Third Party Authentication

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.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1N1N37y4pg4uC_BuzuaDZGjr4OSkU9ZJa/view?usp=sharing

Buzz Aldrin, the second man to walk on the moon is now 95 years old.  Autograph forgers have found now is the time to start thier sleezy work. Forgeries of Buzz Aldrin's signature are now becoming somewhat common.  See two terrible forged signaures of Buzz Aldrin below. 

To no surprise the first illustration is authenticated as genuine by JSA.  This is one of a plethora of autographs certified as genuine that are worthless by those who call themselves autograph authenticators.

To an untrained eye, the second signature was authenticated by a seller of autographs who proudly advertises they are a member of the defunct UACC.   The whole thing, including the three word sentiment is VERY poorly executed.  It's amazing that someone would attach their name to this piece of garbage. The forger adding the three word sentiment thought this would make the item an easy sell.  WRONG!  There's something in this sentiment that is a dead give away as to it being a forgery.  I'll tell you if you ask.

Illustrated below are two more worthless forgeries. If you get fooled, just look at these prices.  Wait till you try to sell them at a later date.  This is enough to get you to find another hobby!

The following are two examples of books genuinly signd by Buzz Aldrin.

Like anything else nothing is 100% perfect however for over 55 years I have been writing to choose an inscribed and signed book over one simply signed. Afterall, autograph collecting is all about handwriting and signatures. Don't turn down that book inscribed and signed by Lincoln just because it is inscribed to someone else.

BEST WAY TO AVOID PURCHASING A FORGED AUTOGRAPH, purchase the item from one of the 70+ professional autograph dealers and auction houses.  PADAH  (Preferred Autograph Dealers and Auction Houses) IS THE LARGEST AUTOGRAPH DEALER ORGANIZATION IN THE WORLD.  NOT ONE COMPLAINT AGAINST ONE IF ITS MEMBERS SINCE ITS INCEPTION.

This one story is about as bad as it can get.  This is a perfect example why the hobby is in a decline.  This is also another reason why this collector could be done with this hobby.

The following illustration is said to be a genuine signature of astronaut Scott Carpenter.  The genius who thoroughly examined this autograph is a person (you'll never know who) called an "expert" at JSA.  See illustration below.

Put a few drops in your eyes and see the back of this card. This authenticating company was proud to place their sticker on the item which usually decreases the value of an autographed item. In this case you can't destroy an item that is already mis-authenticated.

Below are four illustrations of genuine signatures of Scott Carpenter.

Most can understand why "PADAH"  a group of over 70 professional autograph dealers and auction houses do not have to refund for any item that comes with a COA from a high profile company who claims to authenticate autographs.

Don't say you haven't been warned for years about the inability of the high profile authenticators who are unable to authenticate autographs accurately.  One "expert" sold ladders at a hardware business.  He thought he knew how to climb to the top of authenticating.   Another was caught selling bogus autographs out of a shopping cart at the National Sports Card Convention in Chicago. He was removed from the show by law enforcement. Later in a court of law he was asked if he was the person that sold bad autographs at the event and his response was "I don't recall."

A Chief Executive Officer of a third high profile authenticating company admitted to me, in writing "In a twelve month period .....admitted they paid over $300,000 for errors."  Of course the little guy is usually ignored and only the very active customer gets the attention.

A very recent email from a well known collector wrote the following.  Amazing after all the warnings throughout the years, there are still a handfull caught up in the autograph authenticating racket.  Read the following twice to ensure you fully understand the serverity of the text.

BREAKING NEWS: Sports memorabilia dealer admits scamming collectors in bizarre, $350M fraud and forgery scheme

A sports collectibles dealer claims he sold more than four million forged and fake memorabilia items, scamming the hobby for more than $350 million in illegal sales.

One of the largest sports collectibles forgery rings in the hobby has been busted in a bizarre fraud and forgery case that is still developing.

The Westfield (Ind.) Police Department raided two locations on Tuesday and Wednesday, loading semi-trucks with seized items. The department confirmed Wednesday night that it discovered a dead body at one of the locations. Police did not release the name of the individual, but confirmed that they died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Sports collectibles dealer Brett Lemieux published a post in the Facebook group Autographs 101 admitting to forging millions of athlete autographs and holograms over the past 20 years under the company name Mister Mancave.

“Mistermancave has sold over 4 million items. Yes million. Surpassed 350 million in sales,” Lemieux stated in his manifesto on Wednesday.

“Huge forger finally went down yesterday... insane details are floating out there today. One of the biggest on eBay. Insane stuff. Maybe one of the biggest forgery rings in the history of autographs.

“It's gonna blow away Operation Bullpen. It will make that look like small beans,”

On Wednesday night, the Westfield Police confirmed that it had executed a search warrant in the 16800 block of South Park Dr. regarding a counterfeit sports memorabilia scheme. According to police, it extended its search on Wednesday to the 300 block of Hoover Street, where it found an individual who was deceased with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. It did not release the name of the deceased individual.

