How to tell if a Pokemon card is original: a practical guide for players and collectors

January 05, 2026
TCG Shops

Quick guide to detecting counterfeit letters

If you collect or play the Pokémon TCG, sooner or later you'll ask yourself the same question: how to tell if a Pokémon card is genuine. With the game's popularity and the increase in player-to-player purchases, counterfeits have also grown. The good news is that, with a few simple steps, you can learn to identify clear signs of authenticity before buying, trading, or sending a card for grading.

In this guide, you'll find the most useful tips for evaluating a card, from its feel to the detail of the printing. And if you're looking for a reliable place to buy TCG products, remember that at tcgshops.com you'll find a selection designed for players and collectors of Pokémon, Riftbound, One Piece, and Magic.

What you should check first: overall feel and quality

An original letter usually "feels" good even before you look at it closely. Forgeries often fail at the most basic level.

Stiffness and thickness: Authentic cards have a consistent thickness. Fake cards may feel too thin, soft, or, conversely, excessively stiff.
Finish: The coating on a genuine card is uniform. Counterfeits commonly have an unusual sheen, an excessive matte finish, or an uneven texture.
Edges and cut: The original die-cut is clean. If you see "chewed" edges, poorly rounded corners, or misaligned cuts, it's a red flag.

Visual comparison: colors, typography, and definition

The most effective way to tell if a Pokémon card is genuine is to compare it. If you have an authentic card from the same expansion or at least a similar era, use it as a reference.

Colors: In fake cards, the colors often appear oversaturated, dull, or with a strange tone (for example, greenish yellows or "washed-out" blues).
Typography: Check the Pokémon's name, attacks, HP, and energy symbols. Counterfeits may have thicker letters, odd spacing, or less crisp text.
Fine details: look at the frame lines, shadows, and micro-details of the illustration. The original print has good definition; a fake may look blurry, with uneven ink dots or “bleed” edges.

Check the back: the most common mistake in counterfeits

The back of Pokémon cards is one of the places where copies fail most often. Look closely:

Blue of the border: in many counterfeits the blue looks different from that of an authentic card, either darker, lighter or with an unnatural tint.
Centered: The rear design is usually well centered. Obvious offsets may indicate a copy.
Logo clarity: the text and outlines of the logo should appear defined, not "blurred".

The light test: a simple and effective tool

Without damaging the card, you can perform a useful check with a flashlight (or your phone's light). Place a light source behind the card and observe how much light passes through.

Original cards: they usually let some light through, but not excessively. A consistent paper density is perceived.
Counterfeit letters: sometimes they let too much light through (very thin paper) or almost none (incorrect material). If their behavior is very different from that of a comparable genuine letter, be suspicious.

Tip: Make this comparison with a card you know is real, ideally of the same type (common, holo, ultra rare) so that the difference in finishes doesn't confuse you.

Holo and textures: patterns that give them away

Cards with glitter, holo, or special textures are among the most counterfeited, but also among the easiest to spot if you know what to look for.

Holo pattern: Many real cards have specific and consistent patterns. Copies often use a generic "rainbow" glitter that looks the same on different cards.
Texture: On modern embossed cards, the texture is usually well-defined and aligned with the illustration. On counterfeits, it may appear flat, with unusual embossing, or simply nonexistent.
Excessive shine: if it looks like an overly reflective or "plastic" sheet, that's another common red flag.

Identification details: expansion symbol, number, and rarity

For many players and collectors, knowing if a Pokemon card is original also involves verifying that the printed information makes sense.

Symbol of expansion: it must be clear and correctly designed.
Letter number and total numbering: check that the format matches the expansion (for example, out-of-range numbers or strange fonts may be a clue).
Rarity icons and brands: they should be well placed and have a clean print.

If something doesn't add up, stop and compare it with another confirmed card or with the rest of your collection.

Typical errors in fake letters

Strange spelling or badly hyphenated words.
Misaligned energies and symbols.
Lack of contrast or “dull” printing.
Very rare cards offered in large quantities with the same appearance.

Conclusion

Learning how to tell if a Pokémon card is genuine saves you money and frustration, and helps you build a solid collection with confidence. With a quick check of the feel, back, printing, holo, and a comparative light test, you'll be able to spot most fakes without any hassle.

If you want to shop and collect with more peace of mind, visit tcgshops.com and stay tuned for our latest Pokémon and other TCG releases. You can also subscribe to our newsletter to be notified when new products become available for purchase.