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How to Authenticate Sports Signatures

Collecting sports signatures is an enjoyable pastime for many people. You can show pride in your favorite players, and your collection will increase in value over time if you make the right choices. You have to look out for forgeries when collecting signatures. Many of these forgeries are almost impossible to spot by the average collector. Many collectors use a recognized sports memorabilia authenticator to certify the authenticity of sports signatures.

Instructions

- 1
  Ask for a Certificate of Authenticity (COA) if you are considering purchasing a sports signature. These certificates are issued by memorabilia authenticators, and usually include a picture of the signature they are authenticating. Check with other collectors or go online to see if the company on the certificate has a good reputation. Contact the company to see if the certificate is real. Each certificate should have an identifying number.
- 2
  Obtain your own COA if the item does not already have one. Choose a reputable memorabilia authenticator and find out how much he will charge. Ask other colelctors or search the Internet to find a reputable company. At time of publication, many companies will authenticate a single signature for $25, although the price goes up for famous players and if the signature is on a baseball or other unusual item. Ship the signed item to the authenticator and insure it, and the company will return it along with the COA if appears authentic. If the authenticator believes it is fake, he will send you a letter stating reasons.
- 3
  Get your autographs straight from the player at events and sports memorabilia shows. At most shows, you can get a COA on the spot, usually from the company that holds the license to sell a player's signatures.

Collecting Memorabilia