Third Party Authentication

                              High-Profile Autograph Authenticating Co. Their Service Has Been Costly To Coilectors

How many times over the years do we have to read these same type stories and uneducated collectors get scammed. The following is sophomoric article where no excuse can be accepted.  PSA/DNA is red-faced AGAIN.

Some seller of autographs sends their signature of Edward Teller to be authenticated and paid an additional for the autograph to be placed in a plastic coffin. After paying for this, if you want to call it a service, and paying the fees for the eBay service, the seller will eventually be in for a big surprise.                               

                                                          EDWARD TELLER ON EBAY – PSA AUTHENTICATED

With the slightest bit of research on the part of the authenticating company, it is very easy to discover that the autograph in question has been signed by the Autopen machine.  It was not hand signed by Edward Teller, therefore it is not a genuine signature and has very little or no value.  Most important is to realize this seller on eBay has 59,309 feedbacks.  SO FEEDBACKS MEAN NOTHING!

 The cost of what in my opinion is the best modern day autograph reference book is only $45.00.

The book is published by McFarland, contains 416 pages of valuable information and is chock full of illustrations. MOST INFORMATION WLL BE FOUND NOWHERE ELSE!  The author is the well respected autograph expert Ron Keurajian.

                                              Highly Recommended Autograph Reference Book

Ron is also the author of the best-selling autograph reference book  Baseball Hall of Fame Autographs, A Reference Guide which contains a forward by Fay Vincent, Commissioner of Baseball.

The following article can be found in Section: Mechanics, Medicine and Molecules: Science Page 238.

It is my opinion, that if you don’t own this autograph reference guide,

• You should not be collecting autographs.
• You should not be selling autographs.
• You shoud not be auctioning autographs.
• You certainly should not be authenticating autographs.

Illustrated below is one more example of many being offered on eBay that is not genuine. This seller has 7983 feedbacks. AGAIN, THE NUMBER OF FEEDBACKS MEANS NOTHING!  This is one of many reasons not to purchase an item on eBay unless you are an expert at authenticating autographs.  A better reason is to avoid any autograph that comes with a COA from most any company who CLAIMS to authenticate autographs.

Just about anyone, including a young child can see that the signature in the PSA coffin illustrated above is a 100% match from the one illustrated n Ron Keurajian’s book 

So why can’t the “experts” at PSA get it right?

 What’s hard to believe it is the very same Autopen of Teller that is illustrated at the beginning of this article and also certified by PSA/DNA as genuine.

What is unacceptable is that PSDA/DNA already had a Autopen signature in their files that they earlier authenticated as genuine. When their “expert” that did the “research” to authenticate the second Teller autograph, wasn’t their ”expert/professional”  able to see that the one they are now authenticating, 100% matches the top one they already authenticated?   Do they even have files?  I would personally like to see their files, and I will be asking!

Who is and has been authenticating signatures at PSA/DNA?  This is about time we will try and find out!

AT ONE TIME, A CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF PAS/DNA TOLD ME THE FOLLOWINH: "....AS A MATTER OF PUBLIC RECORD, COLLECTORS UNIVERSE PAID OVER $300,000 IN THE 12 MONTHS ENDING JUNE......FOR ERRORS...."

I can assure readers of this article that since 1982, I have personally written thirteen reference books on autograph collecting. Not one of the high-profile companies who claim to authenticate autographs has ordered even one copy.

So, what EXEMPLARS are they using to authenticate autographs?  If they actually have hard exemplars, how do they know if they are genuine examples. Or NOT!

From personal experience, I have visited an outfit that is authenticating autographs. I was shocked to witness the authenticator matching the item he was paid to authenticated and his only reference file was to use eBay to see their examples. His COA’s can be found on eBay, regularly.  Any person imitating an autograph authenticator who only checks eBay to match an example will end up with the results printed above.   

The many genuine autograph experts I have talked to who are members of “PADAH” (Preferred Autograph Dealers and Auction Houses)  all agree that the plethora of mistakes made by these so called companies who claim to authenticate have brought this hobby back to the late 1980’s. Many collectors who have had terrible experiences with autograph authenticators have chosen to leave the hobby.  For lack of collector support, some autograph dealers have closed shop.  All this, and not to even mention the history of authenticating companies black listing certain autograph dealers because they won’t utilize their services.

