Use the cards lookup, not the comics one
CGC grades comics, cards, video games and more on separate sites. For trading cards, use the CGC Cards lookup. A comic or game lookup will not find a card number.
Type the number exactly as printed on the label.
What to compare
Match the card name, set, number, language and grade. If the record includes images, compare small details like print marks and edge wear, which are hard to fake on a different card.
A number that returns a different card is a clear stop. A number that returns the right card still needs the holder check below.
Check the holder
Look for cracks, cloudy or glued seams, and a label that sits loose or crooked. Compare against photos of known genuine CGC holders from the same era.
If the price seems far below recent sold comps for the same grade, slow down.
For repack pulls
Platforms that vault graded cards usually show the cert number. Run the lookup before accepting a buyback or reselling, so you price the card on its real grade.