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Spot Fake Jerry's Nugget Decks
1st printed in CLEAR THE DECKS (2011) written by Lee Asher
What do Louis Vuitton, the Apple iphone, and the Classic 1970's Jerry's Nugget playing cards have in common? They're all iconic brands that represent luxury. Which also means they've all been knocked-off by sophisticated counterfeiters.
Fake Jerry's Nuggets are for real. How do you know what you're going to get for your money if you don't purchase your cards from a reliable source?
Numerous videos have surfaced on Youtube warning others about fake decks and complaining about corrupt merchants. A simple search on Ebay for 'Jerry's Nugget Playing Cards' reveals a plethora of fake decks. Which are fake? Which are the real McCoy?
Education is the most important weapon in one's arsenal for identifying counterfeit playing cards. The more a card collector learns about the hobby, manufacturers, features and distinguishing characteristics of different decks, the easier it is to spot a fake. Simply seeing and handling cards that are known to be genuine is, by far, the best training of all.
5 ways to tell if you're in possession of fake Jerry's Nugget Playing Cards:
- Authentic 1970 Jerry's Nugget Decks were only printed in red and blue. If your deck is orange, black or green deck, it's guaranteed your decks are fake.
- If you're lucky enough to purchase an AS ISSUED deck, the cellophane will contain a red-striped security band. If it's any other color, it's a sure bet your decks are not real.
- Genuine Jerry's Nugget decks have the year 1970 printed on the inside flap of their tuck box. You have to rip open the box to see it, this is not the preferred method of authentication. This would be considered a last resort.
- Authentic 1970 Jerry's Nugget decks have a perforated United States Playing Card Company tax stamp. If your stamp is a sticker, it's guaranteed your decks are not legitimate.
- The last test is the "look and feel" examination, and the one which reveals why these cards are so desirable. Look at the tuck flap, it should be the traditional long flap and not the newer reduced size. Run your fingers along the edges, these packs were expertly cut leaving an almost glassy smoothness to the touch. Flex the deck, you will find that it is remarkably resilient featuring strength and flexibility.
Finally, look at the texture of the paper on the face and back of the cards. The faces feature vertical lines running from top to bottom while the backs display an overall pattern of dimpled squares, textures imparted to the cards by the giant rollers which pressed the glue between the face and back sheets.
With knock-offs that look convincingly real from the outside, is careful ever careful enough? If you can't trust your eyes, you MUST trust your source. This is by no means meant to be a definitive guide. The above bullet-points are only provided for educational purposes and for you to familiarize with authentic, 1970 Jerry's Nugget Decks.
*NOTE: It is worthwhile to contact a third-party authenticator to evaluate any expensive cards, before you make big purchases.