General Forum

Hey guys,

I bought a box of cards from a thrift store and there were some "non insert" autographed cards in there. Names like Bob Gipson, Yaz, Rod Carew etc. They remind me of when big card shows used to bring former players to sign items.

My question is has anyone used a service to get autographs authenticated? Is it pricey? Is it necessary?

Any info will certainly be appreciated!

ive used JSA (James Spence) only because they make thier rounds around here at various events and local stores. Cost about $75 for most items and you naturally get a letter. i haven't sent anything in

You can a deal at larger shows if you are doing a few, but it depends on player and even item, your case card also plays into it. I have done a few but only ones I would maybe sell or want to have validated higher end. 

These are good clean signatures. Think I will have any issues selling? (or trading)

as with anything..comes down to timing, condition, who's buying and willing to pay for it, and what you're willing to accept.. best to research first and see if any or others similar have sold

I wouldn't think you would have any issues, but as someone else said it may depend on the where and when. I know there are some collectors who will not buy or trade anything that is not authenticated in anyway, others just want anything with a signature. You have the big names going for you and the sigs being clean should also help even without any authenticating documents.

I was just a the big Pittsburgh Show last weekend and SGC has discontinued their authentication services so don't try them.  I have used JSA and Beckett.  JSA did a book authored by Frank Deford which I found at an antique store.  I have used Becket mail in services.

For what it's worth, I would not buy an "autographed" card without some awfully good proof that that autograph was real. I can tell whether a card is a fake, but I do not have enough knowledge of signatures to feel confident that I can confirm an authograph. That said, I'm not an autograph seeker, in general, so maybe someone who wanted an autographed Bob Gibson card would know enough to feel comfortable buying an ungraded one. So I guess I'm saying that getting them graded seems like it would really help your ability to sell them, but you should check to see what good authographs sell for because it might not be worth the price of authentication.

Good luck and congratulations on the finds.

v3

Getting authentication can cost a bit. I would only do it if I knew the value would increase enough to cover the cost. You could always fish one out on offer up, letgo or eBay and see what kind of response you get. It may surprise you. I have several cards of Mariners guys that I got myself and usually don’t have any problems locally as most people know who has signed and when.

I have collected autographs for decades, I use PSA for my autographs. JSA & Beckett are reputable companies that one can use also. I usually wait until they are at a local show. Avg price is $20 - $40. If you are selling them, it helps a lot if they are authenticated. Less hassle from the buyer. You can look to see If you the ones you have look like ones that have been authenticated. This will give you an idea if they might be fake. Just my opinion on the subject.