[pawpawdiv9]

Originally Posted by the 'stache

It's great that SGC is into authenticating autos now, but I have concerns over who is doing it. It's not enough to say "hey, we're doing this now" if the people behind the scenes have somewhat questionable skills.

Mike Root was Director of Authentication at James Spence, and I've read several horror stories as to the accuracy of JSA's "opinions". Authenticating signatures that were later deemed forgeries, autographs obtained in person being opined as a fake. It doesn't matter how many autographs this person has purchased over the years. What matters is the accuracy with which each individual autograph is considered. I don't want to pay somebody $50 bucks for an auto on a $1,000 card if they're just going to look at it and say "ya, that looks right". For the authentication to be accurate, the signature in question should be compared to known, authenticated examples. They need to be looking at the signature under magnification, and I just don't know if this service is spending the time necessary.

The important thing to remember is that when you pay for this service, you are purchasing an opinion. I know that people on Ebay think that having a PSA/DNA, or a JSA authentication is a gold mine. All I'm saying is exercise caution. Never has the phrase "caveat emptor" been more appropriate.

SGC Authentic Press Release

SGC has recently developed a new autograph authentication division (SGC Authentic). The division will be headed by Mike Root (Director of Authentication/Senior Authenticator). Mike has owned and operated sports collectibles stores for the past 20 years. Mike has spent that time buying and selling autographs, as well as attending countless sporting events and signings where he acquired thousands of in person autographs. Mike was the former Director of Authentication and Lead Authenticator for a nationally recognized third party authentication service for the past three years. With a wide range of knowledge and a top notch team of consultants SGC is looking forward to authenticating autographs throughout the hobby.