Authenticating Post Cereal Cards

[LeftHandedDane]

I have always thought that the Post cereal cards were relatively easy to counterfeit given the coarse cardboard on which they were printed, a simple design, and the fact that they are hand cut. I have not been able to find much information about this, however, and was wondering if anyone has any insights. This listing, for example, almost looks too good to be true:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1963-POST-CE...:SS:SS:US:3160

Any thoughts are greatly welcomed.

Ed

[steve B]

A few thoughts overall.

The one shown is probably good, but I think the grade is all hype. But it's a nice example without creases. If it had a rough cut with wide margins I can see a dealer or collector tidying it up. Not what I'd do, but since it's handcut anyway, someone will.


The card is just as tough/easy to fake as any other. Getting it exactly right is hard, getting it close enough to get past someone unfamiliar with the set is easier. Getting close enough to get a few bids with a typical blurry Ebay Image is easy.

I recently tried to find that sort of cardboard for a project where I had to make some mockups. I couldn't find any at retail. Something close to what the current Topps cards are printed on but not coated was easy to find but expensive. So I went with todays flimsy posterboard.

Steve B

[BruceinGa]

I was under the impression that there needs to be a solid black line completely around the post cereal cards otherwise the only grade is Authentic. There isn't any on the right edge.
Someone please correct me if I'm wrong.
I realize I'm not addressing if it is a fake, just grade, sorry

[Exhibitman]

Mantle gets faked. Be careful. I purchased what seemed to be a nice Mantle on eBay and it was a fake. It is easy to see in person because it is a scan of an original. The areas that are pure white stock on originals are hazy in the fakes and the print is just fuzzy enough to arouse suspicion. Also, the cardboard is grayer and nicer than the lousy chipboard they used to make actual cereal boxes.

[Sidepocket]

Bruce you are right. Without the black edge all the way around this would grade authentic, and I don't see ANY black at all.

[LeftHandedDane]

Thanks for the information. I have filled every Bowman/Topps/Fleer set since 1950 (except 52 Topps) - the Post cereal ones, especially 63, have been by far the toughest of all to complete. I am down to needing just one in 61, one in 62, and 6 in 63, and several of them are just next to impossible to find. And the bidding is off the charts whenever they do come up. So that's why I have wondered about fakes.