Graded-card guide

Counterfeit Graded Card Slabs

Copied certification numbers, fake labels, altered holders and seller red flags.

Graded cards combine a physical collectible, a third-party opinion, a holder and a market premium. Each part deserves separate verification.

1. Check official record

Check official record should be evaluated against the exact card, issue, grading company, grade, qualifier and holder generation. Use official verification and recent completed sales rather than relying on label familiarity alone.

2. Compare security features

Compare security features should be evaluated against the exact card, issue, grading company, grade, qualifier and holder generation. Use official verification and recent completed sales rather than relying on label familiarity alone.

3. Inspect label print

Inspect label print should be evaluated against the exact card, issue, grading company, grade, qualifier and holder generation. Use official verification and recent completed sales rather than relying on label familiarity alone.

4. Review seller history

Review seller history should be evaluated against the exact card, issue, grading company, grade, qualifier and holder generation. Use official verification and recent completed sales rather than relying on label familiarity alone.

5. Avoid pressure

Avoid pressure should be evaluated against the exact card, issue, grading company, grade, qualifier and holder generation. Use official verification and recent completed sales rather than relying on label familiarity alone.

Marketplace research

Verification rule: Never buy an expensive slab only because its certification number returns a valid result. Compare the physical item with the official record.

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