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Willie Mays Dispute between Topps and Beckett

Hi All,

I'm posting this for a friend. I'm perplexed, as is he. He purchased this Topps signed Willie Mays card from Pristine Auctions. The card states the signature was witnessed by a Topps representative. My friend sent the card to Beckett and asked that they grade it. Beckett emailed this morning to tell him they couldn't because they can't verify the authenticity of the autograph.

My mind immediately went to the card being a forgery...but the fact it has the silver foiling, and that Pristine had it in their hands and didn't question it, gives me pause.

Any thoughts here? My friend emailed Beckett to ask more questions but has yet to hear back. It seems to me that there is a dispute between Beckett and Topps. Beckett charged his $85 for the rejection.

Thanks all!

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Permalink Reply by Eric Keith Longo on January 14, 2024 at 9:51am

Hello,

That is easier to spot than the entirely different fonts on the name "WILLIE MAYS" on the other side? The "W" and "A" particularly are clearly separate fonts. Also the placement of the "N" beneath is different to the "W" and the tiny copyright notice appears incomplete. OP first:

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Permalink Reply by Steve Cyrkin, Admin on January 14, 2024 at 10:38am

Good question, Eric. The foil stickers were produced in large quantities and used for players besides Mays. The stickers are a good telltale across numerous fakes.

The different fonts as you pointed out are another sign to look for—the more the merrier—as is the sloppiness that Steve Zarelli pointed out.