Opinions on this Gretzky rookie - legit or fake? (Warning 56k big scans)

[str8jkt]

Wondering if people can weigh in on what they think of this card? Looks to be in pretty good condition to me and looks legit to me. But wondering if someone who knows these cards better or has one to compare can take a look?


I was sent super hi-res scans (10.5 megs for the front and 8 megs for the back) which included Messier, Kurri and one other rookie card.

I have cropped just the Gretzky and left it as high quality as I could under 1 Meg so I could upload to photobucket.

Anyone have opinions on this? Real or fake? Thanks!

 

[GAZZA]

That looks way too good to be true.

 

[drkicker]

WOW ! 50/50 centering, looks flawless dunno if its authentic or not, but if it is, buy it and get it slab.

I dunno swat how to difference a fake from a legit, but just the condition looks suspicious to me.

 

[str8jkt]

That looks way too good to be true.

Thats what I was thinking as well. But it doesn't look off..

There is the specks in the cardboard stock (easily seen on the back), that you usually had with those older cards.

When you zoom in on the copyright logo, and words on the back they don't look pixelated (like they do if you ran it off on a printer instead of a printing plate).

Looks like there is a small blemish seen on the back of the card on the bottom right corner (possibly bent corner).

Otherwise it just looks to be in "too" good of shape..

With the gang scan he sent was a Messier Rookie, Kurri rookie and Coffee rookie.

 

[FASTMAX]

Google is your friend Do a search for gretzky rookie card fake and go to the first post. The guy is pretty knowlegable. This one has the print spot on the shoulder but no thin blue lines down the back(could be a different printing. I a going through something like this right now and I think we have come to an agreement that no money changes hands until its authenticated/graded. Hope that helps.


Doug.

 

[terry1hockeyfan]

The back looks way too light/white to me. I would stay far away. The key of course is in the laces, but your pics are too blurry.

 

[Cam98]

if its not graded by bgs or psa, its fake imo

 

[GrimUSMC]

if its not graded by bgs or psa, its fake imo

I dont want to start an argument, but I have seen fakes slabbed by PSA. I liek the idea of just having it autheticated prior to any money exchjanging hands.

 

[richie.rocket.cards]

the back looks too light, but that may be the scan. also check the edges, is it blue or brown? could also be a sheet cut card, that'd explain the good centering and sharp corners. For the back, you might want to compare the colors on the back with another card from 79-80 opc.

 

[phate]

Honestly, if it isn't in a slab, I don't believe there is any way somebody over the internet can tell you if it is 100% real. And even then, if you see it in person, you'd need somebody fairly knowledgable to tell you if it's fake.

Rule of thumb: buy a graded Gretzky rookie, there's no way you can tell for sure from a scan. Plus, it's easily one of the most faked cards in the industry - why even bother risking it?

 

[str8jkt]

Guess it all boils down to a risk/reward sort of thing. If you can find a legit unslabbed from someone who doesn't know much about hockey then you can make a killing if its in great condition and you take the time to get it graded.

On the other hand you can also pay for a worthless piece of cardboard at the same time....

Its amazing when you think about it how we can pay such big dollars for essentially a piece of cardboard. And if the cardboard is in good shape it makes it worth that much more..
Any other product, you reprint it with better quality graphics, better cardboard stock, better centering, etc.. and you end up with a superior product....


Thanks for all the comments everyone. The guy seems pretty open to a refund if the card is in fact a fake or reprint, so might just take the risk and go for it. He's supplying his address, phone number, full name, etc.. So am able to speak with him before purchasing.

Guess I'll decide later today. To me sounds like an older guy (he claims he pulled the Gretzky long ago), who just doesn't know the true worth of the cards...

 

[langway05]

Casey

I sent you a PM with pics of my Gretzky RC.. Those should be a good comparison for you..

As for the above original question. It would appear that when it was scanned the Darkness of the scan was brightened and thus this is causing me concern as to the validity of this item.

In the end without having it in hand and conducting a comparision with a Common 79 - 80 OPC card. Comparing colour, texture, cut and lastly the feel... I'd have to defer with giving you advise on this one..

All the best in whatever you decide to do.

Brian

 

[str8jkt]

Thanks Brian. Those scans were helpful. Any info I can get helps out!

Casey

I sent you a PM with pics of my Gretzky RC.. Those should be a good comparison for you..

As for the above original question. It would appear that when it was scanned the Darkness of the scan was brightened and thus this is causing me concern as to the validity of this item.

In the end without having it in hand and conducting a comparision with a Common 79 - 80 OPC card. Comparing colour, texture, cut and lastly the feel... I'd have to defer with giving you advise on this one..

All the best in whatever you decide to do.

Brian