Results, many items listed by a dozen or so professional autograph dealers are having their items turned down as NOT authentic or unable to authenticate.

This is one sad state of affairs that needs to be investigated by law enforcement. 

A barber who gives a $20 haircut is required to have a license.  A so-called “expert” attempting to authenticate autographs can charge up to several hundred dollars and all they need is a pile of blank COA’s and some postage stamps.

        Autograph Companies Do Not Authenticate Autographs, People Do!

Goldin Auctions has up for bids a Mickey Mantle 1952 Bowman card signed and authenticated as genuine by PSA/DNA.The card is graded a #1 and the signature graded an 8.  We have said this over 1,000 times "companies don't authenticate autographs, people do." Who at PSA/DNA authenticated this card?  You will never find out as with anything they EVER authenticated. Wannabee persons who would like to be an autograph authenticator have no business authenticating and come to these comapnies like going through a revolving door!  One fairly well known Florida name once said "all you need is a postage stamp ad opinion and be labeled as an autograph authenticator."

PSA/DNA is standing firm that the autograph of Mckey Manlte is authentic. Not posted was what PSA/DNA charged to authenticate the card/signature and for encapsulation.

If sold the auction house believes the card will sell for between $250,000 and $500,000. Many collectors feel the card could sell for over one million dollars.

Out of nowhere comes Steve Grad. Grad once an employee of PSA/DNA was fired. Next, Grad shows up at Beckett Authentication and was fired. It doesn't appear that Grad was ever asked to authenticate the card that was authenticated by PSA/DNA. However he wants the sports community to know that he has volunteered his opinion and that is the signature of Mickey Mantle was some how signed by a "secretary"or a "bat boy" or etc.

Some postings on the Internet state that just maybe Grad has a vendetta agaist PSA/DNA for firing him.

Genuine autograph experts know the answer whether the signaure of Mickey Mantle is genuine or not. But we are going to let this play out between PSA/DNA and Grad.  Time may be coming where those who claim to be an autograph expert should be licensed, after all getting a $25 haircut will be given by a licensed barber!

Steve Grad hates everyone due to his insecurities and paranoia.  Some of his compiled comments on blogs and in person include.  These are just a few;

PSA/DNA (before they fired him)- All you need is a pulse to be an authenticator there

Beckett (before they fired him)- I got fired because PSA bought them

JSA (Before splitting with him)- I’m fucking tired of following his millions of dollars in fake autographs he authenticates

RR Auction- If I didn’t authenticate it in their catalog it’s because it’s fake

John Reznikoff- Stop the TV shows and articles.  You make us all look bad

Roger Epperson-  one dummer [sic] drummer[sic]

Steve Koschal- Never tell him the truth

Joe Orlando- Dumb ass

Bill Mastro- I handled millions of dollars worth of autographs for him (not explaining he was their shipper)

Heritage Auctions- “They are all my friends” while the employees made fun of him

Todd Mueller- Sheer away from him.  I have a restraining order against him because he threatened to kill me and that is why I fail everything he sales.

Autograph World- Should be called autograph outhouse.  Tiny little place full of old food.

Ron Kerujian-  Too careful and conservative.

On his role model; “I love R2D2."

On his several marriages- “It was just a fling, besides she was ugly”

On Pawn Stars- “Boy, did I look good.  I’m glad there was only a few fact checkers.”

On his faith- Harrison Ford is my god

In confidence to Press Pass; On those counterfeiting his COA’s and why he loves it- Now I can say all my mistakes are fake COA’s.

On his education- I went to Columbia University not mentioning he dropped out on the online school in Chicago where degree’s start at $29.99

On his formal authenticity training- Bill Mastro was my mentor (boasted about before he went to jail.)

On Raab authentication- They don’t bother me so I pass their stuff

On Mike Frost-  Don’t talk to him.  He passes millions of fakes and proves us wrong when you engage with him.

One autograph club called out Grad disgusted with him embracing his phony nonsense sent him the following letter before removing him from their club hoping he’d never pretend to be an autograph authenticator.

[no date but prior to Grad pretending he could authenticate a single autograph]

Dear Steve,

Your arrogance and refusal to learn the basics regarding autograph authentication make it imperative that we remove you from our club.  Your attitude and lack of attention brings our standards down to an unprecedented level.

