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Authenticity is Everything
Dueling Authenticators: 2 of 3 Authenticators Think my Babe Ruth Isn't Real
What would you do if you have an autographed Babe Ruth photo with a full LOA from a widely respected authenticator (Richard Simon) that was rejected by JSA or PSA/DNA? Is it still reasonable to sell it? Richard has been in this business far longer than either of these two companies but who do you trust when your money is on the line and you can't guarantee it will pass the "so called" experts opinion? I know what I think but I would like to get some other opinions from this site.
Tags: JSA, PSA, babe ruth, richard simon
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Steve Cyrkin, Admin on
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The first thing I'd do is ask Richard Simon if he still feels that your Babe Ruth is genuine. That's especially important if he authenticated it more than a few years ago, since an authenticator's skills generally increase over time, as does industry knowledge. From what I've heard, Richard is quite frank about that. If you bought it from Richard and it turns out bad, you'd have the benefit of his lifetime guarantee of authenticity.
If he says he still believes it's good, then you need to get opinions from other experts. See what Richard says first and then let's go from there.
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I forgot to ask: Did you buy it from a seller with a lifetime guarantee of authenticity?
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Permalink Reply by Randy on
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It was purchased on Ebay and I did not ask for a lifetime guarantee as I was buying the item based on my personal opinion and the full LOA from Richard. It was purchased for resale and my buyer also did not ask for any additional opinions at the time of purchase 3 months ago but requested a refund based on the rejection last week and I am going to comply with his request even though I am under no obligation based on Ebay's policies due to the time lag in requesting the refund. I just don't like the dueling authenticator situation as it is only an opinion and they clearly state they are not responsible for mistakes. I know the major auction houses sometimes sell items when either PSA/DNA or JSA fail to authenticate an item which means they accept either opinion and sell items if both do not concur on the authenticity.
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You don't need to see the autograph first? Even the best people make mistakes or have differences of opinion.
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Harry, a member here had PSA/DNA authenticate a ton of autographs he had previously sent to Christopher Morales, and PSA approved them with Morales's stickers on them.
Without seeing the autograph, you simply don't know why they failed it.
And for the record, NO...I don't think PSA/DNA or JSA are clowns. They've made the hobby dramatically safer.
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It speaks highly of you that you're issuing a refund to your customer before you're comfortable that it's not genuine.
All autograph authentication can only be opinion for the most part, unless there are things like paper and ink irregularities, autopenned, printed signatures, etc., that can be factually proven. It's the quality of the opinion that matters.
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It was authenticated in 2011 so I have no reason to believe that his opinion would be different less than a year later.
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I agree, it's unlikely Richard's opinion will be different after a year, but it might be. I'd ask him, especially if you haven't verified that he actually issued the LOA. Every legitimate authenticator's COAs and LOAs have been counterfeited over the years. Let me know if you need his contact info.
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Thanks Steve. I have Richard's information. I do not know him personally but have known about him for many years. The LOA has his embossed seal so it is legitimate.
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Permalink Reply by Ed Bedrick on
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I so agree that 3rd party authentication is a joke. And agree with Steve on the part that it is just an "opinion" of theirs. I do not know of Richard Simon. But if he is knowledgeable in that field of authenticating baseball by vintage players. I would take his word over others.
If I have a vintage Mae West..I am not going to take it to a sports guy to have it authenticated. I am going to look and take it to someone who is knowledgeable in that field. Really is PSA/DNA experts in absolutely EVERYTHING that their word is law.
You could take your piece to 4 diff authenticators and get 4 different answers, split decisions, 3 to 1. Then what. Go with who you trust as your main info source. And use a few others just to get the opions to base your decision. End result. You have to be happy with selling the piece but back it up with your word.
Ed Bedrick
Member of the U.A.C.C.
U.A.C.C. Registered Dealer #049
Former U.A.C.C. Regional Director (Region #1)
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