Collecting

Pokémon cards with print errors: which ones exist and what they're worth

Updated on 16/10/2026👁 1 reader

The most common errors compared with a normal card (diagram). An error is only worth something if it's obvious, genuinely from the factory and wanted by collectors.

Print errors and production errors

Millions of cards are made every year, and a few slip past quality control. Print errors involve the ink and the text (missing colours, ink spots, misspelled words); production errorsinvolve cutting and packing (cards cut off-centre, crimps from the pack). Some are so rare and striking that they become collector's items.

The most common errors

Error	What it looks like	Worth more?
Miscut	Cut off-centre: one border much wider, sometimes part of the next card shows	Yes, if the cut is very obvious
Crimp	Wavy crease on the edge, left by the pack sealing	Rarely; many see it as a flaw
Ink error	Extra or missing colour, streaks	If large and on a wanted card
Text error	Wrong word, number or symbol, fixed in reprints	Often yes: it's documented
Shifted holo	The holo effect doesn't line up with the artwork	Sometimes

When an error is really worth something

Value depends on three things: how obviousit is (a huge miscut is worth something, a one-millimetre one isn't), how rare it is and how wanted it is (an error on a Charizard attracts far more interest than one on a common card). A small production flaw, on the other hand, is treated as damage and lowers the condition: see the guide to card condition.

What about Japanese cards?

Japanese cards are known for careful printing and centring, and striking errors are rare. If you find one on a modern card, first check that it isn't simply a flaw or a fake: see the guide to fake cards.

Well-centred cards from our catalogue

Pikachu ex

126/103

74,99 €3 pcs

Salamence ex

133/103

19,99 €2 pcs

Hisuian Zoroark VSTAR

234/172

36,49 €2 pcs

Deoxys VSTAR

223/172

32,99 €1 pcs

Frequently asked questions

Are Pokémon cards with print errors worth more?+

Only some: the error must be obvious, from the factory and wanted by collectors. A small flaw usually lowers the value instead of raising it.

What is a miscut card?+

A card cut badly: the image is shifted and one border is much wider than the other, sometimes showing part of the neighbouring card.

What is a crimp?+

A wavy crease on the edge of the card, left by the machine that seals the pack. It happens in the factory.

Does PSA certify errors?+

Grading companies can note some errors on the label. A certified error is worth more than one merely claimed by the seller.