Light Test for Vintage Cards 1 1

[jgresham07]

Hey All,

I’m new to vintage collecting and have stumbled upon the flashlight test to verify if cards are authentic. Just curious if anybody knows if CSG/CGC performs this simple test for authenticity (assume there is much more sophisticated technology than this). Reason I ask is, I got 3 Mantles graded (‘59, ‘63, ‘66) by CSG yet none pass the light test. Appreciate any insight! 

[TwoYewts]

Hello jgresham07,

I can't speak to the testing that CGC conducts to authenticate cards they receive.  But in my opinion, when it comes verifying authentic vintage, doing a light test in combination with other tests (such as looking at the card's print patterns with a loupe, etc) is always best.  As for the light test, the Topps 1959 set is an exception. A light will shine through the cards in the set because of their lighter paper stock. It’s also possible that a few authentic cards will fail a light test if a different supply of paper was needed at the time of printing.  So definitely always do multiple types of tests to verify authentic vintage cards.

 

Hope that helps!

[jgresham07]

Thanks for the feedback!

I just ordered a magnifying set with lights to start looking at the print patterns. problem is, I don’t know what I’m looking for to see what was printed originally vs. a fake. What are the tell-tell signs of authentic printing from the ‘50’s and ‘60’s Topps cards?

 

very much appreciate your support!

[TwoYewts]

This site has a nice write up that should help:

https://www.sportscollectorsdaily.com/identifying-fake-cards-as-counterfeiters-scammers-gain-better-technology/