Westfield is about 20 miles north of Indianapolis in Hamilton County. The 340 E. Hoover St. property is owned by Club Wag Investments LLC. According to Hamilton County property records, Brett Lemieux is listed as the registered agent for the company.

The City of Westfield provided no additional information and said the investigation is ongoing with assistance from the FBI.

Lemieux said Mister Mancave sold and produced items with fake holograms from some of the largest companies in the sports collectibles industry. 

“It was an addiction,” Lemieux wrote. “How many items can I sell and give a front of a huge company. I did it for years. Purchased millions of dollars of legit items. Mixed it until [name withheld] found the hologram connect. Then I had the bank roll to buy even more. Do more signings. Every one item from a signing turned into 10,000. And it was certified. 95% of the [Patrick] Mahomes and Aaron [Judge] on the market are sold by me. Basically every autograph sold in the last 25 years you should have it looked at. It’s fake and someone sold it to you other than me. I wish I had the exact dollar number of money taken in from this and I’ll go to my grave never knowing. I kept this secret from everyone.”

Lemieux goes on to say that his family and friends had no idea what was going on. The business was run so well that even employees who worked for him didn’t have a clue that the items that they were selling were forgeries.

“The building was seized and I let it happen,” Lemieux wrote on Facebook. “The run is done. There’s over 500-700 MILLION dollars in value of holograms and cards in there. Let that sink in. Every company I’ve touched is now my b****. That was my goal. Once you came at me or spoke my name I went after you and your company directly. Intentionally.”

Lemieux said authorities raided the building housing the memorabilia in Westfield, a suburb of Indianapolis. 

“It was a thrill having every athlete in every sport from every authentication company at your fingertips to produce the signature flawless, authenticate it with flawless bootleg holograms and then sell it for half of what a company does by the 1,000s,” Lemieux wrote. “That’s all I spent my time and my life on. What was the next item to do. Next name. Next flawless signature. 

“I was addicted. It was a rush. I wanted out. But the money was too good. I can make [$]100,000 in a week if I wanted to. The fact that not one dealer that knew what we were doing to the industry, or when I took their exclusive, no one ever picked up a phone to confront me. That baffled me. I told multiple dealers I will ruin you and your exclusive. They knew better.”

“You will see a boom in bad autographs with good stickers hitting the market like a firestorm,” Lemieux wrote. “I sold over 2 million in just holograms to every avenue I could.”

Lemieux ended his Facebook rant by saying: “Enjoy the industry all.”

The "experts" can't!

The following example of 3 Eisenhower signatures are being offered by a well known seller of autographs. The seller obviously does not know a real from a secretarial signauture so depends on the knowledge of a company who claims to authenticate autographs. Chosen for their "expert" opinion was PSADNA.
Of the three examples illustrated above, only one is hand signed by Dwight D. Eisenhower.  Can you tell which is the genuine signature?   About the other two, many dozens of these secretarial signatures have flooded the hobby recently through a New England auction house that sells autographs.  For a mere $12.00 plus $4 shipping both the auction house and the "experts" at PSA/DNA should no longer continue to make these mistakes.  The book is 42 pages in length and is very heavily illustrated.

The information on how to tell a genuine signature of Eisenhower from a secretarial, has been around for several years. How far behind are the so called "experts" at auction houses and the "experts" at autograph authenticating companies in updating their reference material?

Some copies still available, can be obtained by logging onto www.stephenkoschal.com and scroll down to "Reference Books."

No autograph reference library should be without a copy.

In the meantime the person who has possession of the above example needs to return this item for a full refund.  The original person who had paid for the authentication and slabbing should request a refund from the authenticating company.

The answer, which is the genuine signature of Dwight D. Eisenhower, it is the one in the middle.

Thanks Bill K. for alerting me of this crap.

I just checked the PSA website and it was very difficult to find where their autograph experts are listed. There may be a good reason for this. 

Bill came across a Houdini signature slabbed by PSA that is as funny as not getting a refund based on something that was authenticated by a numbskull.

Here's the slabbed signature authenticated by (who knows who) and you'll never findout.

It may appear to some that Houdini was a greater magician than most believe. Can it be believed that Houdini was able to sign this page about 20 years after his death.  One of the autograph  "experts" at PSA believes so!   PSA's website states the following are their experts.

Bill Corcoran, Kevin Keating, John Reznikoff and Tom Poon.  (Who would like to take the credit)?

The not so funny part of this is this page was removed from an autograph album that was manufactured in 1945.    According to the "experts" Houdini, the magician was able to sign this page 20 years after his death.   So much for authenticators thoroughly examining an autograph.  Another example of a collector wasting thier money on an authentication and adding the insult of having it slabbed.