Crimp Slits on Vintage Pokémon Packs: Factory, Not Damage

If you have noticed small cuts or slits along the crimped (ribbed, sealed) end of a vintage Pokémon booster pack, you are most likely not looking at damage. These are crimp slits (also called crimp cuts), and they are a natural factory artifact, not a sign of a fake or tampering. They are one of the most common things newer vintage buyers mistake for a problem.

What causes crimp slits

Booster packs are sealed by crimping the foil ends together under heat and pressure. The crimp is thicker where the pack’s spine sits behind it, so when the crimping machine stamps down it can leave a deeper impression in that spot — deep enough to push through the entire foil layer. The result is a small slit that can split slightly open or simply look worn, as in the photos below. It happens at the factory, sits on the crimp, and does not reach the cards sealed inside.

Long crimp vs short crimp

Vintage packs come in different crimp styles; you will hear collectors talk about “long crimp” and “short crimp,” which vary by production run and region. Long-crimp packs have more crimped foil area, so there is simply more room for these slits to appear. On their own they are not a red flag; we still evaluate them alongside the full seal, the wrapper body, and the pack’s provenance.

Crimp slits vs actual damage

• Location: on the crimped end (often right where the spine sits behind it), not across the body of the pack.
• Contents: they do not expose or reach the cards.
• Look: they follow the crimp line and look manufactured or worn, not like a clean tear.
• The real concern is a pack that has been opened and resealed, which shows on the body and seams — exactly what our authentication process checks for.

Want the full picture on spotting genuine issues? Read how we authenticate vintage packs, or browse sealed booster packs. Every item is inspected and backed by our 100% authenticity guarantee.