Every day we are asked if we can scan modern collector cards. The answer is yes, though there are rarely products worth the cost of shipping and evaluation. Due to the hype behind the new Prismatic Evolutions ETB, we wanted to demonstrate what this data looks like.
Every day we are asked if we can scan modern collector cards. The answer is yes, though there are rarely products worth the cost of shipping and evaluation. Due to the hype behind the new Prismatic Evolutions ETB, we wanted to demonstrate what this data looks like.
LEGO minifigures are typically sealed in small, non-transparent pouches. Some of the rarest minifigures include Mr. Gold, Spiderman, and C-3PO. With how fast digital x-ray and high resolution digital x-ray imaging is, it’s an ideal technology for authenticating and understanding the value of collectibles.
This case studies demonstrates what an x-ray image looks like of a LEGO minifigure pouch.
But do we strike dirt or gold?
Initially, our team was also stumped and questioned the authenticity of the product since none of the 16 figures have top hats or diamonds. However, our client reminded us that there is one minifigure that was secretly and randomly inserted into pouches, making them highly sought after by collectors. The Mr. Gold LEGO minifigure is a special, limited-edition figure released by LEGO in 2013 as part of their “Series 10” of collectible minifigures. It is a rare, golden-colored variant of a typical minifigure, with only 5,000 produced worldwide. It is the ultimate “chase” product and highest valued LEGO minifigure. We struck gold.
Pokémon’s Chinese-language Base Set release is considered one of the rarest language localizations associated with the inaugural expansion. Looking through the lens of the most coveted card in the issue, Charizard’s 1st Edition Rare Holofoil entry, PSA has validated just 192 copies of the Chinese variation, as compared to nearly 14,000 Japanese-language copies (for which no “1st Edition” designation was given), more than 4,700 English-language examples, more than 2,000 German-language specimens, and more than 330 Spanish-language copies. The box’s exterior reflects minor, routine wear from handling and storage and remains securely sealed within the manufacturer’s cellophane wrapping.
This seldom-encountered booster box comes with a LOA from Industrial Inspection & Consulting LLC. IIC reviewed this specimen for Goldin to verify authenticity and confirm it has not been tampered with. Goldin has no knowledge of the contents or potential card identities. Goldin is proud to take these extra measures to ensure that Pokémon collectors receive a properly reviewed, unadulterated product.
Our client acquired several sealed Pokemon Nintendo cartridges from a storage unit. These products can sell for more than $3,000 on eBay. Because of this, our client sought to ensure what he hoped to sell was authentic using our industrial x-ray & CT authentication services.
Unfortunately, we knew immediately that these were not genuine products. The x-rays showed what appeared to be stacks of cardstock and were missing typical characteristics like circuit boards and batteries.
To demonstrate the confidence we have in our ability to detect fraudulent products the client opened the sealed boxes at our facility. As expected, the actual contents were not electronic games but were filled with cards (Magic The Gathering.)
Industrial CT scanning can be used to authenticate that products contain the as-advertised requirements. This $450 box of Shohei Ohtani baseball cards states that the box contains “10 packs and one parallel or short print card per box.” However, there are widespread consumer reports across social media that some boxes contain none or even up to six special cards!
We can help you protect your investment by detecting the presence of these guaranteed hits. If you’re interested in authenticating your collectibles using CT scanning consider emailing sales@industrialinspection.com.
Our client acquired a sealed Ex Holon Phantoms Booster Box valued at approximately $30,000. However, there were concerns about its authenticity, prompting the auction house from which it was purchased to request a third-party evaluation. As a result, the box was sent to us for a non-destructive review of its contents.
Below shows external box art differences between the suspect box compared to two matching boxes including this box break video and a public eBay listing.
A variety of metrics are used to evaluate the authenticity of booster boxes. This booster box fails every single one as shown in the below images. PokeKnowledge, who’s intelligence rivals that of Mewtwo’s, advised us during this evaluation. With all of the evidence presented he said, “If this booster box is real I’ll eat my hat.”
Below is a sample authentication report that each of our clients receives for authentication requests. Booster Box authentications cost just $225 – a worthwhile investment when spending so much for a prized collectible.
