Certified Collectibles Group, parent company of CGC grading, has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire James Spence Authentication (JSA). “The combination of CCG and JSA will provide collectors and dealers with a seamless solution to have autographed collectibles authenticated, graded and encapsulated by the world’s top experts,” CCG stated in announcing the … [Read more...] about CGC Parent Company Buying JSA
autograph authentication
As a Collector And Signer, Geddy Lee Talks About Autographs and Authentication
He has collected thousands of autographs in his lifetime. As a celebrity, he has probably signed hundreds of thousands of autographs. So to say that rock star Geddy Lee knows autographs would be an enormous understatement. Many of Lee’s high profile items are up for sale this week in a collaborative auction between Christie’s and Hunt Auctions. Bids can be made online, … [Read more...] about As a Collector And Signer, Geddy Lee Talks About Autographs and Authentication
Charges Dropped Against Florida Autograph Dealer Booted from 2018 National
There was a mountain of paper work. Charges were filed. A grand jury convened. Three years worth of docket updates dutifully filed online by the clerk of courts. But after all of that, a Davie, FL autograph dealer who saw his inventory seized on the first day of the 2018 National Sports Collectors Convention in Cleveland is getting most of it back--and all charges against … [Read more...] about Charges Dropped Against Florida Autograph Dealer Booted from 2018 National
Beckett’s New Autograph Authentication Stickers Offer Hologram, QR Code
Beckett Authentication Services is introducing a new tamper-evident certification sticker for items that utilize them as part of the company’s autograph authentication process. The new sticker has a custom-branded hologram and a QR code for verification. “Because so many of the transactions between buyers and sellers of autographed memorabilia take place online, … [Read more...] about Beckett’s New Autograph Authentication Stickers Offer Hologram, QR Code
FBI Raid in Michigan Said to Target Phony Art, Sports Memorabilia
The headline in a Detroit newspaper reads "alleged upscale art forgery" but a federal investigation into fancy paintings also includes a troubling discovery for collectors of sports memorabilia. On Tuesday, a team of more than 30 FBI agents raided the property of a Michigan man suspected of creating and selling phony artwork and sports-related items over a period of several … [Read more...] about FBI Raid in Michigan Said to Target Phony Art, Sports Memorabilia
NBC News Story: Family Says Dealer Sold Them Large Amount of Bogus Autographs
NBC News has aired a lengthy investigative story on a collection of baseball memorabilia purchased as an investment now believed to be fake. A retired New Jersey firefighter, the late Charles Kerr bought items advertised as signed by Babe Ruth, Joe DiMaggio, Willie Mays, Derek Jeter and other greats. Now his family believes he was swindled for over $100,000 by a dealer … [Read more...] about NBC News Story: Family Says Dealer Sold Them Large Amount of Bogus Autographs
Autograph Authenticator Steve Grad Says Forgers Getting Creative
It's National week in Chicago and Beckett's Steve Grad is a very busy guy. You couldn't tell that he’d just flown back to his home city from an event in London. The hobby’s biggest event kept his energy level somewhat akin to a third grader at recess. Grad, also well known as the autograph authenticator on the hit TV show, Pawn Stars, has been a … [Read more...] about Autograph Authenticator Steve Grad Says Forgers Getting Creative
Shop Owner Hopes to Help Customers Avoid Fakes
About a year ago, Chris Tinder took over The Sportsroom, a hobby shop in Beaverton, OR, buying the store and everything in it. Like every store owner, he answers questions from area residents who have items to sell. Sometimes the news that the autographed item they bought online and want to sell is likely a forgery. In fact, long before he became a business … [Read more...] about Shop Owner Hopes to Help Customers Avoid Fakes
PSA Offers Online Booking Tool for East Coast Office
PSA has unveiled a new landing page and online appointment booking tool designed to make it easier and less expensive for East Coast collectors to submit their items. The company’s headquarters are in Southern California but it also has a location in Woodbridge, NJ. It opened that office in 2011, but the company says most East Coast-based collectors still send their … [Read more...] about PSA Offers Online Booking Tool for East Coast Office
Beckett Authentication Launches Online Review Service
Beckett Authentication Services has launched a low-cost review service for autographs, one that offers a non-binding opinion in a short period of time. Beckett Signature Review will allow customers to share a link or photo of an autograph that hasn’t been authenticated by the company. For a cost of $10, a Beckett authenticator will review the item and offer their … [Read more...] about Beckett Authentication Launches Online Review Service