Posted By:
Frank WakefieldHey Greg,
I suggest you get a small battery black light. They cost about $10 to $15...
If you illuminate paper with black light, sometimes it fluoresces, sometimes it doesn't. If it doesn't, it is most likely old paper, pre late 1940s. If it fluoresces, it is definitely new paper. Paper manufacturers add brighteners to paper to make it look better. I have not doubt those TCMA cards will glow purple if hit with UV light. This is an easy approach to use in discerning card authenticity. With experience and practice you'll develop a feel for figuring out what's real and what's not.
Don't rely on graded cards always being right. Most of the time they are, but sometimes not. Buy the card, not some paper slip inside a plastic case.