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How to Know if a Card Is a Reprint?

Knowing the difference between an original copy and a reprint is vital to maintaining a legitimate and authentic sports card collection. Reprints of cards are much less valuable than the originals they are modeled after. It is difficult to detect reprints because their manufacturing sources can vary. Reprints issued by the original card manufacturers are typically labeled as such, while reprints issued by individuals looking to scam collectors are more difficult to detect.

Things You'll Need

Black light

Instructions

- 1
  Look for the word "Reprint" on the card. Cards reissued by the original manufacturer will be marked as such.
- 2
  Measure the height and width of the card. The standard dimensions for modern baseball cards is 3.5 inches by 2.5 inches. Vintage card dimensions vary and are not the modern standard.
- 3
  Inspect the thickness of the card stock on which the card is printed. Modern cards are printed on a much thicker card stock than vintage cards. Reprints of vintage cards will have the same thickness as modern cards.
- 4
  Inspect the color quality of the card. Modern printing equipment is more advanced and produces brighter, more saturated colors. If the print quality on the card appears fresh, it may be a reprint.
- 5
  Look for any visible creases in the card. If the crease is not a physical flaw and is instead printed onto the card stock, this is evidence that the card is a reprint of an original creased copy.

Sports Cards Collecting