Posted By:
davidcyclebackMy definition of authentic is that if the item is accurately
and sincerely described, it is authentic. If a 1988 T206 reprint
is described as a 1988 T206 reprint, it's authentic. If it's
auctioned as an original, it's fake. Many fakes are not reprints
or counterfeits, but original items that are badly misdescribed.
If your were an autograph expert, and someone came to you with a
Babe Ruth signed baseball and said "Is this an authentic Ty Cobb
autograph?," you would say "No." If he said, "Is this an authentic
Babe Ruth autograph?," you would say "Yes." If he said, "Is this
authentic?," you would say "An authentic what?" or "It's
an authentic Babe Ruth autograph." You wouldn't an issue an
'authentic' LOA that has a blank space where the collector fills
in the identity afterward. The word 'authentic' would be directly
tied to a description or identification you composed or approved.
I would purchase a reprinted poster for my wall, in that I
wouldn't want to place an original in the sun. There's
nothing wrong with purchasing reprint cards. Obviously how
much you pay for them is a consideration.