Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Rick Meyer on August 24, 2016 at 2:04pm

JSA is horrible. Guess their sticker makes some folks feel better even if the signature isn't authentic.

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Permalink Reply by kevin conway on August 24, 2016 at 2:37pm

an equal number of people feel same about PSA...

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Permalink Reply by Rick Meyer on August 24, 2016 at 5:44pm

I'm with them as well. I have unfavorable view of both. Outside of older common sports stars they are not better then experienced IP collectors.

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Permalink Reply by Joe W. on August 24, 2016 at 2:43pm

I consider PSA and JSA as referees. They make a bad call once in awhile. Can anyone come up with a better alternative? 

I do think there are some good authenticators out there who specialize in specific areas who are more consistent but not totally perfect either. Epperson with music, Caiazzo and Tracks on Beatles stuff, Phil Sears on Disney, etc.

But, I believe it is the duty of all collectors to ultimately determine who to trust and to educate themselves the best they can. As expensive as authentic autographs are becoming to do anything less is just asking for trouble.

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Permalink Reply by kevin conway on August 24, 2016 at 2:54pm

Exactly,  they have proven over the past couple decades, they are not perfect, but they are far better than other authentication services that have popped up here and there over the years...  and eBay , eventually, got it right...
It is a Human process, so perfection is Impossible..  

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Permalink Reply by Scott Paul on August 24, 2016 at 2:56pm

I agree Joe.  I feel that part of the problem is older certificates both did for secretarial versions of Tony Curtis, Charlton Heston, Jackie Gleason, Andy Griffith and others. I am fairly certain neither would pass those today.  What they need to do is date every certificate and have the actual person who authenticates the item sign it.  There is also a dividing line between classic and modern entertainment autographs.  For the older stuff I think JSA has done a good job from ones I have looked at.  I think JD Bardwell does some of that for them and I have a lot of respect for him.  The problem I see is that with both companies you are buying a pig in a poke since you have no idea who authenticated it.  When you send something to Mr. Epperson or Steve Z. you know for a fact they themselves look at it and are not afraid to put their signature to it.  For modern stuff in many cases I have no idea how anyone can state with certainty without seeing the person sign themselves.  Having said all that I have never used a TPA (though have bought autographs with those dreadful stickers).

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Permalink Reply by Rich on August 24, 2016 at 3:00pm

I get the analogy, but I feel a bit differently.

I think the NFL replacement refs a few years ago did a better job. Also, referees aren't supposed make deals with people they're supposed to be objectively evaluating. They know the specifics of their craft inside out - they aren't consulting a guide throughout the game or match. Football referees aren't qualified to officiate boxing matches and don't pretend to be. And NFL line judge won't take a Pro Bowl running back's word for it that he crossed the goal line.

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Permalink Reply by Eric Keith Longo on August 24, 2016 at 5:35pm

H Joe.

I agree with the last paragraph strongly!

Eric

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Permalink Reply by terrier8HOF on August 24, 2016 at 3:02pm

not sure this means anything.  they still allow COA's from anyone, including the renowned GFA,  who has certified the highest percentage of fakes of any authenticator I have ever seen.  Even Morales and the others got one right once in a while.

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Permalink Reply by Bruce Juice on August 24, 2016 at 5:33pm

That's a good point Terrier -- as long as eBay allows any COAs from crooked companies or individuals or allows 1000's of fakes to run their course at auction without removing them, there will still be a high level of distrust which only leads to lower prices for sellers and buyers getting stuck with fakes. 

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Permalink Reply by Steve Zarelli on August 24, 2016 at 7:07pm

All this means is that GA/GAI is no longer an "eBay approved authenticator," which is a meaningless distinction. They have gone from three "eBay approved authenticators" to two.

Nothing else changes.

The only authentication firms that are not allowed on eBay are those specifically named on the banned list, which is not enforced anyway. So, another meaningless distinction.

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Permalink Reply by zepolr&m85 on August 24, 2016 at 11:08pm

I'm new to this collecting thing. Are you saying eBay is only allowing PSA and JSA to sell on there site. Also what about GAI. I have read some good and bad reports.

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