Bank Check Question (Cobb)
 

I collect mostly T206 cards and have not ventured into the memorabilia space, but I have always wanted to get a Cobb bank check.

For checks in general, is there anything I should read to educate myself on what to look for?

a. Should I pay extra for a graded / certerfied check? (ie, is there a lot of counterfits)

b. If the signiture is authetic, is it worth more/less if the rest of the check does not appear to be signed by the person (ie, wife wrote check, Cobb signed check).

c. I've noticed the Cobb checks, some have his signiture in green. Is it worth more/less if the whole check is in green? Or if the it is a blue ink / green ink combination? Or all in blue?

I'm sure trying to educate myself on these types of things so I can make the best decision when shopping. If there is additional information I should know, I would appreciate the info!

Thanks in advance!
JB

All in all, Cobb bank checks are pretty good and relatively inexpensive so an authentic Cobb signature. I can't recall off the top of my head, but there are a few years to watch out for (I think Cobb's wife may have signed a few checks). Generally I'd probably stick to an authenticated Cobb check, simply for piece of mind even though very few may be forgeries.

I'm not sure if green vs. blue/black has much of a value difference. Personally I like the green as that is what Cobb preferred to use. One thing to look our for, however, is making sure you get a clean signature. There are so many Cobb checks out there, wait until you find one with no cancellation marks or stamps around or through the signature. I also tend to like checks without folds and that are very bold.

I don't believe there are many forged Cobb checks, however, you need to be wary of photocopies in framed displays. I have heard of people being duped by this as it is very difficult to tell it's a copy when under glass.

Also, be aware that some were filled out in someone elses hand (but signed by Cobb). There is definately a price gap between all in Cobb's hand vs just the signature. From what I have seen, the checks filled out by his wife are pretty obvious.

Also, the green ink does drive a premium over black or blue.

I found the article written by Ron Keurajian on Cobb signature... http://www.autograph-club.org/autogr...utographs.html

Near the bottom there is mention of a small sample of Cobb checks from 1947 to mid-1948 that may have been signed by Cobb's wife. As pointed out, however, they are probably fairly easy to spot as her handwriting was different.