Since I started listing signed items on ebay I have been asked on various occasions whether or not my items are authentic. I have also been flat out accused of selling a fake by a disgruntled ebayer who recently purchased a forged autograph from another seller. Often customers will message me asking me very explicit questions which have already been answered in my item's description just to ensure that I am not trying to twist my words in order to trick people into buying fake items.
 
    These are all troubles one must deal with both in selling and buying signed items, from an unframed 8x10 photo to a professionally framed jersey. While the frame may seem to add authenticity to the item, nothing says authentic more than a legitimate certificate of authenticity. However, simply knowing that a seller has a certificate of authenticity is often not enough. If a vendor is selling a fake autograph, why would they not create a fake certificate of authenticity? This may worry many casual collectors or fans looking for a quick purchase, but it is rather easy to spot the difference. All it takes is a little bit of research which, if done right, only takes about five minutes and can be the difference between a worthless purchase and a worthwhile investment.

    Keep an eye out for well known companies who give certificates of authenticity. Often athletes have one specific company that they sign autographs for so it is that company's COA that is guaranteed to be authentic. For example, Bobby Orr works exclusively with GNR, Wayne Gretzky works exclusively with WG Authentic, Sidney Crosby works exclusively with Frameworth Sports Marketing, and Mario Lemieux works exclusively with Reich PM. While no one is denying the fact that players do sign items for fans without certificates from their respective companies, the only way to guarantee the legitimacy of a signed item is by having their company's COA. Think of it as a way of certifying a certificate of authenticity. This is also the only way to guarantee that autographs will become more valuable in the future. Not everyone wants to spend a large amount of money on an item which may or may not be real.

    All you need to do to find out which company an athlete works with is to do a google search. While this may not work with all players it does work with most. If, by chance, it does not work (or even if it does, for that matter) message the seller of the item asking him or her for the details. Anyone selling an authentic item would be more than willing to give you the information you need, both about the player and the item itself.

    Another quick tip is to do a google search of the company which makes the certificate of authenticity. Many times while researching signed items I have searched for the company that the seller claims makes the COA only to find that no such company exists, or that company does not make COAs.

    Well I hope this guide helps raise awareness about these items. It is a huge problem nowadays for both buyers and sellers, but the more aware we grow the more the market can flourish.

Thanks for reading!