How much do you rely on TPAs for an auto u own?

[perezfan]

TPG means very little to me as well. I have seen them make obvious mistakes... most glaringly with the signed T206 debacle about a year ago. I don't buy an autographed piece unless I am personally comfortable with it (TPG or no).

But unfortunately, the market seems to dictate that TPG is necessary when selling an item. Of the last 10 autographed items I've consigned to auction, the Auction House has insisted I pay for TPG, as part of the agreement... 9 times out of the ten!

Having the TPG Letter accompany the item makes it far easier for them to sell, absolves them of any liability, and realizes a higher price. So I fully understand why they insist upon it. I just don't like the fact that it's deemed necessary... not to mention the additional cost involved. All part of the game, I suppose.

[packs]

Should be important to everyone looking to sell their collection. If you're ever going to sell a highly collected autograph like Babe Ruth or Michael Jordan I think you'll find very little interest in the piece with your own opinion attached to it. The same piece authenticated by a TPG will bring multiples in price at auction.

[Lordstan]

The TPA's opinion of an autograph is almost useless to me when I am buying. I have never and will never rely on them as the most important thing. Is it nice to have? Sure why not, but I will never spend money on them for my own collection.

The TPAs certification is different matter when coming to selling. I agree that the way things are now, having a cert of some sort improves saleability and return. This is the unfortunate way of the world as far too many people only rely on the cert.

I have sent things in for slabbing to various TPAs, but all were things I was about to sell. I have nothing in my personal collection that I sent in for approval.

I have stated many times that I will get the approval of a TPA, whichever is considered the most likely to bring me profit, when, and only when, I am selling things. Doing it beforehand is a wasted opportunity, IMO, as you could spend all that money buying more autos that have the chance to appreciate.

[bnorth]

I have ZERO faith in TPAs. I have sold off most of my autos except for 2 people I still collect. When I did collect them even if slabbed I would contact people I trusted and ask for their opinion before I bought the autograph.

[GrayGhost]

Originally Posted by bnorth

I have ZERO faith in TPAs. I have sold off most of my autos except for 2 people I still collect. When I did collect them even if slabbed I would contact people I trusted and ask for their opinion before I bought the autograph.

+1

[PowderedH2O]

I don't rely on them, but I want them. I have probably 25000 or more signatures. I can't afford to slab them. But, I am slabbing the ones that have value. Why? Well, I am in my mid 50's. My dad collected coins and died at 65. I inherited a coin collection. It sits in my garage. I don't know how to sell it. I have instructed my wife to sell my slabbed items as authenticated to maximize her return. Maybe this won't happen for 40 years. Maybe it happens this year. Either way, I want it easier for her.

[bnorth]

Originally Posted by PowderedH2O

I don't rely on them, but I want them. I have probably 25000 or more signatures. I can't afford to slab them. But, I am slabbing the ones that have value. Why? Well, I am in my mid 50's. My dad collected coins and died at 65. I inherited a coin collection. It sits in my garage. I don't know how to sell it. I have instructed my wife to sell my slabbed items as authenticated to maximize her return. Maybe this won't happen for 40 years. Maybe it happens this year. Either way, I want it easier for her.

Sell now and take your wonderful wife someplace special to her.

[Lordstan]

Originally Posted by PowderedH2O

I don't rely on them, but I want them. I have probably 25000 or more signatures. I can't afford to slab them. But, I am slabbing the ones that have value. Why? Well, I am in my mid 50's. My dad collected coins and died at 65. I inherited a coin collection. It sits in my garage. I don't know how to sell it. I have instructed my wife to sell my slabbed items as authenticated to maximize her return. Maybe this won't happen for 40 years. Maybe it happens this year. Either way, I want it easier for her.

I am on the same page as you being in 50yo range and being concerned for my family. My approach though is different. I am leaving instructions on which auction houses to contact and have them do all the leg work. Sure she might have fees to pay for from the proceeds, but with a large enough collections those might be waived, and she won't have worry about whether or not any authenticator we have items in are now disreputable or not. They will choose who to use to maximize return for both her and them.
There is no right way to play it as I think both work.