Man, getting burned on a fake Trubisky rookie card last year really stung. Thought I’d scored a deal online, only to find out later it wasn’t the real deal. Felt like an idiot. Decided enough was enough – I needed to figure this out properly and stop losing money to scammers. Here’s exactly what I did this time around before buying another Mitch rookie card.
Getting My Hands Dirty with Research First
Started simple. Pulled out my one confirmed real Trubisky rookie – the base Panini Contenders Draft Picks version I pulled years ago when he was drafted. Flipped it over, stared at it under a bright light like it owed me money. Really looked at that glossy finish, how the edges felt crisp but not sharp like they’d been cut with scissors.
Then, hit the computer hard. Not just quick Google searches, but really digging. Went straight to the Panini website itself and found examples of exactly what the 2017 Trubisky Contenders card should look like – the fonts used, the specific shade of blue for the Panthers section on the back (yeah, that Panthers note is one dead giveaway!), the spacing of the text lines. Focused like a hawk on the back, that’s where many fakes slip up. Made notes on my phone: “Player Description font = Palatino-ish?”, “Card number top right – sharp, clear numerals,” “UV gloss pattern subtle, not a thick plastic layer.”
The Online Hunt Begins (With Paranoia)
Armed with my notes and pics, jumped onto the big auction sites and collector forums. Found a few Trubisky contenders listings that looked promising, prices maybe a bit too tempting. Here’s where I channeled my inner skeptic:
- Picture Patrol: Demanded more pics. Not just the front with the shiny autograph window, but sharp, close-up shots of the back, the corners, the edges. One seller sent blurry images? Instant skip. Another sent a pic where the font on the back looked slightly off – thicker than my real card’s. Red flag.
- Light Check: Asked the seller to hold the card at an angle under a lamp and snap a pic. You wanna see how the light catches the coating. Real Panini gloss has a specific, almost pearlescent sheen. The fake I got before? Shone like cheap plastic wrap. That light test question filters out lazy scammers quick.
- Cardstock Sound Test: Sounds weird, but true collectors know. I asked one seller (who seemed legit so far) to gently tap the card edge with a fingernail while video calling. A real card has a distinct, kinda firm ‘tick’ sound. Fakes are more muffled or plasticky. He did it, sounded right. (Still checked everything else though!).
Found another seller. Card looked great in pics, back text seemed accurate. Asked for the specific weight. Dude didn’t have a scale? Seriously? My red flag meter went haywire. Told him I needed that. He vanished. Dodged a bullet there.
Pulling the Trigger (Cautiously)
Finally settled on a listing. Seller had history, answered all my weird photo requests patiently, sent the angled light pics – gloss looked legit. Card weight he provided matched my other Contenders card almost exactly (used my kitchen scale like a mad scientist). Paid using a platform with strong buyer protection, obviously. Paid the regular price, not some unbelievable steal. Remember: if it seems too good to be true, it always is with sports cards.
The Moment of Truth
Card arrived. Didn’t even open the top loader right away. Held it up to the window light. Checked the gloss under sunlight – yep, that subtle pearly glow, not harsh plastic. Used a jeweler’s loupe (bought a cheap one after getting scammed!) and checked tiny details against my real card: the fine print on the back, the sharpness of the player cutout on the front, the texture of the cardboard around the edges under massive magnification. Everything checked out.
The real clincher? The feel. Legit cardstock has a specific sturdy-but-not-stiff rigidity. That premium cardboard feel. Fakes are often flimsier or weirdly thick. This one felt perfect, just like my old one.
Safe to say, this Trubisky rookie is the real deal. The process took effort, asking annoying questions, and being a total pain in the butt to sellers. But it beats feeling ripped off again. Trust your gut, be paranoid about photos, and know those tiny details cold. If a seller gets defensive about extra pics? Walk away fast. Plenty of cards out there, no need to rush into a scam.
