Authenticating 1st Edition Pokemon Base Set Booster Box

XRA-0067

LOOK IT UP

X-Ray Authority played a pivotal role in Goldin Auction's 2026 Pokemon Auction, side by side Logan Paul's Pikachu Illustrator Card.

Presented is one of the crown jewels of the Pokémon collecting speciality, a factory-sealed and unopened 1999 Pokémon Base Set 1st Edition booster box. The box holds 36 packs, with each pack containing 11 never-before-seen 1st Edition cards from the legendary Base Set production. The key chase card in this issue is, undoubtedly, the majestic Rare Holo Charizard card, arguably the most recognizable and fiercely coveted subject in the hobby. The most sought-after cards from the Base Set are the glorious Rare Holo options, including: #'s 1 Alakazam, 2 Blastoise, 3 Chansey, 4 Charizard, 5 Clefairy, 6 Gyarados, 7 Hitmonchan, 8 Machamp, 9 Magneton, 10 Mewtwo, 11 Nidoking, 12 Ninetales, 13 Poliwrath, 14 Raichu, 15 Venusaur, and 16 Zapdos. Factory-sealed 1st Edition booster boxes are exceptionally hard-to-find (some might say near impossible), and their arrival at public auction is a newsworthy event, offering 36 golden chances at finding some of the most extraordinarily valuable collectibles in the TCG hobby.

The box is accompanied by an X-Ray Authority LOA (XRA-0067).

The box's exterior reflects minor, routine wear from handling and storage and remains securely sealed within the manufacturer's cellophane wrapping.

VISIT THE AUCTION

Authenticating 1st Gen iPhone Serial Numbers using CT

iPhones as a Collectible

Since the explosive growth of the collectibles market, original sealed iPhones, particularly the 2007 1st generation models, have become a prized asset among collectors. Some examples have sold for over $190,000 at auction, but with high value comes increasing fraud.

A 2024 article by CLLCT uncovered a troubling pattern: many sealed iPhones in seemingly pristine boxes were not what they appeared to be. Some were repackaged using third-party sealing methods; others contained phones that didn’t match the serial number on the retail box. While some companies offer external packaging inspection, weight analysis, and limited imaging, no method until now has been able to verify the internal serial number without opening the box—until X-Ray Authority (that’s us!).

King of Collectibles X-Ray Authentication Netflix Series
iPhone CT Scan Authentications Industrial Inspection X-Ray Authority

X-Raying iPhones

On Netflix’s King of Collectibles: The Goldin Touch, Ken Goldin’s team attempted to use X-ray to peek inside a sealed 2007 iPhone. While the approach was groundbreaking for a mainstream audience, the imaging lacked the resolution and 3D clarity to validate the serial number or internal packaging with certainty.

“This is a new collectible,” Goldin Auctions founder and CEO Ken Goldin told cllct. “Goldin uses third-party experts wherever possible to authenticate everything we sell. And if it is brought to our attention that those third-party experts are not qualified to authenticate the item in question, we will stop using them.”

Now, Goldin uses X-Ray Authority. We have introduced a level of authentication never before seen in the collectibles space – industrial computed tomography (CT) scanning capable of detecting laser-etched internal serial numbers through sealed packaging.

This 2D X-ray image confirms there are five items within the sealed box including: iPhone, Stereo Headset with mic, Dock, Dock Connector, and USB Power Adapter

CT Scanning - Unparalleled Internal Access

Unlike traditional X-rays, CT provides 3D volumetric data. It can distinguish between ink, etching, plastic layers, and even micro text inside the phone, down to sub-millimeter features. Here’s how CT authentication works:

  1. Collect high-resolution CT scan data of sealed 1st gen iPhones without damaging the packaging

  2. Locate and visualize the etched serial number on the rear metal case, a detail only visible with sufficient penetration power and image contrast

  3. Cross-reference the serial number with the serial number printed on the box label

  4. Detect if repackaged artifacts are present like altered cable wraps, accessory swaps, or missing adhesives

 

Fraudulent repackaging, whether accidental or malicious, is rendered virtually impossible under CT scrutiny. This means higher market trust, preserved long-term value, and a measurable edge for any seller verified through X-Ray Authority’s Collectibles Registry.

