Tom Luxsox Coins

Proof Coa

This article is directed at any signature collector or someone wishing to simply buy an autographed copy of any item from a book, painting, historical object, photo, or anything hand-signed. As part of the incentive to buy, you probably will be offered a COA or Certificate of Authenticity or LOA, letter of Authenticity. It a document that states that the item is genuine. In other words, it was hand-signed. It could be a baseball signed by Mickey Mantles or a record autographed by Elvis Presley. Without one, you just have a signed item. But with it, you now have a signed item and a piece of paper. Now, don't you feel better? You don't?

There's a reason. Suppose you just spent $500 to buy a John Wayne autographed photo on eBay. The dealer or seller explains they get their autographs from other reputable dealers and they issued the COA's. Let's say it came from Honest-To-Goodness Collectibles of El Paso, Texas. They have a post office box for an address. The COA says that they guarantee that the photo is hand-signed and genuine for life. Sounds pretty good, right? Wrong! Let's look at that again. A P.O. Box is really no address at all. And they say it was hand-signed, but by who? John Wayne or the storeowner? Finally, a lifetime guarantee is referring to whose lifetime? And what if you find out it's a fake? Who are you going to call? Autograph-busters?

See my point. This pretty piece of paper that can be created in seconds on any computer is a security blanket with lots of loopholes. As someone who has been taken advantage of in the past, let me explain the facts of life for any collector of autographs. This is a true example. I bought a signed item a while ago with a COA. After doing some of my own online investigation, I became convinced that the signature was a fake. I called up the company that issued the COA and this is what transpired.

Me: The signature is a fake and I want my money back.

Them: Can you prove it?

Me: Yes, I have an opinion from a reputable forensic group.

Them: Is it in writing?

Me: Yes.

Them: Is it from one of our recognized experts?

Me: You mean you have your own list of experts?

Them: Yes, and it has to be from one of ours. It has to be in writing and it must state that they are hundred percent sure it is not real and that they would be able to state that fact in a court of law.

Me: No one would do that. No one could be positive of anything unless they personally saw it signed.

Them: Exactly. So, unless you have conclusive proof that it wasn't signed by the celebrity in question, we do not have to do anything. And have a nice day.

That was the conversation. I imagine that any other company that issues COAs would take the same approach. You must be able to prove beyond any doubt that the signature is fake. Yet no one can guarantee an autograph is real unless it was witnessed in person. So the burden of proof is lifted from the COA issuer and placed squarely on the buyer's shoulders. The same is true for a painting by Picasso or an original phonograph built by Thomas Edison. The guarantee of authenticity is only as good as the reputation of the seller or original issuer. That doesn't mean that all COA's are worthless, but it's rather like the US dollar. When it was backed by gold, it was solid. Now that it's backed by a promise from the Federal Reserve, its worth is now based on the financial condition of the US. And that could be good or lousy, at any given moment.

So, a word to the wise: do your own homework on the item and signature first. Then make sure the item is priced fairly. For instance, an original Neil Armstrong moonwalker signature for twenty bucks is an obvious fake considering his signature can be worth thousands. Then, assume the COA is entirely worthless, regardless of who it's from, because even the "experts" make mistakes all the time, both for and against autographs. Then buy it because it's great to own and not as an investment. Because, down the road, you may discover it's not what it seems to be and that will be a rather sad day for you. But it's also a fact of life in the autograph game. I hope this helps and happy collecting!

Jeffrey Hauser was a sales consultant for the Bell System Yellow Pages for nearly 25 years. He graduated from Pratt Institute with a BFA in Advertising and has a Master's Degree in teaching. He had his own advertising agency in Scottsdale, Arizona and ran a consulting and design firm, ABC Advertising. He authored a book about his directory years, "Inside the Yellow Pages" which can be seen at his website, http://www.poweradbook.com and he is officially retired.

Autographed McAdoo Picture - 8x10 PROOF COA $131.5 Autographed McAdoo Picture - 8x10 PROOF COA Buffalo Braves Bob McAdoo Signed 8x10 Photo PROOF COAEvery signed item comes fully certified with a tamper proof hologram certificate of authenticity and is backed by the SportsMemorabilia.com Authenticity Guarantee.

