President Richard Nixon - "Typed Letter Signed" or "Cut"? - Resignation Letter

When is a TLS not a TLS?

When it's a "cut" that has been digitally made into a TLS, of course.

Once again, some history document collectors are applauding this effort as this piece is advertised for sale. Meanwhile, PSA/DNA does not show what they actually authenticated on their site's verification lookup.

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Permalink Reply by eddy on June 24, 2025 at 7:01pm

You know, there may be a simple answer to all of this. The conversation continued regarding the PSA'd OP Nixon piece for sale on the Historical Autographs site.

One collector/member explained that it was : "prob(ably) removed from a book then digitally added, I have same thing".

When asked why he choose Nixon in this particular format, he responded : "just thought it looked neat".

Let the upcoming collector market decide where the hobby is going? It ultimately will anyway.

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Permalink Reply by Eric Keith Longo on June 24, 2025 at 9:46pm

"just thought it looked neat".

We are finished.

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Permalink Reply by JK on June 25, 2025 at 4:07pm

I emailed PSA yesterday afternoon to ask about the Nixon "cut". They responded today, which I consider to be excellent customer service.

She explained:

After reviewing cert # 84576325, I can see that two certificates come up in our database. This can happen when the same cert number is provided for a PSA certification and a DNA certification.

The cert with a mage of an encapsulated card is an item processed by PSA. Currently, PSA strives to image all submitted cards. The item you are inquiring about was processed by DNA for autograph authentication. Items processed by DNA are not currently being imaged unless a Letter of Authentication is provided or purchased. For this item, there was likely no LOA provided, and therefore, no image was taken of the item.

We apologize for any inconvenience that this may cause, but we hope this information was helpful. If you have any other questions, please feel free to let us know. Thank you for contacting PSA.

There's no conspiracy, just a certain policy about what they do or do not image.

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Permalink Reply by JMS1223 on June 25, 2025 at 4:20pm

That’s very interesting. I wonder if submitters know this so they purposely do NOT get the LOA so that their item will not be pictured.

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Permalink Reply by JK on June 25, 2025 at 5:04pm

Anything is possible but I suspect it's simpler than that.

As far as I know know, there are three types of PSA authentication.

1) sticker on the item and a generic COA card with matching sticker. (Not sure if they still send the COA card).

2) LOA with sticker that can go on the item, or as most people choose, on the LOA itself. The LOA has a photo of the autograph on it.

3) slab

#1 is something I'd never consider. #2 is a great option but the sticker stays on the LOA for me. If you want to put the item in an album or frame, this is the best option. #3 is a great way to protect an item if you aren't going to put it in a folder or frame.

Now, if you were going to slab an item why would you also get an LOA? I don't understand the reasoning for doing both. That means that most/virtually all PSA slabbed autographs will not have an image on the website.

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Permalink Reply by eddy on June 25, 2025 at 7:08pm

If I'm understanding this correctly, when we see something in a PSA slab, there will be no third party digital image record of it on the PSA lookup? Unless an LOA was purchased in addition to a slab ... and then there will be an image?

How much for a slab? And a slab is a basic certification (like a card) and not a deluxe, top-of-the line authentication?

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Permalink Reply by JK on June 25, 2025 at 7:27pm

Why do you suggest that a slab is not a "deluxe, top-of-the line authentication"?

To me, a sticker on an item is the lowest form of authentication since it is destructive.

After that, a slab or LOA is according to the owner's preference.

A slab offers protection. An LOA offers flexibility in storage or display. They both offer authentication. Personally, I don't care if a picture of my item is out on a website. I have the original to look at.