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If selling - "Do you offer a COA ?"

Like many, I do some autograph selling on eBay. Today I had an inquiry about a signed document I have listed. It's not a major piece....an agreement between Paramount Pictures and Joel McCrea to reference his name in a scene of an upcoming picture of theirs...a perfectly verifiable example of his signature.

The person interested wrote me asking a few questions about condition, if all of the pages of the legalize were included, where I had acquired it, etc.. Also: "Do you offer a COA"?. I've had questions in the past about if a particular item had been authenticated by JSA, PSA, etc. I state that in the description if so (although I don't procure them personally but include it if it came with one).

I've never had this question before. What is your feeling about offering COAs? In my own case, I figure one from me would be meaningless since I'm not a dealer...just a collector selling to other collectors. I do state I stand behind what I offer and, if it's proven to not be good by a tpa, send it back for a full refund.

I've purchased from dealers who send along a COA...others who just allow the invoice to basically serve that function. I'm just curious as to what your practice is on COAs and your reasoning.... those in my lower volume circumstances or regular dealers.

2 members like this

Comment by Joe W. on July 22, 2021 at 8:56am: I would explain that you do not create your own COA but you do guarantee the signature to pass any eBay authorized TPA. Briefly explain why.

Comment by Eddy on July 22, 2021 at 9:08am: I think that's the best policy, Joe. This particular fellow said that he had just purchased another signed item and the seller included an LOA "that had his own seal on it". Many buyers are focused upon those letters of authenticity.

Comment by Joe W. on July 22, 2021 at 9:13am: Yes they are. I some ways, I don't blame them. eBay has it's fair share of problems.

Comment by Rich on July 22, 2021 at 10:15am: People who ask that question aren't typically aren't worth worrying about. Answer it if you feel like it. Or don't. I'd say the impact is minimal either way.

Comment by Dan Morris on July 22, 2021 at 2:37pm: So many need a piece of paper to tell them it's real rather than looking at the signature. Sadly, without a COA many won't buy from you so it's a double-edged sword so to speak but I used to prefer offering no COA when I used to sell.

Comment by Eddy on July 22, 2021 at 7:29pm: I just can't imagine a COA from me is really worth anything. I feel people can hopefully trust my opinion but, even more, trust their own eyes and instincts.

Years ago, when I was just beginning to collect, I purchased several classic Hollywood pieces from a dealer who had also been "in the business" as a minor actor in the 40's and 50's. After he had died, I found out that the stuff I had was outright forged material. Each had come with a letter of authenticity.

Comment by crazyrabbits23 on July 23, 2021 at 1:34am: If I met a dealer in-person that was expecting me to consider an invoice as "proof of authenticity," I'd probably laugh them out of the room and tell them never to come back. Same goes for the generic kinds of COAs that have no background or documentation other than, "Person X with no credentials said this was 100% real." If I was 100% forced to pick up something that had a COA, the only contender would be Premiere Collectibles -- and that would be if I purchased second-hand, not from their site.

On EBay, I would never ask, nor would I ever consider anything that claims to have a COA to be legitimate. If a "Timmy" feels more comfortable with purchasing something that has a generic piece of paper included with it, and that helps them sleep better at night, who am I to argue?

This is part of the reason why I typically tend to buy items that have inscriptions -- harder to forge, and speaks to provenance more effectively.

Comment by Adam Halloran on July 23, 2021 at 3:20am: If it is an item someone aquired first hand, I usually ask for a letter of provenance. I actually prefer first hand accounts over 3rd party verification.

I can do by own research in determining if I feel an autograph is legitimate and If I am skeptical or have doubts, I will not buy. For me a letter of provenance is to keep the history of the item intact.

If the item has no provenance to be passed with it, I don't see the value of "homemade" COAs. Not for me at least.

I can understand if people are asking if it has PSA, ACOA, JSA, or Beckett in that instance.

Comment by JK on July 23, 2021 at 3:37am: Reliance on generic COAs is a bit ridiculous. The only purpose they serve is to provide a link to the seller, if that serves any purpose.

Years ago, reputable dealers would not provide COAs, only detailed bills of sale with a lifetime guarantee.

COAs are false security. If the seller is experienced in authenticating and if they are honest, that is what means something.