Please, for the love of everything, get a new hobby. Maybe take up macramé or learn how to chew your food without sounding like a wood chipper. Stop pretending you are some phony genuine authenticator. You are just unbearable to listen too, talk too, or try to get you to comprehend reality vs. fiction, fake vs. real etc.

Wishing you the very best in your next career and we hope you heed this advice and try not to get revenge by pretending you are an authenticator down the road.

Another sad mistake made by an autograph auction house who relies on the "opiniion" of a high profile company who claims to authenticate autographs. In the current auction of RR Autographs, Lot # 353 the item is described as Lord Byron Signed Free Frank,

The franked envelope has a postmark of 1826. In addition from the same era, a collector has written in the date "1826."  Let it be known that Lord Byron died on April 19, 1824.

The signature of Byron was pre-certified by the "experts" at PSA/DNA. This also skipped the attention of those working at RR Auction.

Our thanks to a genuine autograph expert for bringing this to our attention. He prefers to remain anonymous.

You have to read and see this to believe it!

High profile companies  in the autograph hobby, continue to prove they have no place authenticting autographs.  The following is just one more example of how these home-made so-called authenticators have been proving they need to find another avocation.  This will continue until the uneducated collectors stop throwing their money away for useless opinions. There are many opinions from seasoned collectors that the authenticating of autographs by all these people who are hired (most with little or no experience) is nothing more than a scam that needs a congressional investigation.

Some poor collectors paid a huge sum to have a Mohandas Gandhi signed item authenticated and received contradicting C.O.A.'s.

James Spence issued a signed COA  on behalf of the PSADNA Authentication Team which included John Reznikoff as their History specialist.  The COA poorly described the item as a "signature" 3.25"x3" Lot # 25700 for Heritage Auctions on February 21, 2006  auction. Actually the poor description clearly indicates that the person or persons inspecting the Gandhi  had little or no experience.  Actually a more accurate description would be "On a 3.25"x3" portion of what was once an autograph note signed, Gandhi has written "my autograph. Yours sincerely M. K. Gandhi."  Those additional four words in Gandhi's hand will without question add additional value to this item.

See illustration below.

The poorly describd C.O.A. from PSA/DNA

Seventeen years later, Todd Mueller Autographs purchases a collection of autographs that included the same Gandhi autograph that was sold by Heritage Auctions back in 2006. This item was sold by Todd Mueller Autographs which included his C.O.A. dated 11/26/23. See illustration.

For what unknown reason, the collector who purchased the Gandhi from Todd Mueller decided to send the autograph to PSA/DNA  to get a second opinion hoping to boost the desirability of the item.  After wasting $100, most likely more, this is the opinion from the same company that said the item was genuine almost two decades ago. On January 04, 2024, now the "experts" at PSA/DNA issued seven reasons why the Gandhi was NOT AUTHENTIC.

 To set the record straight, the Gandhi item was mailed to Stephen Koschal for a final decision. Koschal declaired that his decision was the same as Todd Mueller. The Gandhi is without question GENUINE.

According to Todd Mueller, PSA/DNA has a long history of not passsing items sent to them that came from him.  Several other dealers also make the same claim. It seems that PSA/DNA has some sort of a black list of dealers and auction houses that refuses to use them.  Collectors, spend your money wisely!

For years you have read hundreds of stories of how the three top profile companies who "claim" to authenticate autograhs have misirably failed. Every once in a while, they do one of thier authentications that puts a smile on your face. This new example certainly does that and some uneducated collector paid for this service.

The item is a signed color photograph of Cary Yastrzemski. This was sold by a well known west coast in person collector..  This in-person collector is well respected and known throughout the hobby for quite a few decades.  

The uneducated collector/purchaser foolishly sent this photo to PDA/DNA to be authenticated.  Joke number "1", It came back as non authentic.

Now for some smile time. Joke #2, the COA spelt Carl Yastrzemski's name wrong on the certificate. This collector got two jokes for the price of one authentication. Such a deal!

Over the last several years Steve Grad has been invited to do an interview during the time of the National Sports Convention held in Chicago.  The event would be in a local hotel and would be recorded. Only 50 tickets would be available for collectors to attend the event. Grad did not respond to any of the invitations.

