When is memorabilia considered to be authentic?

When it comes to V.I.P collectibles, the truest avouchment as to the veracity or ne plus ultra of the item put on the market without a proven lineage via provenance, is to have an accompanying quality certificate pertaining to authenticity, referred to as a COA.
It is not unheard of fans attaching photos of themselves with the celebrity at the time the signature is being signed to authenticate in some small way its heredity. This works for some but there is a caveat, this will never take the place of a modern certificate of authentication from a respected trader.

We already know what honesty means, but what really does it stand for in the sphere of memorabilia business dealings?
One would think that, it would most unequivicolly mean that buyers and sellers alike must have their perceptions soothed by an apparent integrity and reliability in not only the item in question, but also the individual one is ordering from. In brief, does one have absolute assurance in the numerous processes of authentication.

Without being an expert at the paticular types of items they are dealing in, there is limited hope that memorabilia will be assessed as fraudulent immediately. So let’s ponder the other determinants mentioned briefly above in a little more depth.

Firstly, when acquiring any autograph or autographed item purporting to have hailed from a V.I.P, the item should be in the company of a Certificate of Authenticity (COA). But not all COA’s are weighted the same because virtually anyone can allot one. It will not accordingly follow that an object appended with a COA makes it genuinely authentic. The dealer’s reputation that consigns the COA is probably the single most axiomatic constituent in corroborating bona fides. Let’s face it though, even Sotheby’s and Christies has auctioned fakes. Nonetheless, the wholesaler standing behind a trade is often the leading attestation a buyer has today, however indirect. But one must always do their own research and ask a fair share of questions.

The most bona fide collector co-ops for memorabilia offer 100% life enduring guarantees. Invoices should clearly state their trading names, business numbers (if applicable in your jurisdiction) contact numbers, physical and web addreses, emails etc. These contact details must be available. If you are unsure of a reputable dealer , look for an industry certified autograph dealer such as those associated with such organizations as the  International Autograph Collectors Club & Dealers Alliance (IADA-CC)or the Universal Autograph Collectors Club (UACC). There are also many esteemed authentication services out there if you are considering transacting on a commercial scale.

Secondly, collectors should closely consider the form of authentication. It should be accepted as typical in the profession and proven to have withstood the sands of time/have passed the test of trial and error over time.
But how is this accomplished? What is believed to be genuine authentication of memorabilia and more specifically in say the world of Michael Jackson autographed memorabilia, what is considered as an advantageous level of authentication to  entitle a purchased nitty-gritty to pronounce or indeed grow it’s eventual monetary return.
Many hard core devotees of Michael Jackson will purchase for the sake of possessing a product of Michael’s alone. Some are out to make a quick dollar alone. However, everybody who receives any celebrity memorabilia must be mindful of the feasibility of it also metamorphosising into a quality investment at some point in the future.
The most bona fide trading businesses for memorabilia will ordinarily conduct paid exclusive signings of stars. These exclusive signings are usually attested to by a representative of the reliable trading house. The trading firm may chronologically imprint a tamper-proof hologram, which is attached to every certificates of authenticity. A matching tamper proof numbered hologram is then attached to the item with the autograph. This has the affect of creating a validated and genuine match. Numerous dealing houses will also offer a photo of the V.I.P at the signing, which goes with the item. The holograms numbering is then meticulously catalogued and accommodated at the trading co-ops secured location/s.

If these features are not taken seriously in your memorablia acquisition designs then you are running the lion’s share of risk, thereby foolishly gambling with  your potential investment. You weren’t born yesterday, question, research, see how the land lies. Do whatever you must to not be prey to weasels with deals too good to be true.

To your memorablia hunting success.

Ben