Episode 11: BUYER BEWARE

In this episode, Joe discusses the growing issue of counterfeit and reprint cards in the sports card industry. He shares a recent experience with a 1969 Topps Mickey Mantle and a rare Michael Jordan insert from the late 90s. Joe explains how counterfeit cards are becoming more prevalent, especially with the advanced printing technology that makes it easier to create near-perfect replicas.

To help prevent others from falling victim to fraud, Joe advises listeners on how to identify counterfeits, explaining techniques like the "feel test" (rubbing the card to check its texture) and the "eye test" (visually inspecting the card, and using magnification to detect subtle differences). He highlights that the best way to ensure authenticity is to buy already-graded cards from reputable grading companies like PSA, SGC, or BGS.

Joe stresses that counterfeits are often hard to spot without professional help, and collectors should be cautious, especially when purchasing high-dollar items from untrustworthy sources. And of course, if you need help decifering, Joe and his team are happy to help.