Beckett is now in the autograph authentication business.
The company said Wednesday that it had hired former PSA/DNA authenticators Steve Grad and Brian Sobrero and would begin accepting submissions immediately.
Grad left PSA/DNA at the end of September after 15 years with the company, including the last several as principal authenticator. He will continue in his role as the autograph expert for the History Channel show Pawn Stars.
“I am beyond excited to take this incredible next step in my career,” Grad stated in a news release. “Partnering with Beckett’s talented global team will allow Beckett Authentication Services to deliver unparalleled service to dealers and collectors worldwide.”
It’s a landmark move for Beckett, which began as a price guide publisher in the 1980s and later opened a trading card grading division. It will also put Grad and his team in direct competition with his former employer in a segment of the hobby that has grown substantially in recent years. Unprecedented volume has PSA/DNA is undertaking expansion efforts, according to president Joe Orlando, and he recently hired long-time autograph dealers Kevin Keating and Bill Corcoran as authentication experts.
At Beckett’s Dallas headquarters, Sobrero and Grad will work in concert with Jeromy Murray, general manager of Beckett’s grading and authentication businesses.
Beckett’s website didn’t indicate a price or grading structure as of late Wednesday afternoon but did have a contact form.
“The addition of Steve Grad and Brian Sobrero underscores our commitment to providing industry-best products and services. BAS will be a perfect partner to our well-respected Beckett Grading Services (BGS) business,” Beckett CEO Sandeep Dua stated.
Beckett Authentication will have a presence at major shows, including those in Boston (Nov. 4-6) and Chicago (Nov. 18-20).
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