How to Authenticate Signed Sports Memorabilia

Why Authentication Matters

The sports memorabilia market is booming, and unfortunately, that means counterfeits are too. A Certificate of Authenticity (COA) is your first line of defense.

What to Look For in a COA

A legitimate COA should include:

• The athlete's name and a description of the signed item
• The date and location of the signing (if known)
• A serial number or hologram that can be verified
• The authentication company's contact information

Trusted Authentication Services

The most respected third-party authenticators include JSA (James Spence Authentication), Beckett Authentication Services, and PSA/DNA. These companies use forensic techniques to verify signatures.

Red Flags

• COAs with no serial number or hologram
• Signatures that look too perfect (machine-stamped)
• Sellers who won't let you verify the COA
• Prices that seem too good to be true

Many items at Fan Freaks include a Certificate of Authenticity. We stand behind the authenticity of items that include a COA. Look for COA and authentication details on each product page.