Question on Baseball Signature Authentication

[Number13]

I have a large collection of signed baseballs from when I went to shows back in the 80's and was wondering if it would be worth getting them authenticated? It's a long list, but it includes Mantle, DiMaggio....stars from 50's 60s 70s & 80s.

Thanks

[sportsnbikes]

Re: Question on Baseball Signature Authentication

I don't trust any of those companies who do 3rd party authentication. I have had too many items obtained in person that they said weren't authentic. Maybe it'll be different with the older big name players but I have a real distaste for the 3rd party authenticators. After all, it is just an "opionion". I don't see how with the amount of volume they do that an "expert" is the one that looks at every single item.

[earlywynnfan]

Re: Question on Baseball Signature Authentication

I have a large collection of signed baseballs from when I went to shows back in the 80's and was wondering if it would be worth getting them authenticated? It's a long list, but it includes Mantle, DiMaggio....stars from 50's 60s 70s & 80s.

Thanks

Are you selling? If so, do you plan to sell individually or as a group? Will you be using ebay?

I abhor the authenticators myself. However, many buyers are sheep and want the lazy protection a JSA/PSA cert gives them.

I'd post the biggies on Net54, they'll let you know their opinions. I'd also consider throwing them up for sale there before ebay.

Ken

[Number13]

Re: Question on Baseball Signature Authentication

At this point, I am not selling. I am no where even close to even thinking about it. I was looking at authentication for insurance purposes. I too have a worry that I would send something in that I know 100% I went and got would be sent back to me as not authentic. For me, the value is in the chance to meet the players and actually shake their hand.

I went to the last Chicago National and got to get a signature I thought I would never get. I was able to meet and get a ball signed by Al Kaline, my childhood idol. This was the first time in probably 25 years that I went to a show and got a signature. Waiting in line with my wife to get his signature brought back a lot of great memories I have with my dad going to shows and meeting all the great ball players. I felt like I was 12 years old again waiting with so much anticipation. My wife said I was like a little kid that entire day. And when I finally got to meet Al and shake his hand, it was one of the greatest feelings I had had in a very long time.

Many of the balls that I have are of players that are no longer with us, and for me there is not a price anyone could throw out there to get me to hand over any of them. I know that sounds cliche, but I know in my heart that it is 100% true. The memories mean more to me than anything else.

[ironmanfan]

Re: Question on Baseball Signature Authentication

If you are thinking solely for insurance purposes, most carriers will simply allow you to schedule these as a rider on your policy with a value attached to each ball...As far as what values to use, there are plenty of sources, but I'd use the SMR values posted by PSA in their monthly publication.

[earlywynnfan]

Re: Question on Baseball Signature Authentication

Then PLEASE don't waste your money getting hologams stuck on these.

Ken

[trsent]

Re: Question on Baseball Signature Authentication

I disagree with many who have previously posted, but I trust PSA/DNA and only PSA/DNA to certify autographed baseballs. Some of the other companies in this industry are trusted, but if you look at realized and completed prices on eBay you'll see a higher premium paid for items with PSA/DNA certification.

I buy quite a few uncertified baseballs on eBay myself, and funny thing is Ken aka earlywynnfan is one of the few people I see list baseballs uncertified and he gets good prices for them. Quite a reputation he has. Most other sellers do not get premiums for genuine balls as the public is getting smarter and smarted these days to fraud and misrepresentation.

[Number13]

Re: Question on Baseball Signature Authentication

Question:

Let's say I would send in one of my Mantle balls that I know is 100% legit, like every other ball I own, to PSA/DNA and pay their fee and they come back to me saying it is not real. Am I out my fee that I pay to them?

[earlywynnfan]

Re: Question on Baseball Signature Authentication

Question:

Let's say I would send in one of my Mantle balls that I know is 100% legit, like every other ball I own, to PSA/DNA and pay their fee and they come back to me saying it is not real. Am I out my fee that I pay to them?

yes, the fee was for the authentication process, which is what you get when they decided their opinion. Now, if they deem it inconclusive, you'll get a voucher to use later.

[sportsnbikes]

Re: Question on Baseball Signature Authentication

The issue that I see is that there are so many Mantle and Williams forgeries out there. If you're not selling them, I'd save the cash and just enjoy them.