Error-card classification guide
Pokémon card errors vs. manufacturing anomalies
Collectors and grading services may use the word “error” broadly. CardInfo.Net uses a narrower database distinction: repeatable error printings and corrected versions are separated from individual production anomalies and post-production damage.
Four separate classifications
Documented error printing
A repeatable incorrect characteristic found across multiple copies, such as incorrect text, a wrong symbol, a missing element, or another consistent printing mistake.
Database treatment: May receive a separate database record when the error is identifiable and supported.
Corrected printing
A later version that changes the documented error while keeping the same underlying card identity.
Database treatment: May be linked directly to the error version so collectors can compare the change.
Manufacturing anomaly
An individual production occurrence such as a crimp, miscut, registration shift, ink obstruction, missing layer, or unusual cut.
Database treatment: Normally recorded as a copy-level attribute rather than a standard printing every collector must obtain.
Condition or damage
Wear or alteration that occurred after manufacturing, such as scratches, creases, dents, stains, whitening, fading, or trimming.
Database treatment: Does not create a printing or recognized card variant.
Questions to ask before creating a separate record
Does the same difference appear on multiple independent copies?
Can the difference be tied to a recognizable print run, product, or correction?
Is the characteristic printed into the card design rather than caused by wear?
Does a corrected version exist with the same set and collector number?
Can clear photographs or trusted references show the exact distinction?
Would another collector be able to identify the version using repeatable criteria?
Repeatable error example
Imagine that multiple copies of the same card contain the same incorrect attack text, and later copies correct that wording. The incorrect and corrected versions can be compared using the exact printed phrase. That difference is repeatable and useful to a checklist.
Individual anomaly example
A single copy may slip into the packaging crimper and receive a partial crimp or even lose part of the card edge. The anomaly is real, but another collector cannot expect every copy of that printing to show the same crimp.
Common manufacturing-anomaly labels
These terms may be valuable for describing a physical copy, grading submission, marketplace listing, or research note. They do not automatically create a standard set checklist entry.
- Partial crimp, full crimp, or crimped-and-cut card
- Minor, major, rotated, narrow, short, or twisted miscut
- Ink obstruction or printer hickey
- Registration shift or color-layer misalignment
- Missing or shifted foil or texture layer
- Square-cut corners or unusual factory cut
- Paper jam, fold-over, or other machinery-related occurrence
References used for this guide
CGC documents a wide range of production errors, including miscuts, crimps, square cuts, fold-overs, paper jams, and texture problems. Pokémon Support also distinguishes manufacturing issues from ordinary card use and damage when handling replacement requests.
Apply the classification standard
Review the complete CardInfo.Net methodology before adding or revising an error, correction, variant, or manufacturing-anomaly record.