Alpha and Beta Magic: The Gathering cards from 1993 are among the most counterfeited collectibles ever produced. With iconic cards such as Black Lotus, Mox Sapphire, Time Walk, and Ancestral Recall valued in the thousands—or even hundreds of thousands—counterfeiters aggressively target this era using everything from basic inkjets to sophisticated replicas with textured surfaces and artificial aging.
DJR Expert Guide Series, Vol. 158 — How to Identify Counterfeit Magic: The Gathering Alpha/Beta Cards teaches the complete professional authentication method used by TCG experts, appraisers, graders, and high-end collectors. This guide walks you step-by-step through rosette inspection, black core analysis, corner geometry, surface texture, ink behavior, and known counterfeit types across the earliest MTG print runs.
Inside, you’ll learn how experts:
Identify correct 1993 Alpha/Beta printing traits including rosette patterns
Analyze black core integrity using controlled light testing
Examine card stock texture, gloss, and authentic surface behavior
Distinguish Alpha vs Beta corner geometry with confidence
Evaluate color saturation, border ink, and mana symbol accuracy
Detect artificial aging, sanding, recoloring, trimming, and rebacking
Recognize modern “black core imitator” counterfeits
Separate genuine Alpha/Beta cards from inkjet, laser, digital, and hybrid fakes
Understand value factors that determine market demand and pricing
Volume 158 gives collectors a complete, structured, and reliable system for authenticating Magic: The Gathering Alpha and Beta cards—ensuring confidence whether buying, selling, or grading high-value pieces.
Digital Download — PDF • 8 Pages • Instant Access
Alpha and Beta Magic: The Gathering cards from 1993 are among the most counterfeited collectibles ever produced. With iconic cards such as Black Lotus, Mox Sapphire, Time Walk, and Ancestral Recall valued in the thousands—or even hundreds of thousands—counterfeiters aggressively target this era using everything from basic inkjets to sophisticated replicas with textured surfaces and artificial aging.
DJR Expert Guide Series, Vol. 158 — How to Identify Counterfeit Magic: The Gathering Alpha/Beta Cards teaches the complete professional authentication method used by TCG experts, appraisers, graders, and high-end collectors. This guide walks you step-by-step through rosette inspection, black core analysis, corner geometry, surface texture, ink behavior, and known counterfeit types across the earliest MTG print runs.
Inside, you’ll learn how experts:
Identify correct 1993 Alpha/Beta printing traits including rosette patterns
Analyze black core integrity using controlled light testing
Examine card stock texture, gloss, and authentic surface behavior
Distinguish Alpha vs Beta corner geometry with confidence
Evaluate color saturation, border ink, and mana symbol accuracy
Detect artificial aging, sanding, recoloring, trimming, and rebacking
Recognize modern “black core imitator” counterfeits
Separate genuine Alpha/Beta cards from inkjet, laser, digital, and hybrid fakes
Understand value factors that determine market demand and pricing
Volume 158 gives collectors a complete, structured, and reliable system for authenticating Magic: The Gathering Alpha and Beta cards—ensuring confidence whether buying, selling, or grading high-value pieces.
Digital Download — PDF • 8 Pages • Instant Access
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