Are Metal Pokemon Cards Real or Fake? An In-Depth Expert Analysis
As a gaming industry expert and content creator, I receive this question often from collectors – are metal Pokemon cards real Pokemon cards, or are they fake reproductions? Let‘s analyze this topic in detail.
The straight answer is metal Pokemon cards are not officially licensed Pokemon trading cards. Rather, they are novelty collectibles – real Pokemon card artwork that has been plated in gold, silver, or other metal finishes. So metal Pokemon cards are essentially unofficial replicas for collectors rather than authentic cards for gameplay.
Overview – What Exactly Are Metal Pokemon Cards?
Metal Pokemon cards arose to cater to a subset of collectors enamored by the novelty of real Pokemon card art coated in gleaming metal. They allow long-time fans to enjoy stunning interpretations of their favorite cards in metal form.
The manufacturing process typically involves taking a real Pokemon card and utilizing electroplating to apply a superthin layer of metal – generally gold or silver in color. This gives the card a metallic sheen while preserving all the original detail of the card face. An adhesive coating is added to prevent rub-off. They are usually printed on flexible cardstock or plastic cores to allow some bend without cracking the plating.
Here is a photo example comparing a real Base Set foil Charizard and a metal "Charizard":
[Image 1]While stunning in person, it is clear the metal version is an artistic interpretation rather than official Pokemon release. Some key differences:
| Feature | Real Charizard Foil Card | Metal "Charizard" Card |
|---|---|---|
| Official Pokemon TCG logo | Yes | No |
| Legal gameplay text | Yes | No |
| Colors match artwork | Yes | Interpretation only |
Metal Pokemon card manufacturers will generally use scans or images of the real Pokemon card to recreate it rather than printing directly from original artwork. This allows them to iterate freely with different metal colors while cutting production costs.
Over the years we have seen metal Pokemon cards released in various tints like yellow gold, rose gold, platinum, and even rainbow. Early variants focused solely on Base Set, while today‘s manufacturers recreate cards from all eras.
Do Metal Pokemon Cards Have Any Value for Collectors?
While not authentic or licensed cards, metal Pokemon cards have carved out a niche in the collecting world among fans taken by their novelty. Prices realized at auction can give us a sense of their current market value:
- Regular metal Pokemon cards – $20 to $60 range
- Rare metal card variants – Up to $100+
- Early limited editons – $200+ in some cases
For example, a rare 1st Edition Yellow Gold Blastoise Metal Card recently sold for $112 on eBay. Other unique variants like exclusive promos or special card backs can also drive up asking prices. However, prices ultimately depend on what collectors are willing to pay for novelty versus playability.
The ceiling for metal card value seems lower compared to authentic and graded Pokemon cards from desired sets like Base, Jungle, Fossil, Rocket, and Gym Heroes. Cards like 1st Edition Shadowless Charizards and Trophy Pikachus have realized 5 to 6 figure prices at auction due to extreme playability and collector demand. Such prices seem unlikely for metal adaptations focused purely on novelty.
Authentication Concerns – Can Metal Cards Be Graded?
Since metal Pokemon cards are not officially licensed by the Pokemon Company, they also cannot be officially graded by authorities like PSA or Beckett. This poses problems for collectors around authenticating quality.
Without third party grading and encapsulation, buyers have to rely solely on the seller‘s reputation or personal inspection. This introduces major risks given factors like plating adhesion, edgewear flaws, and even potential reprints/fakes entering circulation. PSA company policy officially states:
"We do not grade non-licensed or ‘fake‘ Pokemon cards. Submissions are restricted to authentic, licensed cards officially released by Nintendo/Pokemon Company."
This policy will likely hinder the growth potential of metal Pokemon collecting long term. Serious collectors want peace of mind around authenticity and condition when purchasing prized cards.
There are some private companies focused exclusively on grading novelty cards in emerging categories like metal, wood, acrylic, etc. However, none have the mainstream collectors‘ trust and adoption that PSA/Beckett/CGC hold.
The Verdict – Should You Collect Metal Pokemon Cards?
While stunning showpieces, metal Pokemon cards ultimately fall into a gray area between authentic card and creative novelty. Without official licensing or grading, their collectability will always be secondary to real Pokemon cards. Cards legal for competitive gameplay will outpace them in demand and monetary value.
However, I don‘t believe that precludes metal cards from being rewarding collectibles in their own right. As a gaming content creator myself, I love showcasing eye-catching rarities and novelties for my fellow fans, whether strictly "legal" or not. At the end of day this hobby is about joy, nostalgia and community.
If metal cards bring you that joy for whatever personal reason – aesthetic appeal, special meaning to a certain Pokemon, childhood memories – then I say collect on! Just be aware of the authentication issues that come with novelty cards should you ever want to resell.
And who knows – if metal Pokemon cards ever get embraced officially by the Pokemon Company down the road, that could take their collectability and value to far greater heights. For now they exist primarily for the sheer novelty.
