Bug Out with CGC Trading Cards Over This Gastly Error

CGC Trading Cards™ has authenticated and graded a very unsual error on an English Base Set Gastly card. This example of the “Ghost-type” Pokémon is perhaps more appropriately called a “Bug-type” because it appears that an unlucky flying insect found itself between the blue printing plate and the “blanket” used to transfer ink from the plates to the sheet of cards. The result is a very detailed imprint of the bug behind the black ink of the card text.

Click images to enlarge.

While the bug can be seen in the photo above, utilizing a specialized machine capable of multi-spectral imaging, CGC graders were able to see the bug even more clearly. Technology like this enables the CGC graders to confidently grade unique errors such as this one by comparing how the inks react under differing types of light.

Close-up of the bug using specialized lighting. Click image to enlarge.

Interestingly, when the wavelengths of blue light are also filtered out, the imprint of the bug completely disappears on the card!

The same area of the card with blue light filtered out. Click image to enlarge.

Want to learn more about trading card errors? Check out our CGC Trading Cards Error Guide to learn more about these fascinating printing factory mishaps!