Has anybody done this to guard against buying forgeries?

[baker85]

if your that paranoid, you should not collect sports memorabilia. my remark was not sarcastic. it was literal. if its slabbed, thats good enough for me. im not dumping hundreds of dollars on a card, so who is going to fake a psa 2 or 3 anyway.

[glchen]

I think as others have said, it is always useful to buy raw commons from that set, so that you can familiarize yourself with the paper, etc of that set. You will be able to discern between many of the reprints and forgeries out there. However, it's not foolproof as the sportscollector thread showed in that it will still be very difficult to determine alterations on the cards without going to a TPG. The problem with going to a reputed dealer is that there are very few who list their inventory at VCP. You will need to determine if you would be willing to pay the additional premium for that additional eye check and peace of mind.

[conor912]

Originally Posted by glchen

The problem with going to a reputed dealer is that there are very few who list their inventory at VCP. You will need to determine if you would be willing to pay the additional premium for that additional eye check and peace of mind.

Isn't that what slabbing is supposed to be?

[glchen]

Originally Posted by conor912

Isn't that what slabbing is supposed to be?

I think it's fair to say that even reputed dealers are human and can miss things. However, the more experts that look at it, the better.

[the 'stache]

Thanks for the responses. Most of you were quite helpful.

Keep them coming, guys. I'm always looking for more opinions.

[conor912]

All in all, fakes will be infinitely easier to spot than trimming or other alterations and should be the least of a novice's worries, IMO.

[Wymers Auction]

Here is a piece of advice from my dealings in antiques which I believe would apply nicely here as well. If it makes you nervous and just not quite comfortable walk away. I am not saying this is the only tool you need in the toolbox, but paying attention to your gut will save you a lot of money. I have learned this and continue to learn this the hard way at times.

[brob28]

Originally Posted by conor912

All in all, fakes will be infinitely easier to spot than trimming or other alterations and should be the least of a novice's worries, IMO.

Agreed!

[insccollectibles]

There are plenty of slabbed fakes out there. You just have to be careful. My advice is to learn as much about the collection you are interested in and deal with reputable people at all times. This forum is great for advice as well. I was just introduced and have found it very useful.

[Leon]

Originally Posted by baker85

if your that paranoid, you should not collect sports memorabilia. my remark was not sarcastic. it was literal. if its slabbed, thats good enough for me. im not dumping hundreds of dollars on a card, so who is going to fake a psa 2 or 3 anyway.

OK, thanks for the clarification. Since anything I say after that response will not be nice I will just say...Happy collecting!!

[brob28]

Originally Posted by Leon

OK, thanks for the clarification. Since anything I say after that response will not be nice I will just say...Happy collecting!!

And that my friends, is a wonderful example of diplomacy.