Kristian Ferrell
Reprints and counterfeits of basketball cards are usually significantly different from the original card. Some reprints are released as part of tribute sets and will contain the word reprint on the card. However, some counterfeiters will remove markers that indicate a reprint. To identify a reprint, you can compare the card to authentic common cards from the same set, looking for differences in gloss, thickness, colour, texture, font, and size of lettering, and border lines. You can also use a jeweller's loupe magnifier to look for a honeycomb matrix, which is common in vintage cards.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Text or copyright date | Indicating the card is a reprint |
| Major size difference | Wrong back |
| Card weight | A different cardstock was used |
| Appearance of card stock and surfaces | Includes color, texture, feel |
| Gloss | Most reprints will have different gloss than the original |
| Font and size of lettering and border lines | The font of the lettering is noticeably off |
| Solid areas | On a genuine T206, the border around the player picture and the player’s name and team below is solid |
| Card thickness | Thickness of the reprint card is different |
| Spidering of brown | A red flag that the card was artificially aged by dipping the card in tea |
| Honeycomb matrix | Vintage cards were printed in a way where the images show a hexagonal or "honeycomb" matrix |
| Card material | The majority of vintage baseball cards were printed on sturdy and thick cardboard |
| Pricing | If the price is too good to be true, it probably is |
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What You'll Learn
Check for the word 'reprint' or similar
Reprints are basketball cards that were printed years after the original release. They are usually released as part of tribute sets and are an affordable way to collect your dream cards. If you want to identify a reprint basketball card, one of the most important things to do is to check for the word "reprint" or something similar.
Reprints will always explicitly contain the word "reprint" or an abbreviation like "RP" on the back of the card. This is the key difference between a reprint and a counterfeit card, which is created to deceive or fool someone into thinking it is an authentic card. People will often go to great lengths to remove markers indicating a reprint, so it is important to examine the card closely.
In addition to the word "reprint", you may also see wording such as reprint set or tribute set on the packaging or in the product description when purchasing reprints. This is another clear indication that the cards are reprints and not original releases.
It is also worth noting that reprints are typically only made for extremely valuable cards, such as Luka Rookies, Lebron Topps, MJ Fleer, Kobe Topps, and Tom Brady cards. So, if you come across a reprint card that does not appear to be one of these highly valuable cards, it may be a counterfeit card instead.
In summary, when trying to identify a reprint basketball card, carefully inspect the card for the word "reprint" or similar wording, such as "RP", "reprint set", or "tribute set". This is the most reliable way to distinguish a reprint from an original or counterfeit card.
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Look for obvious differences, like text or size
When identifying reprint basketball cards, it is important to look for obvious differences such as text or size. Reprints will usually have the word "reprint" or something similar on the back. Other differences may be more subtle, such as variations in font, including the thinness of lines, height of letters, and distance between lines of text.
The dimensions of the card are also important to consider. Most counterfeits made by photocopiers will have correct measurements, but the size of the image, borders, and text may be off. Comparing the card in question to known genuine examples is a highly effective method of detection. This can be done by looking at the card number, which is usually on the back, set apart from other information. Additionally, the print style of vintage cards often shows a hexagonal or "honeycomb" matrix when looking very closely or using a jeweler's loupe.
Other differences may be found in the appearance of the card stock and surfaces, such as colour, texture, gloss, and feel. For example, the reprint 1971 Hank Aaron card has a different gloss and colouring than the original. The opacity of the card, or the amount of light that shines through, can also be a telling sign as cardstock and ink vary in opacity. Furthermore, artificially aged reprints may show brown edges and spidering, indicating that the card was dipped in tea to appear older.
Pricing can also be a good indicator of a reprint, as these cards are often sold for much cheaper than their authentic counterparts.
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Examine the card's gloss, texture and thickness
Gloss, texture, and thickness are key factors in identifying reprint basketball cards. Authentic cards are made from high-quality stock, giving them a firm, smooth surface. The correct gloss is difficult to duplicate, so most reprints will have a different gloss than the original. A magnifier or microscope can be used to compare solid areas and print patterns. Vintage cards, for example, were printed with a hexagonal or "honeycomb" matrix that can be seen up close or with a magnifier. The reprint 1971 Hank Aaron card, for instance, has a different gloss and colouring than the original.
The texture of a card can also indicate whether it is a reprint. Authentic cards have a distinctive feel due to their quality stock, so if a card feels excessively glossy, flimsy, or uneven, it may be a reprint. Counterfeit cards often have an incorrect texture that may feel thin or uneven, and the edges may be rough or jagged. Irregularities in texture at the edges are usually caused by poor cutting methods not found in professional card manufacturing. However, older cards may feel different due to aging and handling, so the quality of the card should also be considered.
Comparing a suspect card with a known genuine example is a standard and effective technique for detecting reprints. Collectors can compare cards from the same issue, as cards from the same sheet will share qualities. Differences in thickness can be significant, but small differences could be due to natural variation. Thickness can be measured using a downloadable card-sized gauge, such as the one provided by BCW Supplies.
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Use a magnifier to check for a hexagonal print matrix
When identifying reprint basketball cards, one of the most important tools you can use is a jeweller's loupe magnifier. These only cost around $10 and can help you see the print pattern of the card.
Vintage cards were printed in a way where the images show a hexagonal or "honeycomb" matrix. This can be seen by using a magnifier or by squinting very closely at the card. The matrix will look like a honeycomb, with a series of hexagons making up the image.
By using a magnifier, you can closely inspect the card for this hexagonal print matrix. Look for a pattern of hexagons that form the image. If you see this matrix, it is a sign that the card is a vintage print.
It is important to compare the card in question to authentic common cards, ideally from the same set. This will help you identify any discrepancies or anomalies in the printing. Pay close attention to the print pattern and look for any signs of tampering or alteration.
Additionally, be wary of cards that are being sold at extremely low prices or with vague descriptions. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. It is always a good idea to do your research on commonly forged cards and familiarise yourself with the signs of a reprint or counterfeit card.
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Compare with other cards to spot inconsistencies
Comparing a basketball card with other cards from the same issue is a standard and effective technique to spot inconsistencies and identify reprints. Collectors can compare the qualities of the card in question with those of other cards from the same issue, looking for any differences in card stock, colour, dimensions, and print quality.
For example, if you are comparing a 1933 Goudey Babe Ruth card to other Goudey commons, or a 1965 Topps Joe Namath card to other 1965 Topps cards, you can check for inconsistencies in the cardstock, such as thickness, colour, and opacity. Opacity refers to the amount of light that shines through a card, and it can vary depending on the cardstock and ink used. By holding the card up to the light, you can check for differences in opacity between the card in question and the comparison cards.
Additionally, you can examine the dimensions of the card, including the size of the image, borders, and text. Most counterfeits made by photocopiers will have correct measurements, but some may have incorrect print dimensions, resulting in uneven borders. You can also use a magnifier or microscope to compare which areas of the print are solid and which are not.
It is also important to be aware of variations within a particular issue. For example, a genuine 1956 Topps baseball card can be found on dark grey or light grey cardboard, while the 1887 Old Judges are usually sepia in colour, but pink examples exist as well. Knowing these variations can help you identify inconsistencies in reprint cards that may have been artificially aged or altered to mimic the original.
Finally, you can research commonly forged cards and their characteristics. For example, some forgers soak reprint cards in tea to make them appear older, resulting in brown "spidering" or "crackling" effects on the card. By familiarizing yourself with these common techniques, you can more easily spot inconsistencies when comparing cards.
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