Should You Have Your Autographs Certified?

One of the most common questions collectors ask is: “Should I have my autographs certified?” However, the better question is often: “Do I actually need to have my autographs authenticated?”

The answer depends entirely on your goals for the collection.

Are You Keeping Your Autographs?

If you intend to keep your signed memorabilia for the foreseeable future, there may be little benefit in paying for authentication right now. Professional autograph authentication can be expensive, and the money may be better spent elsewhere until you decide to sell.

When the time comes to sell, the type of buyer you choose can influence whether authentication is even necessary.

Selling Through an Auction House

If you plan to sell your autographs through a reputable auction house, there is often no need to obtain third-party certification beforehand. Established auction houses employ experienced specialists who can assess authenticity themselves and, in many cases, provide their own Certificates of Authenticity (COAs). You will find some excellent well thought of auction houses here.

Selling Autographs on eBay

If you are selling autographs on eBay or other online marketplaces, you can suggest that potential buyers seek an opinion from a recognised Third-Party Authenticator (TPA). However, it is important to use reputable authentication services rather than companies that simply issue COAs for a fee without proper examination. There are several TPA’s that can help with Quick Opinions, here is one in the UK.

Selling Directly to Collectors

When selling directly to collectors, consider allowing the buyer to arrange authentication at their own expense. This approach can save you money while giving the buyer confidence in the purchase.

It also reduces the likelihood of disputes later, as the buyer has chosen the authentication service and received the opinion independently.

Many experienced autograph collectors are knowledgeable enough to assess authenticity themselves and may not require a COA at all. You can learn more about checking fake autographs and dodgy dealers here.

Consider the Value of the Autograph

Before paying for authentication, consider the market value of the item.

For example, autographs obtained at conventions, signings, or fan events may be one of hundreds or even thousands signed on the same day. In some cases, the value of the autograph may be similar to the cost of authentication.

If an autograph is worth say £30, spending £30 or more on certification may not make financial sense. In most cases the cost of authentication will be around £30 plus the cost of postage to and from the company doing the work, so this will easily add £50 to the cost of your item!

Could Your Collection Contain Fake Autographs?

Another important question is:

“Do I think my collection may contain forgeries?”

If you have purchased autographs from online marketplaces such as eBay, Vinted or Etsy, especially those supplied with questionable COAs or no provenance, it may be worth having some items professionally examined. ebay can be a great place to find good signed items as they have a excellent returns system, but it might be wise to be very careful when using Vinted and etsy for such items, and you can find out why by reading this article.

Authenticating potentially problematic items can help you avoid the embarrassment and financial risk of unknowingly offering counterfeit autographs for sale.

Final Thoughts

Autograph authentication is not always necessary. The decision should be based on your collecting goals, the value of the items, how you intend to sell them, and your confidence in their authenticity.

In many cases, waiting until you are ready to sell can be the most practical and cost-effective approach. However, if you have concerns about the legitimacy of certain signatures, professional authentication can provide valuable peace of mind.

Copyright Garry King and Collector Approved 2026.

Garry King is a long time collector and owner of Autografica.co.uk and has has been a full time buyer and seller of signed memorabilia for over 35 years. He has written many articles on autographs and has appeared on many TV and radio programs in the UK and featured in numerous newspaper and magazine articles.