Certificates of Authenticity from Autograph Auction Houses - By: David Thoreau

Most autograph auction houses issue Certificates of Authenticity (COA) to reassure their buyers that autographs in their auction are genuine originals. The term "authenticity" is a misnomer, since the certificate they offer is more accurately defined as a written opinion. Therefore, "Dealer Opinion" would probably be a more appropriate description for this type of certification.

The use of third-party authenticators by autograph auction houses is controversial, especially when the authenticator is paid directly by the auction house. Autograph buyers are often disappointed when an autograph auction company refuses to accept an item that is later proven to be false. The auction company inevitably defers defensively to the opinion of their third-paty authenticator, who may not have even examined the autograph in question.

The subject of Certificates of Authenticity becomes even more complicated when guarantees of authenticity are limited to the original buyer, or when the auction company ceases operations, as was the case when Remember When Auctions declared bankruptcy. The legal validity of Certificates of Authenticity is questionable when an auction house issues preprinted fill-in forms that are signed in facsimile by a dealer that is not even licensed as an auctioneer.

Autograph buyers are well-advised to do their due diligence when either buying or selling autographs through an auction house. Knowing the pitfalls will help you avoid problems and enjoy the fascinating world of autographs.

Knowing the pitfalls of Certificates of Authenticity will help you avoid problems and maintain your pleasure in the fascinating world of autographs.

Go to Famous-Celebrity-Autographs.com for viewing autographs of famous people, and Money Secrets of the Rich and Famous , a book with celebrity biographies that is illustrated with their autographed checks.