Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Michael T on April 3, 2012 at 10:37pm

I agree with Mike on this as well "the best authenticator is YOU!".

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Permalink Reply by Michael T on April 3, 2012 at 10:35pm

Happy to do so.

I agree with what you stated for sure.

What authenticator to use/trust is simply a personal decision. Go with what makes you happy.

I think this is obvious and I am sure everyone here agrees that, simply stated, all that matters is if the autograph is authentic.

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Permalink Reply by Brandon Mysinger on April 4, 2012 at 3:23am

I agree! From what I've seen and heard, World of Autographs sells authentic material. So any statement about GA coas on their material is a moot point. Especially the comments that one company or another mostly certifies bad material.

To the new collectors..... Remember, anyone who says anything about an authentication company or Authenticator has an agenda ( even if it's honest support due to personal experience)

An Autograph does NOT have to have a coa to be authentic. In fact, I applaud sellers who don't offer coas (like autograph world).

This pathetic 3rd party authentication mindset has ruined the hobby. As we are finding out, each company makes a fair share of mistakes. Some companies correct the mistakes as much as possible, some companies say nothing in reply to discovered errors, and some companies continue as-is.

Ask yourself this, which is more important to the authentication company, ensuring that each item is authentic or making money? You will find that these companies are in the money making business. That's why we see so many errors over and over again ( from Kirk Douglas to Jeter every company has problems ).

Anyway, place the focus on the actual autographs. And always remember that ALL authentication companies have made horrible mistakes. Yes, I said ALL of them.

So, be smart and don't fall in the coa trap.

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Permalink Reply by Jack Standstrom on April 4, 2012 at 3:45am

Thanks for the reply Brandon. Very helpful :)

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Permalink Reply by DB on April 4, 2012 at 3:51am

Remember, anyone who says anything about an authentication company or Authenticator has an agenda ( even if it's honest support due to personal experience)

I'll take issue with the way the above is framed.  While I don't doubt that some may have an agenda there seems to be quite a bit of evidence to the contrary in many instances.  EBAY's banned list is an example as well as COA's that get "cleaned" on a daily basis.  Didn't I read a post that GA might loose it's footing on EBAY?  I didn't see any confirmation on it though.

Either way, it's what the mindset of the general collector believes.  Perception then becomes reality as most, like Jack, woulnd't know an authentic signature fron a non-authentic signature but would like to rely on who he is buying from and what the credentials are and like many who certed the item.  That's the trap.

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Permalink Reply by Jack Standstrom on April 4, 2012 at 4:12am

DB is absolutely right. And it is (can be) a trap. And perception can indeed become reality for us beginners if we are not careful. Thats why I have not purchased anything yet and doing some research. This is a great site and I appreciate all the help and info.

It must also be frustrating for actual honest sellers that know that what they are selling is real, but due to forgeries and fakes, it makes their jobs so much more challenging. Some autographs are super expensive and even with 3rd party authentication, the guarantee only goes so far. And as I can understand, some people actually feel safer when no COA is provided from the seller.

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Permalink Reply by Michael T on April 22, 2012 at 10:26am

Hey Jack, all that really matters in the end is if the autograph is authentic. Simple as that.

I am not going to defend or malign any authentication service. You must choose what makes you happy. After all, you are spending your money and need to feel satisfied with your purchase decisions.

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Permalink Reply by DB on April 22, 2012 at 11:25am

in the end is if the autograph is authentic. Simple as that. is dead on but getting to an authentic autograph is not so simple especially with the "bargain hunter" mindsets of many collectors.

I suppose if one is naive, does it as a hobby and could care less if (or makeabelieve) it's authentic it's fine wherever they buy but for those who want "authentic" and/or as a future investment it becomes a very discriminating proposition.  

There are some authentication services that are leagues above others while others appear on the banned list of ebay for authenticity concerns as well as a few in limbo.  Your site in 3rd party authenticator article currently cites both doesn't deliniate and that from my viewpoint is not acceptable.

I understand the argument of becoming targeted with "dealers" becoming the target which is why so many say nothing publically but quite a bit candidly.  Unfortunately for collectors that becomes a real problem.

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