What should I be willing to pay for this

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Posted By: Tony III

I am looking to buy this ball. What do you think I should pay for it?
http://cgi.ebay.com/Mickey-Mantle-Willie-Mays-Snider-Signed-Auto-Ball-GAI_W0QQitemZ300199924519QQihZ020QQcategoryZ27260Q QssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

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Posted By: Andrew S.

I wouldn't pay $1 for it. Two strikes are shill bidders and GAI authentication.

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Posted By: davidcycleback

Not commenting on the modern COAs, but GAI LOAs with Mike Guterrez' signature on it should be reliable. He was head of autograph authentication for a few years a while back, and you will see GAI LOAs with his name. Gutierrez is a well known autograph expert, and used to be the head autograph authenticator for Mastro Auctions (back when they wrote their own autograph LOAs) and an expert for PSA/DNA and the Sotheby's Halper Auction.

UDA (Upper Deck Authenticated) Mantle signed balls always get top dollar, as Mantle was under contract with UDA and all UDA autographs are signed in person with UDA witness. If an autograph has a UDA hologram and LOA, the signer was under contract and the autograph was signed in person, whether the signer was Ted Williams or Michael Jordan.

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Posted By: Max Weder

I can't comment on the authentity of the ball, but what really annoys me is GAI sticking its label on the ball. They do this with books, and in my mind, it is no different than affixing their label directly to a card--it destroys the integrity of the piece. I can't believe that there is some simple way to mark the ball without it showing or harming the piece.

Max

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Posted By: Mark steinberg

I'm with you, Max...

I cannot believe anyone would want an item like this stickered (defaced). GAI is not the only offender.... PSA and Spence are guilty as well.

Although in their defense, I do believe the person seeking authentication is given a choice of whether or not to have the item stickered. Hard to believe anyone would choose this option, as an LOA with item pictured should be proof enough...