Authenticity is Everything
JSA, PSA, BECKETT - Authentication Stickers On or Leave Off the Item?
I'm starting to get some items in my collection authenticated for various reasons.. The biggest being if something happens to me, its less research for my family later on.. I'm going specifically to get a Carpenters vinyl authenticated to make sure my ebay purchase has another opinion before I'm no longer covered. That sticker will go on the LOA for sure for this specific item signed in ballpoint pen. There is no question of this being a reproduction.
Over the years, I've read a lot of old threads of collectors complaining about TPAs placing their stickers on the front of an item. This has me thinking, I'm also going to take a few index cards and cds where the sticker on the LOA won't be an option and will need to be placed on the item. Im torn with what is best for some of these. Take an index card for example. When buying on eBay, if previously authenticated, id prefer the sticker to be on the item and in front. Ive been duped into buying authenticated cards in the past where the sticker was not on the item and the seller tried to pass off a high quality reproduction claiming it was the original. Sometimes depending on the pen used, it can be difficult to tell between live ink and a printing. Its almost impossible to verify when buying items online just looking at pictures. I feel the sticker, as terrible as it looks, adds another layer of security, especially as technology advances in the future. This also goes along with framing. Once an item is under glass, it can be difficult to tell if is original or reproduced. Having the sticker visible seems like it should be more widely accepted for resale purposes down the road even if the item was never intended to be resold. It will eventually switch hands regardless unless you are buried with your collection.
On the other hand, these stickers are ugly and in most cases, collectors are able to tell the difference easily. Collectors are not the only ones buying these items though.. hard-core fans with deep pockets, who have no knowledge about authenticating, tend to rely on these stickers. At some point, I bet most of our items will hit the market again within the next hundred years.. It kind of makes sense to be more accepting of these eye sores and should be placed on the front of certain items I mentioned. If a sticker is hidden on the back of an item, once framed, how would you know without taking it all apart?
Wondering what everyone's view on this is. Im asking specifically about the certain items which can be reproduced and passed off as original. Items like glossy photos are not part of this conversation. Ive had some trouble in the past verifying heavy cardstock signed lightly with a rollerball type pen. Not impossible but can be tricky
Replies to This Discussion
-
Permalink Reply by JMS1223 on
-
I am never a fan of authentication stickers anywhere on the item. It is totally fine if it’s on the LOA. The reason being if the authentication company goes out of business or loses credibility over the years now your item has a useless sticker that can’t be removed. Also the sticky residue might not be archival and can discolor or otherwise ruin your autographed item. If you are worried about people buying it and knowing whether to trust that it’s authentic the LOA with sticker solves that problem in my opinion. The LOA can be attached to the back of the frame so it will always be there with the piece.
I know some authentication companies do not offer LOA on lower value items. I absolutely despise this practice as it then forces the stickers on the item. In this case I would get the item encapsulated since I believe that is an option as long as you pay the extra fee. Just don’t use JSA because they don’t offer encapsulation.
-
Permalink Reply by JK on
-
I have exactly two stickered items in my collection, and I only have those because they only came that way and were not available without them.
I hate those stickers and would normally not buy a stickered item. I have particular disgust with one company that thinks it's stickers are just as important as the autograph and doesn't hesitate to slap a sticker right next to the signature or elsewhere in such a way that it could never be matted out.
The sticker does not make an autograph authentic, it just shows that someone thinks it is. And if/when that authenticator falls out of favor then it's a permanent drag on the item.
I've never submitted an item, but I have a few that I might get authenticated for future resale as you are doing. Are you saying smaller items have to be stickered and can't get an LOA? For my purposes that means I'd go with encapsulation.
-
-
As you noted, the stickers do add a bit of curb appeal—especially in visual settings like online auctions or display tables at shows. For my higher-end or blue-chip items, I typically ask the authenticators to place the sticker in a more discreet location.
That said, I wouldn’t overthink it. At the end of the day, collectors and the broader market care most about authenticity and condition. I’ve never had a buyer say, “I love this item, but the authenticity sticker really puts me off.”
-
-
I use PSA and JSA regularly. For anything serious, go the extra mile and pay for the LOA, making sure to have the sticker placed on the LOA. For some lower value items, I usually request that the sticker be placed on the page following the signature in a lower corner. Not perfect, but suitable for someone who does care more about authenticity than appearance. I actually did have someone "reprimand" me for a signature page sticker years ago for having "defaced" the item.
-
-
Just imagine where people would be if all those fake "forensic document examiners" used stickers. 😒
-
Permalink Reply by eddy on
-
Nothing quite says "vintage" like a QR code on your 65 year old autograph.
-
Permalink Reply by Eric Keith Longo To eddy on
-
+100 Eddy. Whatever the item. Is it a sticker I even want? Everyone knows my position. None for me, thank you. On the cert or on the back if you MUST. Seeing a sticker on something framed would have no impact on my desire or need to see the thing w/o the frame - same for authenticity. Just yesterday it was observed one of these places was stickering obvious Autopens at a show so yes, like ink is a concern. Since my position is the sticker should be on the back (if at all) and never to buy something in a frame, it won't be "missed." And then there is "are older stickers" more or less desirable. Do they have a "shelf life" etc. I never would consider anything with a sticker for sale or purchase. Free-loading self advertising eye-sore that, to me, implies I may well be overpaying. If I am buying a Gleason over-reliance that sticker could cause me to lose $$ - just the sheer number items PSA stickered secretarials from the past is incredible, leaving aside the junk passed occasionally these days by all three. They do have a shelf life. They are more than potentially distracting - detracting is a concern. If not now, in future.
I've heard stories of stickers getting put on the front despite a request so no, thanks.
The items in question - ink signed paper or cards - has anyone seen a Hendrix or Beatles page or Morrison or whatever with a sticker on the front? I don't recall seeing any of quality, but then that would be an oxymoron.
-
-
Regarding the QR code specifically that TPAs are now using on their stickers...
The quick-response code was invented in 1994 in Japan. The original purpose was to label mass produced automobile parts for identification.
-
-
Why is that not surprising?
-
-
This is from Beckett's own site:
"....label can be applied to an object once, and can be removed, but will leave behind fragments of the label". 😳
-
-
Remember trying to get the price sticker off a 70's Bantam paperback? ;)
-
Permalink Reply by Rich on
-
The only time I'm mostly okay with these stickers is when they're used in conjunction with a signing event. For instance, I've had a few signed 11 x 14s from SWAU private signings the past couple years, and those have the SWAU logo sticker on them and an ID #. Something like that I really have no issue with, since it's based on a witnessed signing from the company that organized it rather than some dude's questionable competency on a signature. In just about all other circumstances, the only times I might look at an autograph I'm interested in, it's in spite of the sticker, not because of it.
For long term investing purposes, handing down to relatives, etc - which of these TPA companies do you think is really built to last? Maybe the TPA you pick is doing fine now but in another decade or so is the face of fraud in the hobby? If you're looking to get rid of something now and think you'd do better getting things authenticated for the sake of maxing sales, that's one thing. For the long run - your best bet is probably avoiding the stickers as much as you can.
© 2025 Created by Steve Cyrkin, Admin.
Powered by
Badges | Report an Issue | Privacy Policy | Terms of Service
