Reprints vs. Counterfeits - Is there a difference?

[BosseFieldBoy]

I apologize if I missed a prior thread on this issue, but I'm wondering, is there a difference between a reprint and a counterfeit?

I recently purchased a 1980-81 Topps Larry Bird/ Magic Johnson / Dr. J card. The listing revealed in the fine print that it was a "reprint" and I missed it. I, however, have always distinguished between a reprint and a counterfeit. In my mind, a reprint is an authorized reprinting or reproduction of an original card. In other words, Topps issues a card and either Topps or an authorized company later decides to reissue the card. I would think a reprint would have some kind of mark identifying itself as a reprint or, at the very least, a printing date that is different from that on the original card. Something distinguishing it from the original issue.

In my example, I would expect a reprint of the Topps card to somewhere say "reprint" or have a date somewhere on the card that is later than 1980. That is not the case with this card which leads me to believe it's a counterfeit, not a reprint.

What are your thoughts? Is it a distinction without a difference?

[Peter_Spaeth]

In theory a clear difference, as one is intended to deceive and one is not.

[GasHouseGang]

Is there a difference between a reprint and a counterfeit?

Clearly. Because ebay doesn't allow the sale of counterfeits. Or do they?

[clydepepper]

I recently picked up a few reprints that turned out to be so good...when comparing them to the original card that I also had, I decided to write 'RP' on each card back...just in case I forget when I get even older.

Of course the question is, why, if you already have the original cards, would you purchase reprints?


Because I'm addicted...what? You didn't really think I had a good reason, did you?

[Jenx34]

IMO your assessment is dead on. It gets confused because people seem to use the terms interchangeably. But if it is not obviously marked a reprint, then it is simply that, a counterfeit.

I'm not sure that will help you with Ebay however, but if need be, that is the argument I would make.

[Jewish-collector]

I actually collect legit, authorized reprints, because I can't afford the authentic cards. Sometimes you just gotta say WTF

[Aquarian Sports Cards]

Originally Posted by clydepepper

I recently picked up a few reprints that turned out to be so good...when comparing them to the original card that I also had, I decided to write 'RP' on each card back...just in case I forget when I get even older.

Of course the question is, why, if you already have the original cards, would you purchase reprints?


Because I'm addicted...what? You didn't really think I had a good reason, did you?

Sounds like you bought counterfeits, not reprints.

[ruth_rookie]

I had no idea there was such demand for reprints. I see them offered all the time on eBay and have always wondered who bought them. Now I know, which seems to me would indicate strength in the overall vintage market in the sense that if originals decline to a certain point, people who have otherwise been buying reprints will step in buy, thus creating a bottom in the market (sorry for the run-on sentence). ��

Thoughts?

[Leon]

Originally Posted by Peter_Spaeth

In theory a clear difference, as one is intended to deceive and one is not.

Yes, in theory.