According to the Beckett Athentication websie they claim that Steve Grad is the world renownand  autograph expert. "Beckett Authentication Service is the onlyauthentication company you'll ever need."

The followng is just one example of an authentication sevice no one needs. This example is just one of a plethora of mis-authenticated authentications that have been made by Steve Grad.

Signatures of Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer are fairly common. Below see illustration of a baseball aurthenticated by Beckett. It states the signature of Stephen Breyer is authentic.

The followIing three examples are genuine signatures of Stephen Breyer's autograph.

This is.just one example of the quality of authentication you can expect from autograph expert Steve Grad.

Some uneducated collector paid to have this ball authenticated. Worse, another collector happy to see the ball authenticated bought the ball.

It certainly appears no research was done authenticating Breyer's signature and it appears Grad is just selling COA's.

Collections are chock full of mis-authenticated items by these third party authenticaors.   PLEASE, Steve Grad, face the hobby and explain?

It’s absolutely true that a large portion of online discussion about James Spence Authentication (JSA) is sharply divided — and in many corners, openly hostile. The pattern you’re noticing isn’t imagined; there is a long trail of public criticism, and it shows up across consumer‑protection sites, hobbyist forums, and review platforms. At the same time, there are also pockets of defenders who still consider JSA a market standard, especially in sports memorabilia.

Below is a structured, evidence‑based breakdown of what people are actually saying — not JSA’s marketing, but the sentiment reflected across independent platforms.

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from Anonymous-

I sent my autograph to James Spence Authentication and somehow got back a full psychological evaluation instead. These guys looked at a signed baseball and acted like they were decoding the Dead Sea Scrolls.

The process moved slower than dial-up internet in a snowstorm, the communication was about as clear as a Bigfoot sighting, and the final verdict made me question whether they authenticate signatures or just throw darts at a wall covered in celebrity names.

At one point I’m pretty sure my package toured more states than Taylor Swift before anyone even opened it.

Customer service responded with the enthusiasm of DMV employees working double overtime. Every email felt like I interrupted someone’s nap.

If confusion, delays, and mysterious opinions were Olympic sports, JSA would be bringing home gold medals. I’ve had fortune cookies provide more reliable authentication.

10/10 would recommend… to my worst enemy.

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From Florida

My experience with James Spence Authentication was extremely disappointing from start to finish. The company presents itself as an industry leader, but the service I received was unprofessional, inconsistent, and frustrating.

Communication was poor throughout the process. Updates were vague, responses were delayed, and it often felt impossible to get a clear answer from anyone. For a company handling valuable collectibles and memorabilia, the lack of transparency and customer care is unacceptable.

The turnaround time was far longer than promised, and the final authentication opinion raised more questions than answers. When customers are paying significant fees, they deserve consistency, accountability, and confidence in the expertise being provided. Unfortunately, I experienced none of those things.

What bothered me most was the attitude behind the service. Instead of treating customers respectfully, the experience felt dismissive and impersonal. There seems to be little concern for the amount of money and trust collectors place in this company.

After this experience, I would not recommend James Spence Authentication to serious collectors looking for reliable service or professional treatment.

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From Texas

I am submitting this as a formal complaint regarding my experience with James Spence Authentication (JSA) and their handling of an autograph authentication.

I submitted an autograph for review with the expectation that it would be evaluated using consistent, expert standards. The item was returned with a determination that it was not authentic. However, I have serious concerns about the accuracy and reliability of this conclusion.

The reasoning provided was limited and lacked sufficient detail to understand how the determination was reached. Given the value of the item and its provenance, I expected a more thorough explanation of the specific features or evidence that led to the rejection. That level of transparency was not provided.

In addition, I have since reviewed comparable authenticated examples and found significant inconsistencies between those exemplars and the determination made in my case. This raises legitimate concerns about inconsistency in evaluation standards or application of criteria.

When a company markets itself as an authority in autograph authentication, customers rely on its expertise to be consistent, objective, and defensible. In my experience, the process did not meet that standard.

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Unknown location

James Spence Authentication deserves an F minus in my opinion.  I bought items from their own authenticators and they failed them all!  I bought 22 items off ebay verified as authenticated by JSA on their own Cert Verification, photoshopped out their stickers and submitted them to JSA and they failed all 22 of their own items previously authenticated by them! 

