The Authentic Experience
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…
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Christopher Williams on -
It's been removed, Steve. Thank goodness.
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Permalink Reply by CEE GEE on -
Its stunning and amazing how much of these Sh*t pieces are still out there...these guys really ruined the hobby...but thank god for this site and experienced collector we can help each other from purchasing this crap...these are just so so so bad...
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Permalink Reply by John H on
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How about one of mine below? I got it at a mall show in the 80's. It is on a 8x10:
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Permalink Reply by CEE GEE on
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I agree with Zipper John...this Mantle has all types of formations wrong with this...
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Ok. Thanks. Like I said, it was purchased in the 80's, so I didn't get soaked.
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Permalink Reply by terrier8HOF on -
Sorry not authentic.
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Permalink Reply by Christopher Williams on
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Here's another Mickey Mantle forgery on a photo with a cert from GAI.
The EBay seller (king-kong-tom) writes "Authenticated by GAI, which is approved by EBay." The seller should do some research first. GAI went bankrupt a few years and autographs with the GAI cert get removed these days. This crap usually comes with a cert from GAI with Mike Baker's name on the cert.
This Mickey Mantle forgery is listed by EBay seller king-kong-tom.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=170980084701
Click on the images to get a closer view.
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Permalink Reply by Christopher Williams on
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This particular Mickey Mantle forgery certed by GAI (Mike Baker) continues to find it's way on EBay.
This Mickey Mantle forgery is listed by EBay seller baily12190.
Thousands of this garbage has been produced. Most of these forgeries are found at estate sales, AuctionZip, Proxibid, local charity auctions, etc.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=290863178517
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Permalink Reply by Ryan on -
GAI crap listed by eBay seller top-duck
http://www.ebay.com/itm/MICKEY-MANTLE-SIGNED-AUTO-AUTOGRAPH-AUTOGRA...
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Permalink Reply by Christopher Williams
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Another Mickey Mantle forgery with a COA from GAI (Mike Baker).
This Mickey Mantle forgery is listed by Ebay seller mostsuperbeststuff.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=400491668122...
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Permalink Reply by Christopher Williams on
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This crap still shows up on Ebay.
These forgeries of Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays and Duke Snider are all over the place (COA from GAI....The MIke Baker Collection).
This set of Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays and Duke Snider forgeries are listed by Ebay seller davea1270.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mickey-Mantle-Willie-Mays-and-Duke-Snider-A...
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