The Flareon EX RC28/RC32 card from the Generations Radiant Collection is a highly sought-after find for many Pokémon TCG collectors. Fans of Eevee Evolutions have come to love this card because of its lively artwork, whimsical design, and nostalgic appeal. However, due to its popularity and lack of print, it is also a popular target for counterfeiters and sellers who want to sell tampered or damaged cards at exorbitant prices.

It's important to know exactly what to look for when purchasing this card online, especially from marketplaces where sellers' credibility varies.

Understanding the Flareon EX RC28/RC32

Before you can confidently identify an authentic card, it can be useful to know the origins of it. The Flareon EX RC28/RC32 (from the Radiant Collection subset of the Generations set) released in 2016 is distinguishable from its vibrant, almost storybook artwork. Where most EX cards depict some kind of combat or aggressive pose, this card is different; Flareon is simply depicted having a good time, in its relaxed environment at home, with Eevee and a slightly overexposed Vaporeon in the background. 

The Radiant Collection subset is a smaller subset released with the main Generations expansion celebrating Pokémon's 20th anniversary. The subset had interesting art styles, hearts foils, and fancy looking cards in general that separated the cards from standard cards. The limited print run and packs of cards, many of which were opened for the pure fun of the anniversary, have made high-quality singles like Flareon EX, rarer in the used market.

Why It’s Highly Sought After

The Flareon EX RC28/RC32 is attractive to collectors for three reasons:

Popularity of Eevee Evolutions: Flareon is a part of the Eevee family and has a loyal fan base. As a bonus, there are background images of other evolutions.

Unique Radiant Collection Design: The bright colours, special foiling, and cute, somewhat whimsical theme make it attractive in a binder or display.

Scarcity: There are no reprints and a limited total number in circulation means demand is rising while supply is falling.

These factors together make it ideal for collectors - and sadly a common target for counterfeit production.

Spotting an Authentic Flareon EX RC28/RC32

When buying cards on the internet, there are some indicators you can assess typically to help ensure you’re getting a legitimate card:

1. Print Quality and Color Accuracy

Legitimate cards will always be printed sharp and clearly. The foiling details should have a pattern consistent with itself and solid, without pixelated edges or blurry details. Counterfeit cards often use lower quality print that is usually cloudy and with colours that are dull or “off.”

2. Set Symbol and Numbering

The Radiant Collection symbol in the form of a tiny heart appears to the left of the card number. The card number itself should read “RC28/RC32” using a straight, precise font and should look identical to the rest of the cards in the set. When looking at the symbol on fakes, it can sometimes appear fuzzy or slightly misaligned, and the font should not look bolded more than normal.

3. Card Stock and Feel

Pokémon cards have a tactile texture that is unmistakably different. Authentic Pokémon cards feel sturdy and a specific thickness, and will have a semi-matte finish that you will recognize. Counterfeit cards can feel extremely glossy, thin (like tissue paper), or in the extreme, a plastic-like feel.

4. The Pokémon Watermark

Hold the card up to bright light. Authentic Pokémon cards have a watermark layer within the card stock that is faintly visible, and fake cards typically do not replicate this watermark on the bottom half as accurately.

5. Size and Weight

A typical Pokémon card has dimensions of 63 mm × 88 mm, and a weight of about 1.7 grams. Many counterfeit cards are slightly smaller, larger, or lighter because they were manufactured incorrectly.

When purchasing cards online, of course you can't touch the card before you purchase it, so you are going to need to rely heavily on the seller's pictures. Always ask for clear, close-up pictures of the front, back, edges and corners.

Condition and Value

Condition has a significant impact on the value of the Flareon EX RC28/RC32. In the market in the UK:

●     Copies from Near Mint (NM) usually cost between £20 and £40.

●     Lightly Played (LP) copies can sell for between £15 and £25.

●     Depending on demand, graded PSA 10 versions can cost more than £150.

Verify using pictures rather than just a seller's description because condition grading can be subjective. The value of the card can be significantly diminished by bending, holofoil scratches, or edge whitening.

Price as a Red Flag

Although it is possible to find a deal, watch out for listings that appear excessively low. A £5 Flareon EX that is "new and sealed" and comes with free shipping is most likely a warning sign. Counterfeiters often price their fakes high enough to look credible but low enough to seem like a good deal.

Graded Cards for Peace of Mind

Buying a graded Flareon EX RC28/RC32 from a reputable grading company such as PSA, Beckett, or CGC is one way to ensure authenticity. Encased in tamper-proof cases, graded cards have a unique certification number that you can check on the website of the grading company. This is the safest way to purchase higher-value cards online, despite the fact that it costs more.

Where to Buy Safely in the UK

Purchasing from reliable sources is your best option for such a sought-after card:

●     PokéCardMart and other specialized Pokémon retailers check every single before putting it up for sale.

●     Trustworthy eBay vendors with a track record of selling Pokémon and high feedback ratings.

●     Discord servers or specialized Facebook trading groups are examples of collector communities with well-established trust systems.

Regardless of the platform, always use a secure payment method, such as PayPal Goods & Services, to protect yourself as a buyer in the event that the card is fraudulent or misrepresented.

Long-Term Collecting and Investment Potential

In addition to being a beautiful card, the Flareon EX RC28/RC32 is a part of a set that marks a significant turning point in Pokémon history. The cost of high-quality copies will probably keep going up as more cards are destroyed over time or are kept in private collections.

Values have already increased for collectors who bought during Generations' early years, and this trend appears certain to continue given the Eevee evolutions' increasing appeal. For sentimental and monetary reasons, keeping a mint or graded copy for a long time may be a wise choice.

Final Thoughts

One of the things that makes collecting so addictive is the excitement of searching for rare Pokémon cards, such as the Flareon EX RC28/RC32, online. But caution should be used to counterbalance that excitement. You can steer clear of expensive blunders and create a collection you can be proud of by learning to spot the telltale signs of authenticity, understanding the market value, and sticking with reliable sellers.

Purchasing from reputable UK shops like PokéCardMart guarantees that your card is authentic, precisely graded, and delivered in the condition promised, whether you're chasing it to finish your Generations Radiant Collection or investing in a fan favorite Eeveelution for the future.

Being knowledgeable is both your best defense and your best investment when it comes to Pokémon TCG.