Their main authenticator can be seen through his mug shot for stealing six figures of inventory from a Florida dealer who invited them to authenticate his items, not steal them and James Spence claimed they weren’t responsible for this.  They failed a Mike Trout baseball that had a steiner sticker of authenticity on the back SS over the commissioner’s mark.  They failed a John Wayne signed page based off the collector writing in pencil; “John Wayne” on the back of the page.  They didn’t even turn it over to notice John Wayne’s authentic signature on the side he signed.  I wasn’t paying them to authenticate the collector’s notes on the back!  They don’t return phone calls.  I see all over the internet they are the worst behind Beckett and Global and now even Autograph COA whoever they are.  If you want your autographs to be mis-authenticated, your in person signatures you yourself obtained, or material you bought from their own so-called authenticators that they fail, JSA is the place to go.  If you have that much money to waste it could be better spent throwing it off a bridge as at least someone in need could get it.  James Spence Authentication stands for Just shitty authentication in my opinion.  A former JSA authenticator told me their exemplars are eBay which is known as the worse place to purchase autographs with some saying 99% being counterfeited. 

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Someone clearly upset who signed in as a plant-

James Spence Authentication has mastered the art of charging premium prices for bargain-bin competence. Their “experts” seem like they authenticate memorabilia using a Magic 8 Ball and pure arrogance.

The entire experience felt like sending my item into a black hole where communication, accountability, and common sense go to die. Every update sounded copy-pasted by someone who genuinely hates customers.

Their opinions swing harder than a screen door in a hurricane. One day something is authentic, the next day it apparently isn’t. At this point I’d trust a random guy outside a pawn shop with a flashlight before trusting JSA.

The turnaround time was absurd. I’ve seen glaciers move with more urgency. By the time they finished, I half expected my autograph to qualify as a historical artifact.

If you enjoy wasting money, questioning your sanity, and getting treated like an inconvenience, James Spence Authentication is the perfect experience.

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Steve Grad

"I'm sick and tired of following the millions of fuck ups by James Spence" before being fired from Beckett when purchased by PSA

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From a dealer on the East Coast who is a runner (obtaining autographs in person himself)-

I’ve lost confidence in James Spence Authentication due to what feels like a lack of transparency and consistency in their process.

From the outside, the experience raises serious concerns: unclear explanations for decisions, inconsistent results on similar items, and communication that often leaves customers with more questions than answers. When a company is handling high-value collectibles, that kind of uncertainty is a major problem.

The biggest issue is trust. Customers are expected to rely on expert judgment, yet the reasoning behind conclusions is often not clearly explained or easy to verify. Combined with long delays and poor communication, it creates an impression of a process that is not as accountable or consistent as it should be.

Whether intentional or not, the end result is a system that feels unreliable and difficult for collectors to have confidence in.

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Seen on a blog

This situation with James Spence Authentication has seriously shaken confidence in their entire operation.

When the people responsible for authentication are under scrutiny or controversy, it raises obvious questions about the reliability of every opinion they’ve issued. Collectors aren’t just paying for a sticker or paperwork — they’re paying for trust, expertise, and integrity. And right now, that trust feels deeply compromised.

What makes it worse is the lack of clarity and accountability. Instead of transparency and straightforward explanations, customers are left dealing with vague decisions and inconsistent standards that don’t inspire confidence.

At this point, it’s hard to ignore how unstable the whole system feels. Serious collectors deserve a process that is transparent, consistent, and above suspicion — not one surrounded by confusion and controversy.

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Collector states Jeff Foxworthy wrote this when informed JSA failed his autograph-

James Spence Authentication is the kind of company that makes you wonder if the “authentication” process is just three guys in a basement arguing over Google Images while a blindfolded intern flips a coin.

I sent in an autograph and got back an opinion with all the confidence of a drunk guy explaining UFOs at a gas station. The turnaround time was so painfully slow I thought they were personally traveling to interview the dead celebrity themselves.

Customer service? Absolutely legendary — if your goal is to feel ignored, irritated, and slowly lose faith in humanity. Emails disappear into the void faster than socks in a dryer. When they finally respond, it feels like they’re annoyed you exist.

