Important Note About Certificates of Authenticity (COAs)

Certificates of Authenticity—or COAs—are everywhere in the autograph world. But let’s be frank: not all COAs are created equal. Here’s what you need to know to protect your autograph investments.

✅ What Is a COA?

A COA is supposed to be a document or seal proving an autograph’s authenticity. In practice, it’s only as reliable as the person or company issuing it. Fake COAs are everywhere because anyone with a printer can make one look official. It’s the old trophy stamp trick: looks real until you check underneath.

🔍 Why COAs Alone Aren’t Enough

• No standard format: There’s no universal COA design or issuance process—anyone can print one.
• Worthless signatures: A COA is just a paper saying, “I think it’s real.” Without credentials, it means nothing.
• Traceability matters: Legit COAs have serial numbers and verifiable registries. If you can’t check it, it’s likely worthless.

📋 How to Spot a Legit COA

1. Label and contact info: True authenticators include full business details—no P.O. boxes.
2. Certification matching: Verify any serial number on the authenticator’s website to confirm it matches your item.
3. Reputation counts: Trust only COAs from recognized companies like PSA/DNA, BAS, and JSA. These firms use reliable tracing and have public databases.
4. Printed COAs? Red flag—easy to fake. Digital registries and proof-of-record are far more credible.

🧠 Trust, But Verify

A reputable COA issuer stands by their work. If your item fails verification, a legitimate dealer or authenticator will facilitate returns or refunds. Websites run by unknown sellers offering COAs without transparency should be treated skeptically.

🎯 Your Bottom Line

A COA is just one piece of evidence. Always back it up with:

• Professional authentication by trusted companies
• Provenance or direct in-person acquisition
• Your own judgment and comparative research

Skip the paper promises—insist on traceable, verifiable protection for your autograph collection.

We issue our own detailed COA with every autographed item we sell as well as a detailed receipt. The purpose; verifiable/traceable proof of where your purchase was made as well as our full contact info.

Check out our authentic autographs store here.

© World of Autographs