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Card authentication opinions

An authentication opinion tells you what we checked, what we found and what we conclude — consistent with genuine, not consistent, or inconclusive — with photographs at every step. It is a professional opinion, not a certificate, and we say so on every sheet.

Flat fee per item, quoted in advance

Who it is for

Built for the people who need the answer in writing

  • Collectors who want to know before they buy, sell or insure
  • Buyers who want a second opinion on a listing before paying
  • Shops that want a documented method behind what they sell

What we check

Print pattern and rosette under magnification, font and text layout against a reference, colour and saturation, layering and card stock, weight and thickness, light test, and holographic pattern where it applies. Every check is photographed and named on the sheet.

How it works

From first message to signed report

  1. Step 1: Message or email

    Tell us what you have and what it is for. Photographs help; a count and the intended use are enough to start.

  2. Step 2: Written scope and quote

    We reply by email with what the engagement covers, the fee basis and the timeline. Fees are flat or hourly, never a percentage of value.

  3. Step 3: Inspection

    In person across the Yuma area, or from your photographs and video with that limitation stated in the report.

  4. Step 4: Report

    A signed written report with the method, the photographs and the certification with disclosures.

  5. Step 5: Delivery

    By email as a PDF. We keep a copy under the retention policy.

The full picture: how it works

Fees

Flat or hourly, quoted before work begins

B. Authentication and grading preparation
ServiceUnitFeeNotes
Authentication opinion (raw card)per cardCustom quoteFlat feeDocumented method, photographs
Pre-purchase second opinionper cardCustom quoteFlat feeRemote or in person
Pre-grade assessmentper cardCustom quoteFlat feeIncludes a grading-company recommendation
Grade-prediction report (batch)per 10 cardsCustom quoteFlat feeAn opinion of likely range, not a promise
Reseal and tamper verification (sealed product)per boxCustom quoteFlat feeWeight, seal and pack-map checks

Per-card flat fees. An opinion is delivered with the method used and photographs.

Full price list and how quotes work →

Questions

Is this a certificate of authenticity?

No. It is a written opinion with the method and photographs. A certificate implies a guarantee we cannot give; a documented opinion is what a buyer, seller or insurer can actually evaluate.

What if you are not sure?

We say so. "Inconclusive" is a legitimate finding, and the sheet explains which check could not be completed and why.

Can I use the opinion in a dispute with a seller or a platform?

You can share it. Platforms and sellers decide for themselves what weight to give it; the photographs and method are what make it useful.

Do you buy cards you authenticate?

Never. The practice holds no interest in any card it evaluates.

More questions answered

Get in touch

Ready when you are

Message with what you have and what it is for. A written scope and quote follow by email before any work.

Ask if a card is real (opens Instagram)or open @breakcheckbarragan90 (opens Instagram)

Opening line: “Hi — I have a card I am not sure is real and would like an opinion.

What to send