When Certificates of Authenticity for Autographs become Worthless

By: David Thoreau

Certificates of authenticity for autographs can be a mixed blessing. When issued by reputable companies or individuals respected for their education and experience, a Certificate of Authenticity may enhance the credibility of an autographed item. However, the autograph collector should be aware of situations when a Certificate of Authenticity becomes no more valuable than a glorified piece of ornate paper.

Questionable Qualifications
When an autograph is accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity issued by an individual without education or experience in autographs. For example, an autograph auction company on the East coast is licensed to an individual whose primary job is making jewelry.

Third-Party Guarantor
Some autograph auction companies issue Certificates of Authenticity that are guaranteed by the original consignor. Look over the fine print of the Terms and Conditions before buying or selling through an autograph company.

Unauthentic Certificates of Authenticity
The legal validity of Certificates of Authenticity that are mass-produced and signed in facsimile by a dealer or auctioneer is open to question.

Licensed Auctioneers
Certificates of Authenticity issued by licensed auction companies are legally valid if personally signed by the licensed auctioneer. Third-party Certificates of Authenticity for autographs may not be valid or enforceable.

Out of Business
There is a litany of short-lived autograph companies. Some have folded because of poor management or irregular business practices. Certificates of Authenticity from these companies are as valid as a guarantee for a voyage on the Titanic from the White Star Line Company.

Autograph Auction Fraud
Certificates of Authenticity issued by companies that have been sued for fraud or embezzlement have questionable business practices that effect the value of their Certificates of Authenticity. Public records show that Remember When Auctions and RRAuction have been sued for autograph fraud.

Knowing the benefits and limitations of Certificates of Authenticity will enhance your savvy as an educated autograph collector.



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Article Source: https://www.collectibles-articles.com

Visit Famous-Celebrity-Autographs.com, a website specializing in checks signed by celebrities, to view celebrity autographed checks, and for loads of valuable information about autographs, autograph collecting, autograph buying-selling, and much more.

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