to spot fake t206 cards?

[CharleyBrown]

I was curious as to how you can determine if a t206 card is a fake. I recently was offered two particular raw t206 cards, and I'm not sure whether to take the deal or not. I've included images of the two cards. I've never owned a t206, as I generally collect Jackie Robinson. Any help is appreciated!!

[CharleyBrown]

From everything I've found... the Walter Johnson Hands at Chest card is a Piedmont 350, but this one is a Piedmont 150? Definite fake?

[FrankWakefield]

I suggest you buy 3 or 4 real T206s, try to get 2 or 3 different backs. Don't get slabbed cards.

Once they're in hand, then study them. You'll ascertain how they feel. Notice the font style and color for the caption on the front. Look at the difference between the finish of the front of the card and the back. Notice the color of ink used for the ad on the back. Look at that frame around the color on the front. Feel the thickness of the card. If you get a black light, and then illuminate a genuine card, it won't fluoresce, there are no brighteners in that paper for the UV rays to hit; many reprints will fluoresce. Go to some card shows and ask to see some ungraded T206s. I think there are still dealers who have them loose, not in holders.

After you've handled several, seen a bunch, you'll develop a feel for what they're supposed to look like. Then, look at a few reprints at a show, to see what those look like.

You could get a small black light / flash light for about $15.... well worth the purchase price if you're going to be buying old cards.

[CharleyBrown]

Sounds good Frank. Thanks. I wasn't ready to get into them quite yet, but I found a pretty good deal on these. I'm skeptical, particularly because I have yet to see a Walter Johnson hands at chest Piedmont 150. I guess I might pass on them before spending over $100.

[White Borders]

The Johnson is definitely fake. Johnson Glove-at-Chest is a 350-460 series card, thus it won't be found with a P150 back. Also the back scan does not show a factory # at the bottom.

Best Regards,
Craig

[CharleyBrown]

Craig, thanks for the help. I am glad I trusted my instincts, and passed on the deal. It also looks like the centering on the front and on the back are entirely different.

Thanks again.. helped save me a few dollars that I can use to buy more cards. I think I might pick up a few t206 at the White Plains NY show this weekend to gain a little familiarity with the cards.

[steve B]

The front and back centering being different is not unusual.

The wrong series and no factory designation is the big tip off.

Steve B