Signed McAdoo Picture - 8x10 PROOF COA $131.5 Signed McAdoo Picture - 8x10 PROOF COA Buffalo Braves Bob McAdoo Signed 8x10 Photo PROOF COAEvery signed item comes fully certified with a tamper proof hologram certificate of authenticity and is backed by the SportsMemorabilia.com Authenticity Guarantee.

Frank Gore Autographed Football - PROOF COA $181.6 Frank Gore Autographed Football - PROOF COA 49ers Frank Gore Signed Wilson NFL Football PROOF COAEvery signed item comes fully certified with a tamper proof hologram certificate of authenticity and is backed by the SportsMemorabilia.com Authenticity Guarantee.

Jermaine Gresham Autographed Mini Helmet - PROOF COA $181.6 Jermaine Gresham Autographed Mini Helmet - PROOF COA Jermaine Gresham Signed Bengals Mini Helmet PROOF COAEvery signed item comes fully certified with a tamper proof hologram certificate of authenticity and is backed by the SportsMemorabilia.com Authenticity Guarantee.

Jermaine Gresham Signed Mini Helmet - PROOF COA $181.6 Jermaine Gresham Signed Mini Helmet - PROOF COA Jermaine Gresham Signed Bengals Mini Helmet PROOF COAEvery signed item comes fully certified with a tamper proof hologram certificate of authenticity and is backed by the SportsMemorabilia.com Authenticity Guarantee.

Autographed Corey Brewer Picture - 8x10 PROOF COA $131.5 Autographed Corey Brewer Picture - 8x10 PROOF COA Corey Brewer Signed Florida Gators 8x10 Photo PROOF COAEvery signed item comes fully certified with a tamper proof hologram certificate of authenticity and is backed by the SportsMemorabilia.com Authenticity Guarantee.

Signed Corey Brewer Picture - 8x10 PROOF COA $131.5 Signed Corey Brewer Picture - 8x10 PROOF COA Corey Brewer Signed Florida Gators 8x10 Photo PROOF COAEvery signed item comes fully certified with a tamper proof hologram certificate of authenticity and is backed by the SportsMemorabilia.com Authenticity Guarantee.

Signed Jonny Flynn Photograph - 8x10 PROOF COA $131.5 Signed Jonny Flynn Photograph - 8x10 PROOF COA Jonny Flynn Signed Timberwolves 8x10 Photo PROOF COAEvery signed item comes fully certified with a tamper proof hologram certificate of authenticity and is backed by the SportsMemorabilia.com Authenticity Guarantee.

Signed Reggie Theus Photograph - 8x10 PROOF COA $131.5 Signed Reggie Theus Photograph - 8x10 PROOF COA Reggie Theus Signed Chicago Bulls 8x10 Photo PROOF COAEvery signed item comes fully certified with a tamper proof hologram certificate of authenticity and is backed by the SportsMemorabilia.com Authenticity Guarantee.

Reggie Theus Autographed Photograph - 8x10 PROOF COA $131.5 Reggie Theus Autographed Photograph - 8x10 PROOF COA Reggie Theus Signed Chicago Bulls 8x10 Photo PROOF COAEvery signed item comes fully certified with a tamper proof hologram certificate of authenticity and is backed by the SportsMemorabilia.com Authenticity Guarantee.

Sam Cassell Signed Photo - 8x10 PROOF COA $131.5 Sam Cassell Signed Photo - 8x10 PROOF COA Sam Cassell Signed Houston Rockets 8x10 Photo PROOF COAEvery signed item comes fully certified with a tamper proof hologram certificate of authenticity and is backed by the SportsMemorabilia.com Authenticity Guarantee.

Autographed Sam Cassell Photograph - 8x10 PROOF COA $131.5 Autographed Sam Cassell Photograph - 8x10 PROOF COA Sam Cassell Signed Boston Celtics 8x10 Photo PROOF COAEvery signed item comes fully certified with a tamper proof hologram certificate of authenticity and is backed by the SportsMemorabilia.com Authenticity Guarantee.

Signed Steve Tasker Photo - 8x10 PROOF COA $131.5 Signed Steve Tasker Photo - 8x10 PROOF COA Steve Tasker Signed Buffalo Bills 8x10 Photo PROOF COAEvery signed item comes fully certified with a tamper proof hologram certificate of authenticity and is backed by the SportsMemorabilia.com Authenticity Guarantee.

