Icon Authentics

[RichardSimon]

No personal info listed about the actual authenticator on the website.
Operating out of a PO Box.
I do not know them but those two things make me pause.
Why not put up a link to the item on ebay?

[Mr. Zipper]

From their site...

Any further questions?

[SetBuilder]

So what do you need to become an autograph authenticator? A Ph.D. in a science field? A super high IQ? I'd love to know, so I can become one too, just like you guys.

[SullyV]

This is the item in which I found the coa from them. The seller doesn't do a good job of clearly showing it.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/HANK-AARON-...gAAOSw0fhXiTb8

[earlywynnfan]

Originally Posted by SetBuilder

So what do you need to become an autograph authenticator? A Ph.D. in a science field? A super high IQ? I'd love to know, so I can become one too, just like you guys.

I'm reading this as you are trying to be snarky to Richard?? Are YOU the authenticator for Icon?

[SetBuilder]

No, I have no idea who is behind that site, but no one else here does either.

I just found it funny that they're throwing mud on someone they don't know, in a non-scientific field that has zero educational requirements and/or barriers to entry.

[Td8237]

I trust Richard and Jim Stinson above anyone else. If they would have an issue with an autograph, I would stay away.

[frankbmd]

Authentic “Hal Aaron”

[earlywynnfan]

Originally Posted by SetBuilder

No, I have no idea who is behind that site, but no one else here does either.

I just found it funny that they're throwing mud on someone they don't know, in a non-scientific field that has zero educational requirements and/or barriers to entry.

Perhaps it's because they've seen so many "authenticators" pop up and fade away that they are a bit jaded. Perhaps they're saying if you have no history, claim as your exemplar file a company that is known as a sham, and you aren't willing to put any name whatsoever with your company, you deserve some mud.

But perhaps these experts here are wrong. I suggest an experiment: you send something to these guys and report back your experience.

[SetBuilder]

Perhaps it's because they've seen so many "authenticators" pop up and fade away that they are a bit jaded.

None of the major authenticators are required to train as Certified Document Examiners (CDEs), who at least try to be scientific. That's why authenticators keep popping up.

Originally Posted by earlywynnfan

But perhaps these experts here are wrong. I suggest an experiment: you send something to these guys and report back your experience.

I would never send them anything. Because I wouldn't collect stuff I can't authenticate myself, and I don't know why anyone would. I especially wouldn't pay to have them look at anything older than 1950, since there is no way they can scientifically examine the item for the amount of money they charge to authenticate it.

[saltbox68]

Originally Posted by SetBuilder

No, I have no idea who is behind that site, but no one else here does either.

I just found it funny that they're throwing mud on someone they don't know, in a non-scientific field that has zero educational requirements and/or barriers to entry.

Manny, I think that the point is, if you're going to advertise yourself as an authenticator, it's best to build a reputation ahead of time, let the people who are respected in the hobby know who you are, and not issue COA's into the atmosphere. While it doesn't take a Ph.D. in science, it does take both experience and the confidence of those who are in the hobby day-by-day. That's my opinion, anyway.
Best wishes,
Bill

[RichardSimon]

Originally Posted by SetBuilder

No, I have no idea who is behind that site, but no one else here does either.

I just found it funny that they're throwing mud on someone they don't know, in a non-scientific field that has zero educational requirements and/or barriers to entry.

Very true. We have no idea who is behind that site.
And why is that?
Because whoever is behind the site will not tell us his name and uses a PO Box.
I think that criticism is warranted here.
I did not impugn them personally, I just stated facts.

[bbcard1]

Originally Posted by SetBuilder

So what do you need to become an autograph authenticator? A Ph.D. in a science field? A super high IQ? I'd love to know, so I can become one too, just like you guys.

Probably about the same qualifications as a grader.