This can't be real? Can it?

[oldeboo]

Originally Posted by jayshum

I haven't collected 1933 Goudeys or any of the Tobacco card sets shown so far in this thread. I am curious how you can determine that the cards shown are not real. Can someone please provide information about what to look for in cards like these to tell that they are not original?

No problem, hope this helps.

There are generally 3 main types of fakes in my mind. First, you have mass produced hobby reprints that have had the word "reprint" removed, then the card is stained and aged to look real. Next, you have modern day forgeries coming out of China that are using a horrible looking aged print or paper, and are REALLY bad, as seen on the Colgan's below. Finally, you have a slightly more believable fake like the Ruth.

You want to look for reprints that have "reprint" on the card and see if that area has been messed with. Beyond that, you get into the forgeries. When trying to detect through images online the main signs that are easy to see are low image quality, odd paper coloring, and unrealistic wear among others. A sign that you have a legit 1933 Goudey is that you will see some of the front image on the back, that's not 100% the case, but a good sign if you see it.

Also, it might not be a fair assessment, but you need to assume every raw 1933 Goudey Ruth on Ebay is fake because 99% are. Same can be said for any high dollar raw card, you need to assume it's fake until facts prove otherwise.