What are your thoughts on TPAs?
 

Would love to hear everyones thoughts on TPAs like PSA, JSA, Beckett , GAI etc?

We get it “do your own homework” moving past those comments, what are your thoughts on TPAs?

It seems for resale value so mdd sad by people love PSA! I just don’t get why people pay and our do much trust for an opinion on authentication!

A Farris Fain black and white photograph aside, I don't buy signed material. My preference would be to purchase signed material from a collector I trusted. When I started the shift from cards to autographs and memorabilia, I made the decision to acquire all autographs in person. This decision has served me well, because it eliminates the nagging thought of "is it legit". Also, getting the autograph in person personalizes it a bit. I will remember the show, perhaps something the player said, a handshake or laugh. I don't care what a TPA proclaims, I witnessed Mays, Mantle, DiMaggio, Williams, Berra, Aaron Et al. signing my item. Over the decades, I relaxed my stance a bit, asking family and fellow collectors to acquire signatures. I also took advantage of mail order and dabble in TTM. I never met Farris Fain. The black and white photo was in a binder on a dealers table when the National was held in Baltimore. I didn't need a TPA, the dealer was a show promoter from Pittsburgh. That was enough for me, plus who forges Ferris Fain signatures?

Sadly, even some low-dollar non-HOF autographs are forged.