- Often confused, appraising and authenticating are actually quite different.
- “An item can be appraised without authenticity.”
Appraising and authenticating are two different professions. An appraiser determines the value of an autographed item; an authenticator determines if the signature is genuine. Similarly, an appraiser estimates the market value of a rare baseball card or team jersey; an authenticator determines if the item is real or a fake.
There are several major authenticating firms that will provide a COA (Certificate of Authenticity) which will be readily accepted in the industry, by collectors and by the courts. Normally, you have to send your ball or other item to the authenticator, but if you are hesitant to do so, several of the firms authenticate on-site at shows around the country. A web search for “sports memorabilia conventions” will pull up a list of events and organizers..
Auction Houses
Also, some of the major auction houses specializing in sports memorabilia, have authenticators on staff. If they accept your item for auction, they will normally guarantee its authenticity. The cost of this service is included in the auctioneer's commission.
Frauds
Regretfully, there are also unethical individuals who claim to be authenticators but whose COAs literally aren't worth the paper they're written on. An official looking COA or an impressive website doesn’t guarantee a valid authentication. Caveat emptor! (Email us for a current list of the authenticators we recommend.)
Hypothetical Appraisals
It is interesting to note that an item can be appraised without authenticity. This is called a hypothetical appraisal and is based upon information, photographs, etc. provided to the appraiser and accepted at face value. In this case the authenticity rests upon the information supplied to the appraiser. At first glance, hypothetical appraising might seem questionable, but it is a common and necessary practice, especially after a loss, such as a fire or theft, when the item is no longer available for the appraiser to inspect.
When you have an item you want appraised but don't have a COA, talk with your appraiser. He can recommend the best and most ethical course of action.
Summary: An appraiser will tell you what your sports or other item is worth; an authenticator will tell you if it's real. As a rule, professional appraisers don't authenticate, and authenticators don't appraise.
Links: Email Sallie & Bob
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