Steve Tasker Autographed Photo - 8x10 PROOF COA $131.5 Steve Tasker Autographed Photo - 8x10 PROOF COA Steve Tasker Signed Buffalo Bills 8x10 Photo PROOF COAEvery signed item comes fully certified with a tamper proof hologram certificate of authenticity and is backed by the SportsMemorabilia.com Authenticity Guarantee.

Autographed Steve Tasker Photograph - 8x10 PROOF COA $131.5 Autographed Steve Tasker Photograph - 8x10 PROOF COA Steve Tasker Signed Buffalo Bills 8x10 Photo PROOF COAEvery signed item comes fully certified with a tamper proof hologram certificate of authenticity and is backed by the SportsMemorabilia.com Authenticity Guarantee.

Signed Steve Tasker Photograph - 8x10 PROOF COA $131.5 Signed Steve Tasker Photograph - 8x10 PROOF COA Steve Tasker Signed Buffalo Bills 8x10 Photo PROOF COAEvery signed item comes fully certified with a tamper proof hologram certificate of authenticity and is backed by the SportsMemorabilia.com Authenticity Guarantee.

Steve Tasker Signed Photo - 8x10 PROOF COA $131.5 Steve Tasker Signed Photo - 8x10 PROOF COA Steve Tasker Signed Buffalo Bills 8x10 Photo PROOF COAEvery signed item comes fully certified with a tamper proof hologram certificate of authenticity and is backed by the SportsMemorabilia.com Authenticity Guarantee.

Steve Tasker Autographed Photograph - 8x10 PROOF COA $131.5 Steve Tasker Autographed Photograph - 8x10 PROOF COA Steve Tasker Signed Buffalo Bills 8x10 Photo PROOF COAEvery signed item comes fully certified with a tamper proof hologram certificate of authenticity and is backed by the SportsMemorabilia.com Authenticity Guarantee.

Signed Joe Theismann Football - Logo PROOF COA $306.85 Signed Joe Theismann Football - Logo PROOF COA Joe Theismann Signed Redskins Logo Football PROOF COAEvery signed item comes fully certified with a tamper proof hologram certificate of authenticity and is backed by the SportsMemorabilia.com Authenticity Guarantee.

John Fox Autographed Football - PROOF COA $181.6 John Fox Autographed Football - PROOF COA John Fox Signed Wilson NFL Football PROOF COAEvery signed item comes fully certified with a tamper proof hologram certificate of authenticity and is backed by the SportsMemorabilia.com Authenticity Guarantee.

David Gettis Autographed Football - PROOF COA $181.6 David Gettis Autographed Football - PROOF COA David Gettis Signed Wilson NFL Football PROOF COAEvery signed item comes fully certified with a tamper proof hologram certificate of authenticity and is backed by the SportsMemorabilia.com Authenticity Guarantee.

Vince Young Autographed Football - PROOF COA $281.8 Vince Young Autographed Football - PROOF COA Titans Vince Young Signed Wilson NFL Football PROOF COAEvery signed item comes fully certified with a tamper proof hologram certificate of authenticity and is backed by the SportsMemorabilia.com Authenticity Guarantee.

Vince Young Autographed Ball - PROOF COA $281.8 Vince Young Autographed Ball - PROOF COA Titans Vince Young Signed Wilson NFL Football PROOF COAEvery signed item comes fully certified with a tamper proof hologram certificate of authenticity and is backed by the SportsMemorabilia.com Authenticity Guarantee.

Chris Harris Autographed Football - PROOF COA $156.55 Chris Harris Autographed Football - PROOF COA Bears Chris Harris Signed Wilson NFL Football PROOF COAEvery signed item comes fully certified with a tamper proof hologram certificate of authenticity and is backed by the SportsMemorabilia.com Authenticity Guarantee.

Pete Metzelaars Autographed Football - PROOF COA $156.55 Pete Metzelaars Autographed Football - PROOF COA Pete Metzelaars Signed Wilson NFL Football PROOF COAEvery signed item comes fully certified with a tamper proof hologram certificate of authenticity and is backed by the SportsMemorabilia.com Authenticity Guarantee.

