Update (1/31/25): CGC Opens Formal Investigation Into Auctioned Pokémon Prototype Cards
The controversy over auctioned Pokémon prototype cards escalated after buyers discovered forensic evidence suggesting the cards were printed in June 2024 rather than in the 1990s.
The Pokémon Trading Card Game (Pokémon TCG), which launched commercially in 1996, saw several prototype cards—reportedly from Takumi Akabane’s private collection—appear at auction last year.
Some of those prototype lots sold for tens of thousands of dollars, with CGC confirming individual sales reached as high as $55,000.
What CGC has said
CGC has posted an official statement acknowledging reports that some prototype cards sold at auction may be counterfeit and that the company is conducting a “comprehensive investigation” into the claims.
In clear, journalistic terms: CGC confirmed it is investigating reported authenticity issues and stated that affected cards represent less than 0.03% of all cards the company has graded.
The grading firm has requested that any buyers who believe they possess questionable cards follow instructions on CGC’s website to return those cards for analysis.
Free analysis and buyer guidance
CGC is offering the analysis at no charge and has set up an email contact for additional questions about potential fraud.
The company’s process, as posted online, asks buyers to complete an intake form, register on CGC’s site, and ship suspect cards to CGC headquarters for testing.
This matches standard practice for grading firms when authenticity is in question.
Evidence from tracking dots
One buyer who examined the auctioned prototypes reported finding printer tracking dots—microscopic color registration marks embedded by many modern printers—that indicate the cards were produced in June 2024.
Tracking-dot analysis is an established forensic technique used to identify contemporary print dates, and the presence of a 2024 print date would be inconsistent with prototype cards created in the 1990s.
Scope and ongoing questions
Reports state that several prototype cards came from Takumi Akabane, one of the original creators associated with the Pokémon TCG prototypes, but it remains unknown whether the seller was aware of any inauthentic items.
It is also unclear whether the issue extends beyond the specific lots identified so far.
Multiple outlets, including PokéBeach and Video Games Chronicle, have covered developments; original reporting credited Peter Glagowski.
What collectors should do
Collectors who purchased prototype cards at recent auctions should consult CGC’s website for the return and testing instructions and contact the designated CGC email for guidance.
CGC has emphasized there will be no charge for the forensic assessments tied to this investigation.
This story is developing.
We will update when CGC publishes further findings or when auction houses and sellers provide additional documentation or responses.
The controversy over auctioned Pokémon prototype cards escalated after buyers discovered forensic evidence suggesting the cards were printed in June 2024 rather than in the 1990s.
The Pokémon Trading Card Game (Pokémon TCG), which launched commercially in 1996, saw several prototype cards—reportedly from Takumi Akabane’s private collection—appear at auction last year.
Some of those prototype lots sold for tens of thousands of dollars, with CGC confirming individual sales reached as high as $55,000.
What CGC has said
CGC has posted an official statement acknowledging reports that some prototype cards sold at auction may be counterfeit and that the company is conducting a “comprehensive investigation” into the claims.
In clear, journalistic terms: CGC confirmed it is investigating reported authenticity issues and stated that affected cards represent less than 0.03% of all cards the company has graded.
The grading firm has requested that any buyers who believe they possess questionable cards follow instructions on CGC’s website to return those cards for analysis.
Free analysis and buyer guidance
CGC is offering the analysis at no charge and has set up an email contact for additional questions about potential fraud.
The company’s process, as posted online, asks buyers to complete an intake form, register on CGC’s site, and ship suspect cards to CGC headquarters for testing.
This matches standard practice for grading firms when authenticity is in question.
Evidence from tracking dots
One buyer who examined the auctioned prototypes reported finding printer tracking dots—microscopic color registration marks embedded by many modern printers—that indicate the cards were produced in June 2024.
Tracking-dot analysis is an established forensic technique used to identify contemporary print dates, and the presence of a 2024 print date would be inconsistent with prototype cards created in the 1990s.
Scope and ongoing questions
Reports state that several prototype cards came from Takumi Akabane, one of the original creators associated with the Pokémon TCG prototypes, but it remains unknown whether the seller was aware of any inauthentic items.
It is also unclear whether the issue extends beyond the specific lots identified so far.
Multiple outlets, including PokéBeach and Video Games Chronicle, have covered developments; original reporting credited Peter Glagowski.
What collectors should do
Collectors who purchased prototype cards at recent auctions should consult CGC’s website for the return and testing instructions and contact the designated CGC email for guidance.
CGC has emphasized there will be no charge for the forensic assessments tied to this investigation.
This story is developing.
We will update when CGC publishes further findings or when auction houses and sellers provide additional documentation or responses.
