Authenticating vintage cards

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Posted By: davidcycleback

I recommend 30x or better.

You don't have to learn how to authenticate eveything raw at once. You can start in areas and spread out with time. Some of the easier to authenticate, or at least identify reprints of, include the T205s (due to the metal on the borders), Ramleys (embossed and metal), N172 Old Judges and Fatimas (no dot pattern of any kind, as they are real photo).

Any time you already have a number of genuine cards from the issue, you shouldn't have trouble identifing a raw reprint, as a reprint invariably has one or more distinct problems with it-- including stuff like thickness, gloss, etc.

One thing to remember is that forgers are usally not trying to fool people who are experienced collectors with the set. They're trying to make a quick buck from people who've never owned a card from the set before. Even when they don't own a microscope or black light, avid collectors of a set-- whether T206s or 1986 Fleer basketball-- will usually be able to identify a reprint right away because the reprint looks distinctly different.

The reason collectors use adannced techniques is when they're buying something they haven't owned before. When you buy your first raw Allen & Ginter or Gypsie Queen you have nothing to compare the card to. Comparing the Gypsie Queen to a 1933 Goudey likely won't give any insight, even if the Goudey is genuine.