eBay launches new authentication system for Pokemon cards, Yu-Gi-Oh, and beyond

eBay has launched a new "Authenticity Guarantee" for trading card games like Pokemon cards, Magic: The Gathering, and Yu-Gi-Oh in an effort to protect the community.

Designed to safeguard fans who are putting significant amounts of cash on the line to secure or sell rare, high-value cards from the best card games, this system will make third-party authentication the standard on eBay UK with cards sold for £500 and above.

In essence, the card in question will be shipped off to eBay's authentication center once it's purchased for a "comprehensive, multi-point physical inspection carried out by our partner, Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA). Following this rigorous assessment, the card is sent via tracked, next day delivery to the buyer."

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It's all about trust – making sure both buyers and sellers are protected by verifying the item in question. Considering how lucrative the market is (just take a look at the guy who made almost $60K on Yu-Gi-Oh cards recently), having more rigorous safeguarding in place can only be a good thing.

However, even though this feels like it's a step in the right direction, I have questions. What happens if the authentication finds that the card's value doesn't match the original listing, for example? And wouldn't it make more sense to assess the card in question before it's sold? Why is the limit £500, and not lower? Plenty of valuable cards exist below that threshold, and I'd hazard a guess that capping things at such a level won't help the majority of people shopping for cards on eBay.

For those who aren't protected by the umbrella Authenticity Guarantee, always make sure you're double-checking the seller. Keeping an eye on their reviews, reputation, and feedback (and only purchasing from those with good results for all of the above) will go a long way to helping you avoid getting caught out. It's also worth ensuring they provide returns as well, just in case the worst happens and you wind up with a dud.

• See all offers on Pokemon cards at eBay

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