CardboardDex editorial · 2 min read · Reviewed Oct 12, 2026
Match more than the Pokémon's name
Start with the printed card name and collector number, then match the set symbol or code and artwork. A Pokémon can appear many times in one set and across many releases. Searching only for its name can bring up a very different card.
Use the catalog's set and language filters to narrow the results. Compare both the number and the image, including any stamped logos or promotional markings. If an image looks right but the set or language is wrong, keep searching.
Inspect finish and condition separately
Foil treatments and promotional variants can create multiple versions of a card with similar artwork. Tilt your card under soft light to inspect the finish, then check the front and back for wear. Do not treat a single catalog image as a complete inventory of every printing.
Record visible creases, edge whitening, scratches, and dents. Condition descriptions are subjective and grading companies apply their own standards. Compare like with like when shopping; a raw card and a graded slab are different products.
Use identification as a first check
A matching name and number do not establish authenticity. Compare suspicious cards with known authentic examples and read the official counterfeit guidance. Avoid destructive tests on a card you care about. If a purchase depends on authentication, get an experienced opinion before paying.
Save clear photographs and the exact listing details. That makes it easier to revisit a comparison or explain a discrepancy without relying on memory.