The pricing is hilarious too. You pay premium money for a process that feels less organized than a middle school group project. By the end of it, I trusted gas station sushi more than their expertise.

Honestly, I’ve seen more consistency from carnival psychics and Craigslist mechanics.

If incompetence had a Hall of Fame plaque, James Spence Authentication would certify it as authentic.

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A first time customer who sent in the only item he ever got himself-

I am beyond disappointed with James Spence Authentication. This was one of the most frustrating experiences I’ve had with any company, especially one that claims to be a trusted authority in the collectibles industry.

The communication was terrible. Emails went unanswered for long periods of time, updates were unclear, and getting a straight answer felt impossible. For the amount of money they charge, the level of customer service is unacceptable.

The turnaround time was ridiculous, and when I finally received the results, the explanation provided felt rushed, vague, and completely unhelpful. There was no effort to make the customer feel valued or respected. Instead, the entire process felt cold, dismissive, and arrogant.

Collectors send valuable items to this company expecting professionalism and expertise. What I experienced was disorganization, poor communication, and a complete lack of accountability.

After dealing with James Spence Authentication, I have zero confidence in their process and would never trust them again with another item.

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Newspaper article in California

The non‑obvious truth

The autograph authentication industry is not regulated, not standardized, and not required to justify its decisions. A “COA” is not a scientific certification — it’s an opinion, and sometimes not a very good one.  And the firm who won’t tell you whose opinion is knows it’s already a bad opinion or they wouldn’t hide who their people even are.

I blame this on JSA pretending in a subjective industry that they pretend to be objective- They aren’t!

Perhaps it’s due to the high-volume business model they have that replaces careful examination?

They typically authenticated based off source which should never be an issue to corrupt their illogical biasness

They say it was based off a gut feeling instead of documented methodology

They face no consequences for inconsistency.

I’m  not alone — many advanced collectors eventually stop using third‑party authentication entirely based off everything you pay JSA to do from receiving the packages and losing them, to damaging them while in their possession, to rendering the item the wrong person and giving a standardized letter of rejection with the same list of BS with nothing checked.  All this from beginning to end is why I would never ever recommend JSA and this is if they don’t downright steal your items or lose them and blame that on anyone but their own incompetence from start to finish!

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These are just a few examples.  I don't know if the internet or Grid could handle them all.  It's not good.  If they are the leader everyone should stop collecting or submitting anything or you may find yourself deep in the desert all alone under the pretense that the fountain of youth is somewhere there.  But all you see are skulls!

                                                               Tom Brady Is His Hero

                                              The 12-Year-Old Cancer Victim Fan Gets to Meet Him

Make-A-Wish is a nonprofit organization that grants life-changing wishes to children with critical illnesses.

Young Axton Robertson admired  Tom Brady during the quarterback’s time with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Now, after years of admiration, the 12-year-old from Tennessee finally got the chance to meet his hero in person.

During the Fanatics Fest in New York City, Axton’s long-awaited wish came true — thanks to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

The day finally arrived and the nervous Axton, dressed in the red shirt got to spend some precious time meeting Tom Brady, played catch with him and got several autographs.

 One of the favorite items autographed by Tom Brady was presented to JSA Authentication to be examined.

 JSA failed Tom Brady's autograph, in addition calling it a terrible forgery.  Axton cried upon hearing this,  but has since learned as well as numerous others that the authentication service is completely unreliable. Axton said “Tom signed it right in front of me.”

 Most in the autograph hobby cannot even comprehend the amount of mis-authenticated  autographs are in the hobby.  The high profile so-called authenticators were paid dearly for the authentications. Worse how many autographs were authenticated  claiming to be a different celebrity.

 Solution, educate autograph collectors about paying for a COA from a company whose staff offers  only an “opinion ” or even a guess.  Most staff with these type companies have no business authenticating autographs. Most of the top persons authenticating have horrific backgrounds.’

 Why do many auction houses use these horrific authenticating companies?  As one of the major auction houses explained to me….. 
I don’t care if the item is good or bad.  If the ABC Authenticating company says it’s good, I’ll sell it!”