Pete Metzelaars Signed Football - PROOF COA $156.55 Pete Metzelaars Signed Football - PROOF COA Pete Metzelaars Signed Wilson NFL Football PROOF COAEvery signed item comes fully certified with a tamper proof hologram certificate of authenticity and is backed by the SportsMemorabilia.com Authenticity Guarantee.

Anthony Spencer Autographed Football - PROOF COA $156.55 Anthony Spencer Autographed Football - PROOF COA Anthony Spencer Signed Wilson NFL Football PROOF COAEvery signed item comes fully certified with a tamper proof hologram certificate of authenticity and is backed by the SportsMemorabilia.com Authenticity Guarantee.

Ken Hamlin Autographed Football - Ravens PROOF COA $156.55 Ken Hamlin Autographed Football - Ravens PROOF COA Ravens Ken Hamlin Signed Wilson NFL Football PROOF COAEvery signed item comes fully certified with a tamper proof hologram certificate of authenticity and is backed by the SportsMemorabilia.com Authenticity Guarantee.

Nate Washington Autographed Football - PROOF COA $156.55 Nate Washington Autographed Football - PROOF COA Nate Washington Signed Wilson NFL Football PROOF COAEvery signed item comes fully certified with a tamper proof hologram certificate of authenticity and is backed by the SportsMemorabilia.com Authenticity Guarantee.

Karl Mecklenburg Signed Football - PROOF COA $156.55 Karl Mecklenburg Signed Football - PROOF COA Karl Mecklenburg Signed Wilson NFL Football PROOF COAEvery signed item comes fully certified with a tamper proof hologram certificate of authenticity and is backed by the SportsMemorabilia.com Authenticity Guarantee.

Karl Mecklenburg Autographed Football - PROOF COA $156.55 Karl Mecklenburg Autographed Football - PROOF COA Karl Mecklenburg Signed Wilson NFL Football PROOF COAEvery signed item comes fully certified with a tamper proof hologram certificate of authenticity and is backed by the SportsMemorabilia.com Authenticity Guarantee.

DeAngelo Williams Autographed Football - PROOF COA $219.17 DeAngelo Williams Autographed Football - PROOF COA Deangelo Williams Signed Wilson NFL Football PROOF COAEvery signed item comes fully certified with a tamper proof hologram certificate of authenticity and is backed by the SportsMemorabilia.com Authenticity Guarantee.

Jack Youngblood Autographed Ball - PROOF COA $156.55 Jack Youngblood Autographed Ball - PROOF COA Jack Youngblood Signed Wilson NFL Football PROOF COAEvery signed item comes fully certified with a tamper proof hologram certificate of authenticity and is backed by the SportsMemorabilia.com Authenticity Guarantee.

Andruw Jones Autographed Baseball - OML PROOF COA $156.55 Andruw Jones Autographed Baseball - OML PROOF COA White Sox Andruw Jones Signed OML Baseball PROOF COAEvery signed item comes fully certified with a tamper proof hologram certificate of authenticity and is backed by the SportsMemorabilia.com Authenticity Guarantee.

Jermaine Gresham Autographed Football - PROOF COA $194.12 Jermaine Gresham Autographed Football - PROOF COA Jermaine Gresham Signed Wilson NFL Football PROOF COAEvery signed item comes fully certified with a tamper proof hologram certificate of authenticity and is backed by the SportsMemorabilia.com Authenticity Guarantee.

Jermaine Gresham Signed Football - PROOF COA $194.12 Jermaine Gresham Signed Football - PROOF COA Jermaine Gresham Signed Wilson NFL Football PROOF COAEvery signed item comes fully certified with a tamper proof hologram certificate of authenticity and is backed by the SportsMemorabilia.com Authenticity Guarantee.

Carlos Quentin Signed Baseball - OML PROOF COA $156.55 Carlos Quentin Signed Baseball - OML PROOF COA White Sox Carlos Quentin Signed OML Baseball PROOF COAEvery signed item comes fully certified with a tamper proof hologram certificate of authenticity and is backed by the SportsMemorabilia.com Authenticity Guarantee.

Cedric The Entertainer Signed 8x10 Photo PROOF COA $156.55 Cedric The Entertainer Signed 8x10 Photo PROOF COA Cedric The Entertainer Signed 8x10 Photo PROOF COAEvery signed item comes fully certified with a tamper proof hologram certificate of authenticity and is backed by the SportsMemorabilia.com Authenticity Guarantee.