Upper Deck Breaks New Ground with Industry-First Authentication for Top Rookie Auto Patch Cards
- SLAB-Z
- May 29
- 2 min read
Upper Deck has rolled out the first-ever authentication service specifically tailored for high-end rookie auto patch cards. This isn’t just a minor upgrade—it's a game-changer, offering collectors a new level of confidence and security in their most prized possessions.
Upper Deck President Jason Masherah addressed a pressing industry issue: “The trading card industry has experienced a massive patch swapping challenge for years now, where counterfeiters will cut out and swap patches to inflate a card’s after-market value based on the player or patch colors. Until now, there has been no trusted mechanism for collectors to verify if a card has been tampered with. This Rookie Auto Patch Authentication is the first step in tackling this industry-wide problem.”
Traditionally, the value of a rookie auto patch has depended largely on trust in the grader. But now, with Upper Deck’s innovative verification process, collectors can verify exactly what they’re buying—down to the autograph, the patch, and the card’s legitimacy. Each Rookie Auto Patch card in the 2023-24 Upper Deck The Cup Hockey is slabbed, photographed, and serial numbered with a QR code. Scanning this QR code provides a gallery of images from multiple angles, showing the card as it was originally issued. This feature, already integrated into Upper Deck’s ecosystem on Collect Forever, also applies to uncirculated comic books and figurines, offering the same slabbed images and authentication. Those who score Rookie Auto Patch cards can visit www.TheAuthority.com to test the Upper Deck Rookie Auto Patch Authentication process using The Authority Authenticator.
This new service sets Upper Deck apart in a crowded space, aiming to eliminate the ambiguity that’s long challenged high-value collectibles. Whether you chase a future Hall of Famer or a rising star’s relic, this verification process makes the experience safer and more transparent.
As the hobby continues to evolve, innovations like these signal a shift toward a more trustworthy marketplace. It’s a clear sign that the industry’s giants are listening—adapting with technology that preserves the value and authenticity collectors trust. The future of trading cards just became a lot clearer.
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