 Another solution is before making a purchase, make sure the autograph company is a member of “PADAH.”  The “PADAH” website can be found on the homepage of this website. See listed are the 70+ professional autograph dealers, worldwide, that have passed the admission standards. If your choice of a dealer is not listed, better ask them why!

Can one wonder why all the mistakes made by JSA?  Look at their team...

James Spence Jr.

James Spence III

Ryan Spence

Robert Wharton

Kris Jones

Rick Chen

Have readers ever heard of any of them?  Maybe just Spense Jr. You may be shocked to know his background/experience.

Two different sources said today Sunday the 1st of March that the rumor is Steve Grad is stepping down from authenticating autographs at Beckett. This comes after two requests from www.theautographplanet.com  for him to step down from authenticating autographs. 

The first  request was made on  December 13, 2025. A second request was made just recently on Feburary 12, 2026.  It certainly appears that the numerous amount of well documented mis-authenticating made over the years has taken its toll.

It is well known that the mistakes made by so-called self described autograph authenticators have been the cause of many to stop collecting autographs.

Much damage has been done to the hobby since these self appointed autograph experts have entered the hobby. Little or even no experience was necessary!

It is the hope of many, that collectors will smarten up and rely on adding to their collections items purchased from professional autogarph dealers, especially those who are members of PADAH.

More and more autograph collectors and dealers are coming on board requesting Steve Grad of Beckett resign fror authenticating autographs.  Mis-authenticated autographs by Steve Grad the senior authenticator at Beckett Authentication is beyond out of hand.  The mistakes made by Grad seems unlimited and his ability to authenticate autographs seem to be a scam.

Most of the persons who claim they can authenticate autographs base their fees on the value of the autograph.  Guess who determines the value?  The person/company who does the so-called authenticting.

The following example was sent in by a concerned autograph collector/dealer.

George Harrison, one of the Beatles, is a very popular signature that is collected world-wide.  Over the decades, there seems to be an unlimited amount of his autogarphs that have been offered for sale.  Problem is many of the autographs offered for sale, especially on ebay are not genuine. 

The following signed photograph of George Harrisson was sent to a few dealers who are members of "PADAH" (Preferred Autograph Dealers & Auction Houses).  it is so bad, not one experts thought this example was someone's joke but a very miserable error made by someone who should not be authenticating autographs. Two of the experts stated this is the worst forgery of Gorge Harrison's signature they have ever seen.

We don't know what the person paid  for this "signed" photograph, but it is also a damn shame what they paid for the authentication. Many collectors who experience this quality of authentication from rascals, have left the hobby.   Ask any person who sells autographs and they will tell you the maket is in shambles. Many believe if serious autograph collecting stays alive, it may take decades for the need of aurthenticating scamers to be licensed.

In the meantime, these incidents will continue to occur unless ignorant collectors avoid supporting these authenticating services and deal with professional autograph dealers who offer a guarantee and issue a properly filled out bill of sale. Your ONLY legal document,  The COA's like the one issued above are nothing less that someone's opinion.  A judge once said you can even have a parrot give an opinion!

Over and over the so called "experts" still can't get it right.  But, then again they only give you an opinion for your hard earned money. Harder than being an real expert, try finding out the name of the person at the authenticating company who gave you their best guess.

IMPOSSIBLE!

Play autograph authenticator for a few minutes. The first illustration is a record album said to be signed by Liza  authenticated by JSA.Is PSA right on thier guess?

Beckett's guess is that the following is genuine.

One or both of the above is wrong.  Can anyone believe that both of these signatures were signed by the same hand?

Now, let's go across the pond and see how things are different or the same.  Is anyone is familiar with an outfit names Autografica?

They have an impressive 18,236 positive feedbacks.  How does this signature compare with the first two illustrated above?

Answer is, it doesn't!  This seller of autographs tries to impress you stating  that they are a member of the U.A.C.C.

The U.A.C.C. struggling for many years finally went caput. The new U.A.C.C. has been trying for some time to ressurect and  it only has 15 members.  Autografica is not one of them.

I have to believe the three items illustrated above are signed by three different hands.

To put readers at ease, the following two illustrations have been hand signed by Liza Minelli.

Recommended, should you have something in your collection that comes with a COA from any of the three high profile authenticating companies, take a closer look and do your own research.

