Tuesday Tips: What is a COA?

JSA. PSA. DNA. COA. If you’re just beginning to add to your personal collection, all of these abbreviations can seem confusing and overwhelming. Let’s take it from the top.

A certificate of authenticity is also known as a COA. This is the sole identifier that a piece of memorabilia is genuinely authentic. There are a hand full of reputable companies out there and we only work with the best. Every certificate of authenticity has a tamperproof sticker that is applied to the specific item and most come with a matching card to go along with each sticker serial number. The serial number then is entered into the third parties’ database (if applicable) so that the recipient of the memorabilia can easily verify the authenticity. This proof is what will keep the items value on the rise!

When you purchase an item with a COA, that means a third-party company is signing off that the autograph is authentic and real. In a world full of frauds and imposters, it’s imperative that you ensure any item you’re paying hard earned money for is the real deal. That’s why we only deal with reputable companies for COAs on our items.

James Spence Authentication (JSA) is a trusted name in autograph authentication for many reasons. The Spence family has been involved in the world of autograph collection industry for over four generations. Their online database allows for customers to quickly and easily verify their certification information online.

Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) heralds themselves as the largest (and most trusted) authentication company in the world. The company has become a respected name in the industry by reviewing over 30 million cards & collectibles. The company was founded in 1998 and features a four-level authentication process. They also have an online database for validating their certifications.

Beckett Authentication Services (BAS) may be a new kid on the block but Beckett Media has been involved in the collectible industry for over 30 years. The company is headed up by Steve Grad & Brian Sobrero, with the two offering a combined 25 years of experience with authenticating autographs. BAS offers an online database for verifying your certification as well.

Steiner Sports has become one of the most recognizable names in autograph collecting not only for New York area athletes, but also on a worldwide level. The company was started in 1987 and has a relationship with over 2,000 athletes along with the major sports leagues. The company is part of the Omnicom Group. Steiner Sports also offers an online authenticity verification.

Upper Deck has done a lot to move past just being a trading card company. Part of that includes branching out from trading cards to include all kinds of sports memorabilia. The company initiated a five-step authentication process back in 1992 to ensure their customers received 100% authentic items. Part of providing customers with peace of mind with authentication is making their online database available to verify their hologram numbers.

While Ultimate Autographs deals with multiple companies in terms of authentication, these five are some of the more well-known companies in this industry. You can rest easy knowing that any item purchased from Ultimate Autographs is not only a great value, but also the real deal.

Have any other questions regarding COAs? You can reach us at marketing@ultimateautographs.com.