The GAI Mantle, DiMaggio & Ted Williams Hoard—Are They All Forgeries?

A hoard of thousands Mickey Mantle, Joe DiMaggio and Ted Williams signed photos have flooded the market over the last few years. All authenticated by Global Authentication Inc., with COAs signed by former GAI executive Mike Baker.

The hoard has driven down prices on these legendary Baseball Hall of Famers by 50-percent or more, and it's not rare to find one for well under $50.

The problem?

Every baseball expert we asked is emphatic that they're forgeries. And they've had that same opinion since the hoard came out of Florida in 2008.

If the experts are right—and I don't doubt that they are—not only are thousands of collectors stuck with these worthless photos. Thousands more have unfairly suffered a catastrophic drop in the value of their genuine Mantles, DiMaggios and Williams due to the flood of fakes.

Why Do So Many Think They're Forgeries? Let's find out!

If you're a regular collector like me, it's hard to tell good Mantles from decent forgeries. DiMaggios and Williams are easier, but I'd never buy without an expert opinion. So I thought it would be a great education for those experienced in these autographs—experts and experienced collectors—to show us why they're so widely considered forgeries.

I've included a few of the GAI authenticated photos to start with. Feel free to upload more. Ask questions, share your knowledge...and help make collecting these Hall of Famers safer for everyone!

Tags: authenticate, authentication, baseball., dimaggio, forgeries, gai, genuine, global, hall, joe, More…

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Permalink Reply by Christopher Williams on November 22, 2011 at 2:06pm

Look at this garbage I found on Ebay. The starting bid is only $4,500.00. All GAI crap certed by Mike Baker.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=220897917277...

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Permalink Reply by Mr Zipper on November 22, 2011 at 2:16pm

And a private auction. GIANT red flag.

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Permalink Reply by DB on November 22, 2011 at 4:09pm

looks like EBay heard us....

This listing (220897917277) has been removed, or this item is not available

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Permalink Reply by Doug Canfield on February 28, 2012 at 5:15pm

Just a question about this GAI hoard. Did the real bad stuff become evident after a certain number GVxxxxxx since the certs are numerically rising. Is the poor authentication throughout the companies history or did it spike after a certain point. No matter what, the reputation is shot but I was curious. Wake up little Suzy.

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Permalink Reply by Steve Kahldon on March 4, 2012 at 10:27am

I have already seen items authenticated by GA and being sold on Ebay by worlwidegraphs that were bad. These were items he couldn't get through PSA or JSA.