How can you tell the difference between a real and fake T206

[Archive]

Posted By: Brett

Hello Everyone,

I have just started getting into T206 collecting and have been watching numerous items on eBay lately. Since I am totally new to this I was wondering what are some of the common ways sellers try to scam people by offering up fake cards, or reprints that are made to be real? Graded cards are just too expensive for me right now so that is why I've been looking for non-graded.

Brett

[Archive]

Posted By: Dave F

Hi Brett,

If your just getting involved in T206's I would still suggest graded varieties. Not sure what you mean by they are too expensive...you can get low grade decent looking cards 1-2's or 10-30's for just about what you get the raw versions for. 1 or 10's can be had for $15-20 and 2's or 30's aren't much more than that.

If you do see a card raw that your going to gamble on...the type on the front (as far as color and size of the letters), front/back combinations...if you do a search on the board here I think you can find a thread linked to the different possibilities of each cards backs. For example you don't want to go picking up a Demmitt St. Louis with a Piedmont 150 back, or a Mathewson portrait with a Piedmont 350-460 back.

You should also try and pay close to attention to the borders...narrow borders on all sides could mean a trimmed card.

Fuzzy or grainy scans or pics of a raw T206...probably best to stay away from unless your really sure what your looking at.

There are alot of ways to be "had" with a fake T206...my recommendation would strongly be pick up a few low grade varieties and study them up close before going after the raw counterparts...just IMO though...good luck

[Archive]

Posted By: Frank Wakefield

I suggest buying a white border card from a reputable dealer, or someone trustworthy. Once you see a real one, then it isn't all that difficult to discern the difference. The front surface is different from the back. The type in the caption is a good clue. Knowing what the backs are supposed to look like helps, color and type. The physical feel is a distinguishing factor.

Buy a few real ones, from a trusted source, then you can study those and have a good shot at spotting the fakes on eBay.

There are a few of us on this board who will take the time to look at eBay auctions and opine as to the card's authenticity.

Most of the graded cards are correctly identified. A few aren't. You can't really touch a graded card. I suggest buying a few that aren't graded from a trustworthy source. Then read and study.

Frank W.

[Archive]

Posted By: Jim VB

Brett,

You posted on the Buy/Sell/Trade board the other day and I sent you an e-mail. You didn't respond.

If you respond to it, I will send you a real T206 and a fake one. As these guys said, it will give you a head start on being able to tell the difference.


Jim VB