Identify Fake Yu Gi Oh! Cards

Are you concerned that a Yu Gi Oh! card you have is fake? Read on to learn some clues to identify whether your card is real or not.

Steps

  1. Check the name of the card, see if it has spelling errors. If it does it is most likely fake (or a misprint, but this is rare).
  2. Check the back of the card, and see if the "Konami" on the back is spelled incorrectly. If it is, it's a fake.
  3. Check the number of Level stars on the card. Compare it to a picture of the card online to see if it is correct. If the Level stars are "solid" then the card is fake.
  4. The card should have a gold or silver hologram on the bottom right hand corner. 1st Edition and Limited Edition cards will have a gold square, while Unlimited Edition cards will have a silver one. Having an incorrectly colored hologram or the lack of one is a clear indication that the card is fake.
  5. If the card feels overly glossy or not glossy at all, it's usually fake. It should be noted however newer cards are glossier than older cards.
  6. Read the text. If the font is too thin or too thick, or there are spelling mistakes, it may be fake. Note that Yu-Gi-Oh! uses a special font.
  7. Examine the picture. If it is blurry or poor quality, it may be fake, however note that Duel Terminal cards have a parallel coat which may make the cards look blurred.
  8. If the color of the card is wrong, too pale or too bright, it's fake. However some boosters, like Gladiators Assault, have brighter colors and Duel Terminal cards have darker colors because of the parallel coat.
    • Monster = Yellow
    • Effect monster = Orange
    • Spell = Turquoise
    • Trap = Pink
    • Fusion = Purple
    • Ritual = Blue
    • Token = Grey
    • Synchro = White
    • Xyz = Black
    • Pendulum = Yellow or Orange(bottom)/Turquoise(top)
  9. If the set number (under the picture on the right hand side just above the text) is missing, it's fake. Fake cards usually also display the incorrect set numbers.
  10. On the back, if the Konami, ™ or ® symbols are missing, it's fake. An exception to this is the unplayable Egyptian God cards.
  11. Most cards have a serial number on the bottom left corner. If it is missing, the card may be fake, although there are a few cards that lack this such as Gate Guardian.

Tips

  • Cards rarities such as Starfoil Rares and other similar Parallel Rares have little stars on it or another kind of hologram; check the different styles of rarities available before you go tearing it up.
  • If you're not sure if the card is authentic, you can look it up on a card database[1]. If you bought this card at a store it is very very unlikely it will be fake, but flea markets, the internet and second hand shops have a higher chance of a card being fake.

Things You'll Need

  • Yu-Gi-Oh! cards
  • Guide

Related Articles

  • Build a Sacred Beast Yu Gi Oh! Deck
  • Be a Yu Gi Oh! Card Fan

Sources and Citations

  1. ↑ http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Main_Page
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