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Are all Beckett-certified autographs authentic?

I was wondering if Beckett authenticated autographs are real, for the most part.

Specifically, I was looking at this one ebay seller's signed merchandise. Their username is:

One of their items I am. interested in is https://www.ebay.com/itm/285498021158?_trkparms=amclksrc%3DITM%26ai....

Do members here have knowledge or experience about this user, and about the reliability of Beckett-certifications in general? I know Beckett is reliable, but can an autograph have a "fake" Beckett certification?

I guess that's my real question.

Thanks again,

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Eric Keith Longo on March 5, 2024 at 5:53am

That is a stock photo and too blurry to see the sticker.

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Permalink Reply by Al on March 5, 2024 at 8:40am

Ok thank you.

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Permalink Reply by Scott Paul on March 5, 2024 at 6:12am

Like any TPAs there good and bad Beckett opinions. A lot depends on how well they know the subject and the person doing the actual work. As for fake certifications, I don't know. Like anything, anyone has to know the autograph and not depend on a TPA, in my opinion. Below is a Beckett authenticated Andy Griffith that Mr. Griffith never signed.

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Permalink Reply by Al on March 5, 2024 at 8:40am

Good to realize. Thanks Scott.

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Permalink Reply by Rich on March 5, 2024 at 7:47am

I believe the item in question was from a private signing of which the Beckett team was on site for (Steinfeld's done at least a few of these recently). That's typically what this seller deals in. The seller has been brought up a few times on this site, and the sentiment seems to be that he's fine. If you're worried about a counterfeit Beckett sticker, I don't believe there's any such concern in this instance.

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Permalink Reply by Al on March 5, 2024 at 8:39am

Thank you Rich, that's very useful and helpful information. I appreciate it.

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Permalink Reply by meggs on March 5, 2024 at 11:51am

The big three authenticators: PSA, JSA and Beckett are considered to be the best by the autograph community, but they all mistakes. If their exemplars are faulty which can happen when a presumed authentic autograph is figured out to actually be "secretarially" signed. When that happens, these services will correct their error for future submissions. But all the already authenticated examples don't just vanish into thin air.

You can't expect humans to be 100% perfect. You can expect a reputable authentication service to be knowlegeable and honest regardless of the size of the customer's wallet, so to speak. Figure authentications to be 98-99% correct from those three authenticators and you'll probably be in the ballpark.

It's always safest to study and educate yourself about any autographed item of significant value you are looking at. Don't blindly trust any opinions completely, even from respected authenticators. Scott gives a very good example above with Andy Griffith. The trusted authentication services approved a lot of signatures before it was discovered that they were actually signed by Mr. Griffith's manager.

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Permalink Reply by Al on March 8, 2024 at 7:49pm

Thank you!

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Permalink Reply by BallroomDays67 on March 5, 2024 at 12:02pm

Be very careful, Al. I purchased a Beckett authenticated David Crosby signed book page that isn’t even live ink. I made Beckett aware of it, but nothing was done. I’m stuck with it.

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Permalink Reply by Al on March 8, 2024 at 7:50pm

Wondering if collecting autographs is even worth it? Thank you.

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Permalink Reply by Scott Paul on March 8, 2024 at 8:43pm

The "worth it" can be enjoyment and entertainment or investment or gambling. I collect for entertainment and enjoyment, so I believe it is worth it. A lot of people make a lot of money investing in autographs, but it is not something I personally recommend. If I sold my entire collection today, I am sure I would not break even on it. I count the number of hours that I have enjoyed the autographs and the pleasure that gives. My advice to collectors has always been to study and learn what you collect. That is why this is a valuable site because there are lot of folks willing and happy to give opinions.

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Permalink Reply by Eric Keith Longo on March 8, 2024 at 9:41pm

"Wondering if collecting autographs is even worth it? Thank you."

If you decide what collecting means to you, and why, and set your own goals and do your own research for protection, yes, it can be very rewarding and "worth it. Much pleasure can be derived without spending large sums as well.

I apologize for the tiny scans but I was able to put this together on eBay for just $60. Uta Hagen twice signed 1963 photo postcard with the image of her used in the Woolf? playbill (the playbill is online so that valuable information was free), and a press still of her as Martha during previews in October 1962 for the first run of Whose Afraid of Virginia Woolf? at the Billy Rose Theatre in NYC.