Collector’s Guide to Spotting Counterfeit Pokémon TCG Displays (Korean Version)

Since its inception in 1993 with the release of "Magic: The Gathering," the trading card game (TCG) industry has established itself as a significant market. As the first commercial TCG, "Magic: The Gathering" has endeared itself to people globally, leading to a continuously expanding market that spans several continents. However, the increasing popularity of TCGs has also led to a rise in counterfeit merchandise.

Counterfeit cards represent not only a financial loss but also a source of deep frustration and disappointment for collectors and TCG players, particularly because these cards are ineligible for use in official events. To combat this, TCG companies are constantly innovating and incorporating advanced authentication features into their products to maintain authenticity.

In this article, we will provide essential tips on how to identify counterfeit items and safeguard your investments.

Let's dive in.

[ Identifying Counterfeit Displays (Booster Boxes) ] 

The excitement of pulling cards from freshly sealed boxes is a highlight for collectors. Unfortunately, counterfeit boxes are prevalent and only serve to waste time and money. Following the release of the new era series, Scarlet & Violet, significant changes were made to the booster boxes'/expansion boxes' sealing system to enhance security:

1. From the First Edition of SV1 to SV4
- The traditional shrink vinyl wrap has been discontinued. It is now replaced with a clear dot-shaped sticker and two perforated lines on the top surface of the box.

2. Starting with SV3 (Pokémon Card 151)
- A VOID sticker is now attached to the bottom of the box (Note: SV1 and SV2 do not feature VOID stickers).

3. From the SV5 Series Onwards (SV5K / SV5M)
- All components have been combined to further secure the packaging.

Guidelines for Authentic Pokémon Booster/Expansion Boxes

This comprehensive guide is designed to help you verify the authenticity of your precious collection.

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Era	SAMPLE IMAGE
Before SV
sv1 ~ sv4 1st edition
sv5 ~ sv1 ~ sv4 2nd edition
New Era