question for all you Authenticity Guarantee experts

[Brian]

So I've bought a number of cards through this program on eBay, but I have never bought an autographed card covered by the AG.

My question: if a PSA or Beckett card is labeled with a specific card issue and is graded as authentic with respect to the autograph, does the guarantee cover both the authenticity of the card (ie, not a reprint or forgery) as well as the authenticity of the signature? I guess the answer is 'yes' based on the description on eBay, but I am hoping someone can confirm it.

If this has been covered somewhere, can someone give a link? Thanks.

[swarmee]

This is more of a PSA question, because they did certify autographs only during phases, despite having the card information on the flip. There are a lot of signed 1963 Topps Pete Rose RC counterfeits (and others) that are listed in the pop where only the auto was authenticated by PSA. PSA has changed their labels over time to clarify whether they are grading the card/auto or just the auto.

With regards to eBay A/G, if you list a signed countefeit 1963 Topps Pete Rose RC (or any other card) on eBay and denote the card is real and the auto is real, I don't know if AG will kick it back or not for being counterfeit. Despite all cards going to PSA to confirm authenticity in the program, the person reviewing it may not know all the nuances of their parent company and pass it through anyways. If the eBay listing only states the Auto is real, it should pass.

If you want more specific recommendations, feel free to send me a PM and I'll look at what you're considering before you make a sale/purchase.

[OhioLawyerF5]

My understanding of the authenticity guarantee as it relates to graded cards is that they are only verifying if the slab itself is unaltered and real. They do not regrade or authenticate the card/auto within the slab.

[Luke]

Here's an email I received when my recent purchase of a signed Bonds card was "authenticated":


Hi Luke,

Your item is headed your way, and our authenticators have verified that it meets the rigorous standards behind our Authenticity Guarantee. It’s been inspected by leading industry experts, so you can add it to your collection with confidence.

We wanted to let you know that your item was authenticated, but also contains an aftermarket signature or embedded relic that we don’t authenticate as part of our process. We stand behind the authenticity of your item, but we can’t guarantee things like relics, memorabilia, or aftermarket autographs. Check out your order details to track your shipment.

If you have any questions or concerns, just get in touch. We’re here to help.

Thanks for being part of the eBay community.

[jayshum]

Originally Posted by Luke

Here's an email I received when my recent purchase of a signed Bonds card was "authenticated":


Hi Luke,

Your item is headed your way, and our authenticators have verified that it meets the rigorous standards behind our Authenticity Guarantee. It’s been inspected by leading industry experts, so you can add it to your collection with confidence.

We wanted to let you know that your item was authenticated, but also contains an aftermarket signature or embedded relic that we don’t authenticate as part of our process. We stand behind the authenticity of your item, but we can’t guarantee things like relics, memorabilia, or aftermarket autographs. Check out your order details to track your shipment.

If you have any questions or concerns, just get in touch. We’re here to help.

Thanks for being part of the eBay community.

Was the card you purchased graded or raw?

[Brian]

Very interesting, guys. As I suspected, there is still some confusion about the nuances.......

[balltrash]

Originally Posted by swarmee

This is more of a PSA question, because they did certify autographs only during phases, despite having the card information on the flip. There are a lot of signed 1963 Topps Pete Rose RC counterfeits (and others) that are listed in the pop where only the auto was authenticated by PSA. PSA has changed their labels over time to clarify whether they are grading the card/auto or just the auto.

With regards to eBay A/G, if you list a signed countefeit 1963 Topps Pete Rose RC (or any other card) on eBay and denote the card is real and the auto is real, I don't know if AG will kick it back or not for being counterfeit. Despite all cards going to PSA to confirm authenticity in the program, the person reviewing it may not know all the nuances of their parent company and pass it through anyways. If the eBay listing only states the Auto is real, it should pass.

If you want more specific recommendations, feel free to send me a PM and I'll look at what you're considering before you make a sale/purchase.

Cards which only have the autograph graded are not noted at all in the population report. If the card is identified only as "trading card" and not specifically identified with the year and maker on the flip it has no effect on population. Could a reprint Rose Rookie or two have slipped through in 30 years of grading? Sure. But to say there are lots of counterfeits that have any reflection on pop is just not accurate.

Edited to add - the caveat would be if the card did not qualify for a number grade. But still, there are not loads of counterfeits floating around in holders with the card identified on the flip (and not just noted as "trading card")

[Yoda]

Originally Posted by balltrash

Cards which only have the autograph graded are not noted at all in the population report. If the card is identified only as "trading card" and not specifically identified with the year and maker on the flip it has no effect on population. Could a reprint Rose Rookie or two have slipped through in 30 years of grading? Sure. But to say there are lots of counterfeits that have any reflection on pop is just not accurate.

Edited to add - the caveat would be if the card did not qualify for a number grade. But still, there are not loads of counterfeits floating around in holders with the card identified on the flip (and not just noted as "trading card")

Many moons ago before grading, there were a rash of Rose counterfeits circulating in the market.

[sbfinley]

I would almost guarantee that the Authentication program doesn't include the authenticity of the card particularly in the case of BAS and the older PSA Blue flips. First, with graded cards they are only authenticating that the slab is real and hasn't been tampered with. Secondly, that would open them up a whole host of liability. A good example would be the card below. There is absolutely no way eBay would be dumb enough to guarantee the authenticity of the card named on the flip with cards like this below in the market.