How to Spot Counterfeit Fulton's Playing Cards

Quick Answer

To spot counterfeit Fulton's playing cards, start by examining the tuck box for print quality and seal placement, then check the card stock, finish, and any signatures or numbering. Compare the deck against known authentic examples, and when in doubt, buy from reputable sources. This guide walks you through the key checks.

Counterfeit playing cards are a real problem for collectors, and Fulton's decks are no exception. Because these decks are often limited and highly sought after, fakes can appear on resale sites and even in some physical shops. Knowing how to authenticate Fulton's playing cards can save you money and disappointment.

In this guide, we'll walk through practical steps to spot fake Fulton's decks. You'll learn what to look for in the tuck box, the cards themselves, and the little details that authenticate Fulton's playing cards. No prior experience is needed—just a careful eye and a bit of patience.

Start with the Tuck Box

The tuck box is your first line of defense. Authentic Fulton's decks are printed with high-quality materials and precise colors. Look for any blurriness, misaligned print, or off-brand colors. Counterfeiters often use cheaper printing, which shows in the fine details of the artwork and text.

Check the seal and any stickers. Many Fulton's decks, like the F FOR FULTON AFTER HOURS EDITION, feature exclusive seals or stickers. If a deck is supposed to have a seal and it's missing or looks re-glued, that's a red flag. Also, examine the tuck box for the correct finish—some editions have a specific texture or metallic sheen.

• Compare the tuck box to official product images or a known authentic deck.
• Look for the small print on the tuck box, such as the USPCC logo or edition number.
• If the tuck box feels flimsy or the colors seem dull, be cautious.

Inspect the Card Stock and Finish

Fulton's decks are known for their quality, often printed on premium stock like the aged Ivory 37 Stock used in the Ace Fulton's Casino Midnight Fuel deck. Counterfeit cards may feel thinner, stiffer, or have a different finish. Fan the cards and feel the texture—authentic decks usually have a smooth, consistent finish.

Check the edges: authentic cards are cut cleanly, while fakes may have rough or uneven edges. Also, look at the card backs. Fulton's designs often have intricate patterns, and any distortion or color shift in the pattern is a warning sign.

• Fan the cards to check for a consistent finish.
• Examine the edges for clean cutting.
• Compare the card back design to a known authentic deck.

Verify Signatures and Numbering

Some Fulton's decks are signed or numbered, like the Ace Fulton's Casino Midnight Fuel deck signed by Brad Fulton. If a deck is supposed to be signed, check the signature carefully. Compare it to other authentic signatures if possible. Look for any signs of printing rather than a real pen mark—authentic signatures are usually in ink and may have slight variations.

Numbering is another detail. Limited editions often have a number written on the tuck box or a sticker. If the number looks smudged, printed, or inconsistent with the edition size, it could be a fake. For example, the F FOR FULTON AFTER HOURS EDITION is limited to 150, so a deck claiming to be from that edition should have a number within that range.

• Use a magnifying glass to inspect signatures and numbering.
• Compare the signature to known authentic examples online.
• Check that the numbering matches the edition's stated quantity.

Look for Authentic Details and Security Measures

Fulton's decks often include unique details that are hard to replicate. For instance, the Ace Fulton's Casino Sunset Orange deck includes a few 'security' measures that are left for you to discover. These might be subtle differences in the card design, hidden marks, or special printing techniques. If you know what to look for, these can be strong indicators of authenticity.

Research the specific deck you're considering. Look for official product descriptions and photos. Note any unique features, such as metallic gold letterpress ink on the F FOR FULTON AFTER HOURS EDITION. If the deck you're examining lacks these details, it's likely a counterfeit.

• Read the official product description for the deck you're checking.
• Look for metallic inks, foil stamps, or other special printing.
• If a deck claims to have security measures, see if you can spot them.

Buy from Reputable Sources

The best way to avoid counterfeits is to buy from trusted retailers or directly from the brand. When buying second-hand, ask for detailed photos and any proof of purchase. Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true—if a rare deck is priced far below its typical market value, it's probably a fake.

Check the seller's reputation and reviews. If you're buying online, look for clear return policies. If you're at a convention or flea market, take your time to inspect the deck before paying.

• Buy from official channels or authorized dealers.
• Ask for original packaging or receipts when buying used.
• Trust your instincts—if something feels off, walk away.

7-Step Authentication Checklist

1. Examine the Tuck Box: Look for print quality, color accuracy, and any seals or stickers. Compare to official images. Checkpoint: If the tuck box looks blurry or cheap, it's a red flag.
2. Feel the Card Stock: Authentic Fulton's decks use premium stock. Fan the cards and feel the texture. Checkpoint: Cards that feel thin or sticky may be fake.
3. Check the Finish: Look for a smooth, consistent finish. Some decks have a special texture or metallic ink. Checkpoint: A dull or uneven finish is a warning sign.
4. Inspect Signatures and Numbering: If the deck is signed or numbered, verify the signature and the number's placement. Checkpoint: Printed signatures or numbers outside the edition range are suspicious.
5. Look for Security Details: Research the deck's unique features, like hidden marks or special printing. Checkpoint: Missing security details could mean a fake.
6. Compare with Known Authentic Decks: If you have a genuine deck, compare side by side. Look at colors, fonts, and card dimensions. Checkpoint: Any noticeable difference is a red flag.
7. Buy from Trusted Sources: Purchase from official channels or reputable resellers. Ask for proof of purchase when buying used. Checkpoint: If the deal seems too good, it probably is.

Fulton's Decks to Know

• Fulton's Clip Joint Playing Cards: Post WWII Los Angeles. In the dead of night you enter Fulton's, a clip joint hidden in the murk of downtown. Take your seat and stash your heat; your drink is on its way. Smoke curls along the crown molding and lingers in the air. What little light there is tingles through the vapors as a femme fatale appears between the shadows. This deck's cinematic theme and detailed artwork are hard to fake, so compare the tuck box and card faces closely to spot a counterfeit.
• F FOR FULTON AFTER HOURS EDITION PLAYING CARDS *CLUB 37: This is the official CLUB 37 Edition of F for Fulton sold to members of this unique and bizarre club. Sealed with the EXCLUSIVE Club 37 Seal. This AFTER HOURS edition is printed on deep black stock accentuated by metallic gold Pantone Letterpressed Ink. Limited Edition. 150 of these exist. The exclusive seal and metallic gold ink are key authenticity markers. If these are missing or look cheap, the deck is likely fake.
• Ace Fulton's Casino Playing Cards - Midnight Fuel - SIGNED: These were offered in extremely limited numbers. Printed on off white aged Ivory 37 Stock at the USPCC, and only available to purchasers of Red Hot and Dodger Blue Mixed Bricks. Tuck box signed by Brad Fulton. The signature and the specific Ivory 37 Stock are difficult to replicate. Check the signature and the feel of the cards to verify authenticity.

Spotting counterfeit Fulton's playing cards takes a little time and attention, but it's worth it to protect your collection. Start with the tuck box, feel the cards, check the details, and buy from trusted sources. With these steps, you'll be able to authenticate Fulton's playing cards with confidence and avoid fake decks.