Detecting Fake $30,000 Booster Box using CT Scanning

DETECTING FAKE EX HOLON PHANTOMS BOOSTER BOX​ USING CT SCANNING

DETECTING FAKE EX HOLON PHANTOMS BOOSTER BOX

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.

Ex Holon Phantoms Booster Box in CT Scanner

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.

2015-2016 Upper Deck The Cup CT Scan

UPPER DECK THE CUP 2015-2016
CT SCAN

Metal containers are no match for our high energy x-ray & CT systems. We can punch right through these 2015-2016 The Cup Upper Deck tins to identify serial numbers, patches, and card die cuts.

CT Scanning Vintage Tobacco Packs for Cards

X-RAY & CT SCANNING VINTAGE TOBACCO PACKS

History like these tobacco packs should be preserved – unless it contains even more favorable collectibles like Honus Wagner, Ty Cobb, or Cy Young cards. As shown in the following image, collectors have been trying for over 20 years to see inside sealed collectibles. This x-ray shows a failed attempt to determine if the pack contains a single card.

This case study demonstrates our ability to locate cards within sealed vintage tobacco packs – with greater confidence using 3D CT Scanning rather than 2D X-ray.

1991 Topps Desert Shield CT Scan

1991 TOPPS DESERT SHIELD CT SCAN

Topps released a special set of Desert Shield trading cards to commemorate the events surrounding Operation Desert Shield. The set was produced in 1991 and was aimed at capturing the significance of the operation. 

Most still-sealed packs of this product are considered fake. Before CT scanning the only way to authenticate them would be for a professional to open the wrapping to confirm the shield, seen below, was present. Now, we can non-destructively confirm the presence of the shield.