The Devil's in the Details


(An expression of the concept that many things seem straightforward on the surface, but difficulties, problems, and obstacles are later discovered while trying to implement or execute a task or plan)


It is arguably one of the most sought after rookies in hockey history, and as such the 1979-80 Wayne Gretzky card was fodder for counterfeiting. Don’t kid yourself either: these are quality jobs, to the point that there are those who believe that they originated via someone with access to the original printing plates. Furthermore, rather than being limited to a few copies, the presence of these knock-offs is significant in the marketplace, exacerbated by the fact that many of them are sold in plain view as “reprints”, subsequently legitimizing their sale but also keeping them out there to be misrepresented by those with less scruples than the average collector.


Luckily for us, knowledge is power, and there just so happen to be some sure fire ways to scrutinize the legitimacy of that Gretzky in front of you. Commit the following info to memory before you hit the Gretzky RC market:


REAL GRETZKY




FAKE GRETZKY






One of the best known indicators of a real versus fake Gretzky rookie is the presence of the “yellow blotch” on the OPC version, or slight yellow line on the Topps version. Located on Gretzky’s left shoulder, this mark originated from a printing error, leaving a distinguishable yellow blotch on the blue Oilers uniform. The absence of this mark is a sue-fire indicator that you have a fake on your hands.


A further indicator on the front of the card, albeit more subtle, is the look of the ice. On the original card the white colour of the ice surface is brighter and more sharp than thee cloudier look of the counterfeit. Further to the image quality of these cards, many of the fakes floating around have a readily observable “pixelated” appearance, suggestive of having been fired off of a computer printer versus a printing press.


As we flip the card over to the back there are further indicators to be on the lookout for. First, the background on the real card is slightly beige while the counterfeit is brighter and closer to white. Second is the presence of two blue lines running lengthwise across the back. Now this will not be present on all authentic cards. This series was printed in two shots: the lines were present on the first printing but not the second. So while the absence of these lines cannot tell you the card is fake, their presence can reassure one as to its authenticity. Third, put a magnifying glass to the OPC text. If the text is solid ink, it’s legit. If it consists of dots, it’s likely fake.


Now take a look at the stock of the card itself. We are all familiar with the look and feel of the cards of that era. If your Gretz if thinner and flimsier than it should be, it’s probably a knock-off. Now check out the edges. If it looks too nicely cut (i.e., sharp edges and corners) then you should be highly suspicious. The deal is that OPC used to cut the cards from sheets using thin wire. While this resulted in nice cuts for a bit, they would dull and produce more ragged and rough cuts as more sheets were run through. As the wires were changed very rarely, the vast majority of cards from that series had rough edges too them. Finally, look at the overall colour of the card. If it’s too bright or the colour looks too good then it’s probably a counterfeit.


So while we all want that keystone card in our collection....


The Devil In The Details Is: Look out for readily observable differences between an authentic versus fake Gretzky rookie card so you do not get a counterfeit card at genuine prices!


Shawn Gates
[email protected]
Twitter: ShawnHockeybuzz
Facebook: Shawn Gates
BBM: 311A4F7D
__________________________________________________________________________


Previous "Devil's In The Details" Articles

#1: Beware the "Factory Sealed Box"!

#2: The Price Guide"

#3: What IS A Rookie Card?

#4: Beware the Money Order!



Previous “WHAT IF…?” Articles

#1 What If The NHL Contracted To 24 Teams?

#2 What If Quebec Traded Lindros To The Rangers Instead Of The Flyers?

#3 What If Calgary Drafted Martin Brodeur Instead Of Trevor Kidd?

#3a What If Calgary Drafted Martin Brodeur Instead Of Trevor Kidd?: A RESPONSE

#4 What If The WHA Never Existed?

#5 What If The Position Of Rover Had Not Been Eliminated?

#6 What If Pittsburgh Had Not Been Awarded A Team In 1967?

#7 What If Steve Smith Had Not Scored In His Own Net In Game 7?

#8 What If The NHL Had a Cross-Conference Playoff Structure?

#9 What If The NHL Asked For Fan Ideas For Improving The Game??

#10 What If Henderson Had Missed The Net In Game 8?

#11 What If You Could Sneak Into A Stanley Cup Celebration?

#12 What If The NHL Returned To Quebec City?

#13 What if Toronto and Edmonton Had Traded Teams in 1981?

#14 What if You Could Create Your Own Hockey Dream Team?

#15 What if An Active Player in the NHL “Came Out” as Gay?

#16 You Could Assemble Your Own Fantasy Pick-up Hockey Team?

#17 Hockey Had A Champions League Tournament?

#18 Team "X" Did NOT Make Trade "Y" At The Deadline?

#19 Gretzky Had Been Called For he High Stick?

#20 Star Players Hadn't Had Their Careers Cut Short?

#21 Mark Cuban Owned An NHL Team?



Previous “Who Knew?” Articles
#1: Gordie Howe

#2: The Zamboni

#3: Maurice “The Rocket” Richard

#4: Ron Hextall

#5: Stanley Cup Abuse, Neglect and Versatility

#6: The Puck

#7: Don Cherry

#8: Cam Neely

#9: The Early Years of Les Canadiens

#10: Hockey Superstitions!

#11: Olympic Hockey Pt1



Ultimate Set Build

INDEX



Previous Box Breaks

2010-11 Score Hockey



Previous Product Previews & Reviews

2010-11 Donruss Hockey
2010-11 Panini Score Hockey
2010-11 Panini Certified Hockey
2010-11 ITG Ultimate Memorabilia, 10th Edition



Previous “Display Case” Articles

#1: The “Frankenstick!”
#2: Your desk has the right to remain collectable!
#3: Have Pads, Will Travel
#4: Pick a Pekka (Rinne) Autographed Mask



Previous “Who Am I?” Articles

#1, #2, #3, #4, #5



Previous “Devil's Advocate” Articles

Gary Bettman and the Phoenix Coyotes



Previous “According to Twitter” Articles

Olympic Gold Medal Game

Olympic Hockey

Kovalchuk Trade



Previous “Humpday Hockey Videos”

January 20, 2010: Pain for Pleasure

January 27, 2010: National Anthems

February 3, 2010: Dion Phaneuf

February 10, 2010: Hockey Fans



Previous “Town Without A Team” Articles

Booger Hollow, Arkansas

Hell, Michigan



Previous “Hockey Psychology” Articles

State Dependent Learning

Arousal and Performance

Depression