IIC Statement Regarding Collectibles Chain of Custody

IIC STATEMENT REGARDING AUTHENTICATIONS, TRACEABILITY, AND CHAIN OF CUSTODY FOR COLLECTIBLES

Recently, IIC was made aware of instances in which sellers have publicly claimed that their products were authenticated by IIC to contain high-value “hits” without providing a traceable or verifiable authentication report. We consider this a misrepresentation of our process and a risk to buyer confidence and market integrity. IIC issues formal authentication only through documented reports that include a unique identifier tied to a specific CT scan and metadata set. Any claim lacking such traceability should be treated with caution.

IIC is committed to advancing the science of authenticity verification and provenance assurance through the application of high-resolution X-ray and computed tomography (CT) imaging technologies. These non-invasive methods allow for the internal and external examination of high-value collectibles, providing a uniquely tamper-evident digital fingerprint for each item analyzed.

While CT authentication offers unparalleled precision, the integrity of the verified object is only assured while it remains within the secure custody of IIC. Once a product exits our controlled environment, the risk of fraud, substitution, or tampering inherently increases. To mitigate this risk, we strongly recommend that all buyers request a re-authentication immediately prior to any transfer of ownership—ensuring the item moves directly from IIC to the end recipient. This maintains a continuous chain of custody and preserves the validity of the original authentication.

In parallel, IIC is collaborating with industry stakeholders to establish a standardized protocol for serialization and digital recordkeeping. This includes the creation of a secure, publicly accessible library of authenticated CT scans, serving as a verifiable reference point for traceability and provenance validation. Given the technical, legal, and logistical complexities involved, this framework will require time to finalize—but development is underway, and progress is being made in alignment with best practices across forensic imaging, metadata security, and collectibles market compliance.

We encourage collectors, dealers, and institutions to engage with us as we build a more secure and transparent ecosystem for high-value collectibles.

For re-authentication services or to participate in the development of our serialization initiative, please contact our team directly.

SELLER CLAIMING PACK CONTAINS HIT WITHOUT TRACEABILITY DOCUMENTS

Reviewing Pokemon ETB Cases

Reviewing Tampered Pokemon Prismatic ETB Booster Cases

Our client purchased a booster box case. Upon receipt he noticed the tape was cut. Upon reaching out to the seller they were told it was opened to retrieve packing & shipping information. Unsatisfied with this answer, our client sent the case for us to inspect.

While three of four boxes appear to have the correct contents, one box is not configured the same and contains a stack of cards rather than 9 packs. Box 3 has the dice and counters on one end while the other three boxes have these materials in between the two groups of cards. Additionally, we are unable to identify any of the cards in the stack while we can ID cards in each of the other ETBs. This product does not pass our letter of authenticity criteria.

Authenticating Fusion Strike Pokemon God Boxes

Authenticating Fusion Strike Pokemon "God" Boxes using CT Scanning

Typically a Fusion Strike Pokemon booster box has 12-14 hits. However, some boxes were produced in error and could contain an additional 9-12 hits. Using industrial CT scanning technology we are able to authenticate these boxes, count the number of hits, and ensure that the cards match the set.

CT Scanning Magic the Gathering Serial Numbers

Using CT Scanning to Authenticate Modern Magic the Gathering Boxes

Verifying contents of high value collectibles is critical for giving collectors peace of mind. While Magic the Gathering is difficult to image, more modern sets can be evaluated to ensure they match prdocut descriptions for metrics like quantity of packs and cards & serial numbers in the right locations.

Topps Genesis CT Scan Authentications

Cinderella Topps Disney Genesis CT Scan

Topps Genesis CT Scan

Using industrial CT scanning we can authenticate products like Topps Genesis boxes to ensure they meet manufacturer specifications or have not been tampered with.

Hobbyist vs. Competitor vs. IIC Data

WHO DOES IT BETTER?

YOU DECIDE.

After a recent news interview [HERE] we wanted to prove how our service and equipment sets the standard for industrial CT scan authentication services for the collectibles industry. To do so we saved the raw image provided to the news station from a hobbyist. We then purchased a Base Set Machamp, scanned it ourselves, and sent it to a competitor anonymously. The results speak for themselves.

HOBBYIST DATA

Low resolution, poor detail definition (look at the thumb), 20 hour scan (lol)

COMPETITOR DATA

Terrible resolution, moderate definition , 10 minute scan

IIC DATA

High resolution, high definition, 15 minute scan