How to Spot Counterfeit Solgaleo Pokémon TCG Cards

Solgaleo card art from Guardians Rising (SM2-87)

Image courtesy of TCGdex.net

Spotting Counterfeit Solgaleo Cards: A Collector’s Guide for Guardians Rising’s SM2-87

In the vibrant world of the Pokémon TCG, a rare holo like Solgaleo from the Guardians Rising set (SM2) can be a centerpiece in any collection. Yet the market’s glow also attracts fakes. For players chasing competitive edges and for collectors chasing provenance, learning to distinguish a genuine Solgaleo SM2-87 from a counterfeit is essential. This guide blends gameplay relevance with collector insight, drawing on the card’s authentic details—its rarity, holo variant, evolution line, and the telltale signs authentic cards bear in the real world. ⚡🔥

Know the card’s authentic DNA

Name and lineage: Solgaleo is a Stage 2 Metal-type Pokémon that evolves from Cosmoem. This evolution chain is a defining clue: a Cosmoem on the bench followed by a Solgaleo in play is a strong indicator that the card line is legitimate.
Set and rarity: This Solgaleo hails from Guardians Rising (SM2) and is a rare holo. Real SM2 holo cards typically feature a distinct, bold holo pattern and set symbol consistent with Guardians Rising.
HP and typing: With 160 HP and a Metal typing, the card’s feel and game statistics align with a late-rotation, high-HP contender, reinforcing its legitimacy when seen alongside the correct card name, energy costs, and stage.
Illustrator: The artwork credit goes to 5ban Graphics. Authentic prints consistently reflect this illustrator’s style rather than alternate fonts or misaligned typography.
Attacks and costs: Shining Arrow and Fangs of the Sunne are Solgaleo’s signature attacks on this card. Shining Arrow deals 50 damage to 1 of your opponent’s Pokémon, with a note about not applying Weakness/Resistance for Benched Pokémon. Fangs of the Sunne costs Metal, Metal, Colorless and delivers 170 damage, with the caveat that you can’t use it the next turn. Counterfeiters often botch attack wording, costs, or damage figures, so precise wording is a red flag.

What counterfeiters tend to get wrong

Holo quality and foil alignment: Genuine holo Solgaleo SM2-87 will display a consistent holo pattern across the card. Fakes frequently have mismatched foiling, dull finishes, or misaligned holo across the card face.
Set symbol and number alignment: The official SM2 symbol and the card number (87/145 in many print runs) should sit in the correct corner with proper spacing. Duplications, misprints, or off-centered symbols are common counterfeit tells.
Typography and text blocks: Look for crisp font, accurate attack names, and proper punctuation. Counterfeits often show OCR-like fonts, spacing irregularities, or misspelled terms (e.g., “Shining Arrow” and “Fangs of the Sunne” spelled exactly as on authentic cards).
Energy costs and resistances: The card’s attack costs (Metal, Colorless, etc.), the retreat cost (3), and the resistance (Psychic -20) should all be clearly legible and consistent with the authentic print.
Legal status on the card: Authentic Solgaleo SM2-87 is listed as legal in Expanded, not Standard (as of the current data). A counterfeit may misstate legality or omit it entirely.

Reading the market to gauge authenticity

Aside from the physical checks, understanding the market helps separate credible copies from fakes. The Solgaleo SM2-87 has a broad spectrum of prices depending on condition and edition. Cardmarket data around EUR 0.79 average, with holo variants typically priced higher on average. On TCGPlayer (USD), normal copies hover around low prices (often under $1), with holo copies climbing to a few dollars in strong condition. These numbers illustrate that a genuine holo SM2-87 can be affordable for many collectors, but a suspiciously cheap listing should prompt closer inspection. Always compare the item to verified listings and note the card’s condition, as wear dramatically shifts price in the secondary market. 💎

Administratively, a real SM2-87 Solgaleo exists in multiple print variants (normal, reverse holo, and holo). The integrity of the illustration, the card’s stock feel, and the exact artwork details are often the most telling signs. If a listing claims a holo with a price that seems too good to be true, or if the card’s condition is described ambiguously, proceed with caution. For collectors, it’s also worth noting that the Guardians Rising set’s symbol and branding can be a fast-check anchor in photos or scans you’re inspecting. 🎴

Why Solgaleo remains a compelling target for counterfeiters—and what to do about it

Solgaleo’s presence in the Guardians Rising set—paired with its high HP, strong two-attack kit, and a dramatic stage-two evolution—creates demand among collectors and players alike. That demand, in turn, invites counterfeit activity, especially for holo cards that visually pop on display. To protect your investments, cross-reference with trusted databases and images, confirm the illustrator’s signature (5ban Graphics), and verify the card’s text blocks against official texts. If you’re evaluating a potential purchase, request high-resolution photos that clearly show the foil, set symbol, and attack text. When in doubt, compare with a verified real copy or consult multiple reputable sources before committing. 🎨🎮

For players contemplating deck construction or trade value, Solgaleo SM2-87 offers strategic depth. Shining Arrow targets the active opponent’s Pokémon with 50 damage, while Fangs of the Sunne delivers a fearsome 170 for a three-cost frame, albeit with a one-turn cooldown on that move. The card’s metal typing, Fire weaknesses, and Psychic resistance shape how it stacks up in expanded-format play, alongside its retreat cost of 3. These mechanics remain consistent across legitimate prints, and counterfeiters frequently err in warping the exact numbers or the attack sequencing. By staying vigilant, you can preserve both the thrill of the chase and the integrity of your collection. ⚡💎

How to verify authenticity in five quick steps

Compare to official reference images (art style, set symbol, and exact text).
Inspect holo quality and foil alignment under good lighting.
Check the card number, set symbol, and rarity marker (rare holo) in the correct corners.
Read the attack costs and effects carefully—do they match Shining Arrow and Fangs of the Sunne as described?
Confirm legal status and edition details with trusted databases and price guides.

As collectors and players, we celebrate the thrill of discovering genuine treasure while steering clear of fakes. With Solgaleo SM2-87 in particular, the careful eye—alongside a solid price-reference check—helps ensure your investment shines as brightly as its holo finish. 🎇

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