T206 reprint identification for novices

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Posted By: Scott Forrest

Here's your first quiz - how can you tell this is a reprint?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=86840&item=5159733028&rd=1

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Posted By: Jon Canfield

I might flunk... but the first thing I notice is the bottom border... It seems way to long between the name and the edge.

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Posted By: Mike P.

...is what tipped me off. Also, there isn't any factory information on the back bottom.

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Posted By: jay behrens

Considering portraits were only issued in the 150 series, the 350-460 series would be a HUGE tip off.

Jay

Wow upside down is Mom. Mom upside down is what dad wants to see.

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Posted By: davidcycleback

The cardboard at the edges where the corn is worn (including upper rounded corners) is too dark. This is a common way to identify fakes, including Mantle Rookies: when the edge/thickness is not the correct color/darkness for the issue.

I think the fakers are better these day, but an old time rule was to never bid on a card with obviously clipped or handcut corners that the seller described as "natural rounding." ... More than likely, the card was a forgery. And on the rare chance the card wasn't, why would you choose to buy a trading card from an eBay seller who can't tell the difference between natural wear and a corner handcut at a 45 degree angle.

This also suggests that collectors shouldn't fixate just on the image, but observe the edges and the overall wear ... For example, how does this Mathewson have so much corner rounding but there appears to not be a single crease in the image? ... Some eBay Goudey Ruth homemade fakes had sharp realistic images in the scan, but were apparent because the card was on too think stock, slightly funky cut and the paper so thin enough there was a wave to the edge ... As noted on another thread, rebacked cards often have dark glue stains only at the edges ... Ever seen one of those fake T206 Honus Wagners where the front of the card looks as if it's been brewed with the morning coffee and worn in the bottom of a bum's shoe for the rest of the day, but the edges and corners are so sharp you could shave with it? ...

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Posted By: Paul

The borders are way too big around the card, the font on the name is wrong, no factory info.

On a side note. Do any grandparents die and leave people common cards??

Paul

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Posted By: JimB

In addition to the indicators people mentioned, the color in the background is off.
JimB

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Posted By: David Smith

Seems like the scammers and sellers of reprinted or fake cards LOVE to use the blue sports graphics around the sh*t they are listing. Whenever I see that da*n blue sports graphic around a vintage card listing, a red flag goes up!!

David

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Posted By: Joe P.

DAMN!

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Posted By: pete

DAMN, DAMN!!! ...guess someone notified him of his b.s. story....buy the way, doesnt anyone go to the bank anymore when they "need the money"?

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Posted By: Mike P.

I've seen many portraits on 350 and 460 series cards as well. Here is an example of a Cobb I use to own. I own other examples and there are many other examples on Ebay as well.

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Posted By: Dave

According to my records, there are many portraits that aren't limited to the 150 series.

The card shown above, Cobb red background wasn't issued in the 150, only the 350 and 460.

Right or Wrong?

The Matty portrait was issued in the 150 and 350 series, but not the 460 as shown.

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Posted By: Josh K.

I have a cobb red portrait gai authenticated in the Sweet Caporal 350 series as well.