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How to Get a Certificate of Authenticity in Sports

A certificate of authenticity (COA) can put a collector's mind at ease. This document proclaims that the memorabilia to which it's attached is genuine and not a fake or forgery. Criminals often use fake certificates of authenticity to fool unsuspecting customers into buying fake sports items. Avoid being fooled yourself by asking for as much information about the certificate of authenticity's issuance. If all else fails, seek the advice of an independent appraiser.

Things You'll Need

Independent appraiser

Instructions

- 1
  Ask the seller of the sports memorabilia for a certificate of authenticity if one is not provided for you immediately. Some states require these certificates to be shown upon purchase. Use caution if the seller does not provide one immediately, since reputable sellers often offer the certificate without hesitation.
- 2
  Inspect the certificate of authenticity to ensure it appears genuine. Some fraudulent certificates have a fill-in-the-blank appearance into which anyone can insert information. Even some professional certificates can contain fraudulent information. Still, a close inspection can help you determine whether the seller is trustworthy.
- 3
  Ask the seller about the company or appraiser that issued the certificate of authenticity. Use this information to conduct research on your own. Take a day and find the appraiser or appraisal company over the Internet to ensure the company or person exists. If so, the certificate is likely authentic and supports the genuineness of the sport memorabilia.
- 4
  Contact an independent appraiser if you still have concerns and the sports item you want is extremely rare. The appraiser looks at the item and can make a determination of authenticity which, in turn, either supports or contradicts the information contained in the certificate of authenticity. Use this method of verification as a last resort.

Collecting Memorabilia