Got back my first sub from JSA

[Lordstan]

Originally Posted by Laxcat

T
I am the only one in my family that knows much about this stuff. I want them to be protected and authenticated in case anything happens to me. I know I'm young but, unfortunately, I know that means zilch. I really don't want anyone else to have to deal with the headache of "proving" that the autos are real if they ever decide to sell them.

I can totally understand this sentiment, but if I may offer a counterpoint for you to consider.
1) Having them certed doesn't "prove" they are real. It's only an opinion and everyone has an opinion on how good their opinion actually is.

2) What happens if JSA or PSA goes out of business due to scandal like GAI did? Everything slabbed by GAI is now looked at with suspicion and is almost worth less than something unslabbed. If something like that happens all the money you spent on slabbing will be wasted.(Money you could have used buying more autographed cards)

3) If you are concerned about your family, then leave them explicit instructions about which Auction House to bring your items to should you pass suddenly. Whichever auction house you choose will employ the authentication team that is the most in favor at that moment in time and authenticate the as part of the sale. This is pretty standard procedure for all auction houses except for perhaps Lelands. This way you don't spend money now on authentication and have to risk the TPAs ruining their own reputation.

This why I stated what I did before. I would only cert things that I think I am going to sell in the short term if it will make the price go up more than the cost of the cert. The only reason to cert for personal use, IMHO, is if your insurance company demands it as part of your coverage.

Regardless of what you decide, they are great cards and I hope you enjoy collecting.
Mark