What are YOUR thoughts on aftermarket autographs?

[butchie_t]

Originally Posted by homerunhitter

What are YOUR thoughts on aftermarket autographs? I mean, even if they are slabbed authentic by a TPA, what are the chances it is actually authentic? I say after market autographs (unless you get them in person signed of course) are 50/50 chance they are authentic even if slabbed. I say that because TPAs are “only” an opinion service.

Another example is, would you rather have a Nolan Ryan signed topps cars that is:

A. Signed but not TPA authenticated
B. Signed but authenticated and slabbed by a TPA
C. A Topps certified autograph (one you get in a pack of cards)

Your thoughts on this?

I can remember when there was no ‘market’ before or after when it came to autographs. When did it become a de facto standard that an autograph has to be a ‘market’ autograph?

I have between 3 - 4 K of autograph cards (majority minor league players on minor and major league card company cards.). All signed and witnessed by me. It does not make them any less of an autographed card because someone has not ‘authenticated’ it.

Want to sell it and get as much out of an autograph card that you can, then get it authenticated.

I can post two Ron Hassey autographed cards I obtained in person. One is great one is scribble goop both signed by Ron at the same time. Both are authentic, but boy howdy you’d be hard pressed to believe they were from the same person.

But again, no TPC authentication needed. I was there, he was there, he signed them both.

Butch