Now, you may understand why the PADAH group does not have to give a refund based on someone who spent money and got a guess from a company who claims to authenticate autographs.

See the impressive list of PADAH dealers by clicking on PADAH on this home page.

National Sports Card Convention could clean up the autograph and forgery problem

Posted by stephen koschal on July 27, 2025 at 5:39pm

 With all the forgeries now entering the market, it's up to the big boys to once again take charge and do something about it. The National Sports Card Convention would be a  great place to start.  Assuring collectors who will stand in line to get into the convention could be assured that the owners of the National are doing all they can to ensure the dealers exhibiting are doing their best that all autographs sold are genuine.  The National could in their advertisements make a statement that an un-identified autograph expert will be walking the floors looking at autographs that are on display and are for sale.  This alone, would stop some sellers from bringing in for sale some questionable autographs.The National should not have such a short memory that not long ago one seller of autographs that was selling forgeries to  several dealers was removed from the show by security.  This event, this same dealer will have a booth at the show.  I'm positive there are dealers on the waiting list for a booth and not have to rely selling a booth to someone with such a questionable background.  The National should take the lead during these troubled times and give collectors and new dealers some piece of mind.

Stephen Koschal

Colorado Springs, Co

Encapsulated Autographs - Collectors Might Want to Reconsider

Posted by stephen koschal on August 20, 2025 at 5:12pm

As time goes by, things start to turn up. When a collector purchases a desirable autograph, they want to feel the item that  the celebrity actually touched and signed. Putting your treasured autograph in a "coffin" makes little sense.

The fact that a thrid party "authenticating company" handled your item and in many cases mis-authenticated the item is sad enough. This is very common.  The fact that they charged you for the mis-authenticaion is a disgrace then to  get you for an additional fee for encapsulating adds insanity to an already "guess" on the authentication.

The following is just one of many examples of a mis-authenticated autograph that some collector paid two fees.

The "experts" at PSA/DNA clearly state the signature of Justin Verlander is AUTHENTIC.

The collector was cahrged a fee for this "expert" opinion"  Wonder how much time was put into authenticating this signature.

On the back of this card is a statement stating the signature is a reproduction.

These mistakes are common when a company who "claims" to authenticate autographs proves thier worth.

This card tells the "expert" in print the signature is a reproduction.  Many signatures that have been mis-authenticated do not have a warning on the back of the item.  However, many signatures may have a note in pencil stating "Autopen", "Secrearial," "forged", etc that is overlooked.

Now, let's take a moment to discuss an additional tragedy named encapsulation.

What do we know of the plastics that are used by these authenticators.  Under good conditions, paper is expected to breathe.  Paper, 3"x5" etc, are not meant to be placed in a "coffin" made of plastic which is made from oil.

Over time, this is what you may expect. This holder is supposed to be high quality found in most sports card shops

To date, who knows how much time needs to pass as the yellowing gets to the signature. 

Signatures are meant to be kept in a dark place, free of moisture and handled with care.

At this time it is best to avoid gimmics created by companies trying to trick you into an additional fee.

Certificates of Authenticity For Sale

Posted by stephen koschal on September 22, 2024 at 2:44pm

Autograph Authentication - Who to Choose

Posted by stephen koschal on September 10, 2024 at 3:45pm

It's important to note that I cannot guarantee that any item will pass aurthentication by a third-party authenticator. Authentication decisions are influenced by various factors, including the methods and criteria used by the authenticator, as well as the specific context in which the item was obtained. Most important is the quality of the reference material available to the authenticator and their abiliy of knowing how to use it.  This is just one example why there are so many differences of opinion between authenticating companies when one or more authenticators are used for the same item.

Third-party authenticating companies often have multiple employees who interpet differently the standards used to authenticate, this is a reason why individual assessments can still vary.

Therefore, no item can ever be guaranteed to pass authentication, as each companies evaluative process is unique and subjective.

As sellers and auctioneers of autographs, members of PADAH (Preferred Autograph Dealers and Auction Houses) our reputation is our main concern.  All members passed strict scrutiny and each provides an accurate description and representations of the items they sell.

Guarantees about third-party authentication would not be ethical or professional, given the inherent variability in the authentication process.

Remember, legally, the most important document a collector needs is a properly filled out receipt from a member of PADAH.