One thing to note: older CGC slabs had reports of being prone to scuffing or minor cracking if mishandled, but overall they hold up well
In my Shadow the Hedgehog Hasty-Creatures-matter deck, The Balrog of Moria is an excellent choice
Metalworker: Not quite as popular as Grim Monolith, but Reserved List all the same
Using A Loupe To See Print Matrix The most scientific method available, and perhaps the most inaccessible, simply because youd need vast experience in the printing industry or analysing old cards to differentiate from the fakes
You saw the power of this card if you got to play with it before it was banned on Arena in Historic
However, ante is now forbidden in DCI-sanctioned play, and is only allowed in casual games where not forbidden by law