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Uninformed collectors- COAs

I guess I just need to vent.  I just had an offer on a Muhammad Ali glove that was signed by Ali in the mid-to-late '90s under Steiner's supervision.  Back then, Steiner used those paper certifications that did not have the matching holograms.  Well, someone offered me well below asking price and I declined.  His response, as many auction bidders say when their low-ball bids aren't accepted, "good luck getting that price with no hologram". 

When did collectors become so uninformed?  Anyone who knows Ali autographs knows he has been signing for Steiner for 15-20 years.  Also, if they know Ali's signature, they would know this was real.  If they had any doubts, they could do a PSA/DNA Quick Opinion.  I'm getting really sick of these collectors buying the autograph, not for the actual signature, but for the piece of paper that accompanies it.

When did collectors become so lazy?

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Permalink Reply by Dan Gregory on June 15, 2014 at 5:43pm

Unfortunately it is becoming more and more common. No sticker = no sale or lower prices. So many people are just sticker collectors and will not buy without one regardless of whether it is a good signature or not.

The only plus side is that this enables people who study a signature to obtain a real bargain sometimes.

Permalink Reply by Mike Kaminski on June 15, 2014 at 6:51pm

Very true. 

When I'm selling items and give a list of things I have, the first question I often get is "What COA does ______ come with?"

Permalink Reply by Brandon Mysinger on June 17, 2014 at 2:58pm

Amen!  The "COA" has destroyed the hobby.  Especially in instances where you have companies who have very VERY young and uneducated "experts" working their tables at trade shows.  Anyone who has been to a show of late knows what I mean. 

Opinions and experts are one thing ( except for when certain sellers such as press pass collectibles are given cart-blanch authenticity for their items ).

Permalink Reply by Dan Gregory on June 17, 2014 at 3:34pm

Agree 100%, especially on the shows. It is getting ridiculous and something needs to change

Permalink Reply by Rick Meyer on June 17, 2014 at 4:23pm

That's good for those who know and buy autographs based on just the autograph. Nowadays it is almost a better bet to study the autograph and getting a nice buy than it is buying stickers. So many COAs and TPA items out there that are no good but will be bouncing around the hobby forever because so many people value them.......even if the item is not authentic. 

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