My husband has many ‘original’ signed baseballs. He sends them to PSA for professional grading and we have had awesome luck and service with this grading company. Think as a new member of PSA, you get to submit several cards and get a discount. Again, husband has some awesome cards never used/touched from his childhood and has received some A+ grades from PSA. Good luck!

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Are you saying that the shop selling the item doesnt have any authentication already done? Id be a little concerned purchasing anything in the way of autographs that don’t include authentication, which most reputable shops have already taken care of before even trying to sell them, (of course this doesnt include the lower tier items, which simply wouldnt make it feasible to spend money to have authenticated, or graded, i.e. few would pay the money for a non-hall of famer auto, that it would cost to pay for the service). You can always check the BBB for past complaints, and years in business for an idea about reputation of specific shops, HOWEVER, some shops do sell items on consignment, so they dont even actually own the card, or ball, so be sure to check that out as well).

To be sure, ask the seller if the item for sale is authenticated. If not, where they purchased the item or obtained the autograph. If you’re not satisfied or comfortable with teh response, don’t buy the item.

I will often obtain mutilple signed pieces at a reputable auction and resell them at a good discount, and often with a COA; other signed items, I obtained in person, and can sell them at a good price, with my own COA.

Michael

Here is the skinny (sp) on “COA”.

IMO..the only way to be absolutely sure a signature is authentic is for you to be there WHEN the item is signed. Bottom line.

Anything beyond that is just an opinion of a second party. I sell autographed photos of Baseball greats well below what the experts say they are worth. WRONG! The true worth of something, is exactly what someone is willing to pay for it. Its that simple.

For example, with regards to COA’s… I use Photos reviewed and verfied by Nicholas R. Burczyk. Dr Nicholas Burczyk is a trained Certified, Court Appointed Forensic EXPERT. He is a forensic document examiner with a PHD in handwriting analysis. Dr Burczyk was employed by a major autograph procurer in the 1980’s and 1990’s to view autographs and render professional opinions which would stand up in any Court of Law. Dr Burcayk has since retired. He is an author and former lecturer and radio/tv personality.
A Dr Burczyk certified authograph suaully has a label affixed to the item with printed date of examination and Dr Nicholas Burczyk’s signature. This was in addition to an accompanying certificate which was rather plain in appearance.
Bottom line is… Don’t let anyone tell you differently. In this business(and it is a dog eat dog business) credentials rule~!. Even though Dr. Burczyk is my guy… Its only his opinion!

PSA/DNA and others, Please dont get me started with them…TOo Late.
Here is something to read regarding some of the so called best.

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autographalert.com

That should keep you reading for a while. It is quite interesting stuff.

Good luck and if your not sure…Dont buy!