People seem to bash authenticators all the time. It almost seems unfair sometimes that these “experts” are constantly targets of controversy, criticism and negativity. Why is this?

-Jealousy: Some collectors simply may be jealous or think they could do a better job that the actual “authenticator.” They think that they have as much knowledge as these guys, and in some cases that is true.

-Trapped: Some dealers and authenticators feel trapped by the whole idea of authenticators, because if an item doesn’t have one of those precious little COAs, you probably aren’t going to be able to sell it for what it’s worth. Even of you don’t believe in authenticators, you are basically forced into using one because you want to maximize your item’s realized value.

-Frustration: One of my personal frustrations with authenticators is that I don’t think that everyone who is labeled as an “authenticator,” is totally qualified for that position.
Some of these guys pawn themselves off as authenticators of everything. I am sorry, but I don’t think an expert can have the breadth of knowledge to properly authenticate everything. I am in favor of “niche” authenticators … Guys who are experts in a particular field. Frank Ciazzo is a great example of a niche authenticator. He is the world’s most notable Beatles signature expert and really knows what he is doing. Throw a Joe Montana in front of Frank and he probaby has no clue, but he doesn't claim.

-Delivery on certificates:  “CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY” If you see that title on the top of a piece of paper, what are you going to think it means? I think that that particular title suggests the piece being examined was deemed 100 percent authentic.
In my opinion, there is no third-party expert in the world that can deem a piece (game-used memorabilia and autographs) 100 percent authentic.
I also don’t think it is totally fair that an authenticator would use this title.
Upper Deck Authenticated, Steiner and Mounted Memories should be able to issue certs with that particular label because they actually have a system in place that makes sure the signature is authentic, plus a representative from their company is on hand at a signing.
Even if a third-party authenticator is as knowledgeable as they come, they are still giving you an educated “opinion.” Hence, they should be issuing “Certificate’s of Opinions,” or something to that nature.

Does anybody want to chime in on this?

Beatles image courtesy of Heritage Galleries