PSA/DNA authentication and Grading - Worth it?

Statman

I've been reading these boards for a couple of years now, and I decided it's time to jump in. I wanted to get people's opinions on here about PSA/DNA in terms of how much you think it increases the selling price of an item. I'm thinking of selling off a few autographed items, namely a Joe Dimaggio signed ball and 2 Johnny Unitas signed mini-helmets (1 Colts, 1 Chargers). These were done before the days of COAs and I'm not even sure if I have the autograph tickets from the events - the Dimaggio was signed at a show before the Cracker Jack Old-timers game, I think in 1982.

My question is, would getting these items authenicated help the selling price enough to make it worth it? The Unitas is only $20 each to get authenticated, so I think that's worth it. The Dimaggio would run $75, so I was wondering what people might think. It does look like they go higher than a non-psa/dna ball. And what grading for the ball - it is a very clean autograph - would a high grade significantly help it?


I love reading these boards which is why I am looking to you guys for some good advice on this one.

Thanks -
Andrew

storm888

Most smart buyers are not really interested in buying
items that have not been properly authenticated.

PSA/DNA is the way to go.

mikeschmidt

Depends on what your plans are.

If you are just going to keep them in your collection, why bother?

If you are planning on selling them, my advice would be to put them on Ebay and have a PSA/DNA quick opinion, which will be a quick review of your scan, I think it costs $5, and they will then deem it "likely authentic" or "likely not authentic", thereby giving bidders comfort as to authenticity without costing you an arm and a leg.

Fabfrank

No question. Definitely get them authenticated. Unitas autos are going for some good money. As for the DiMaggio, you won't get close to what it's worth if it isn't authenticated.

Statman

Thanks for the tips, everybody. I had thought about the quick opinion service, but wondered if that would be enough for someone. I think, especially for the Dimaggio, that full psa/dna authentication is the way to go. I think I'll probably try it on all three items.

These are going to be for sale, because I've got to start thinning out the collection a little bit. I have over 175 auto'd mini helmets (and several full-size ones) and there comes a point when you need to start selling off a few. Of course, so you can get money to buy other collectibles....

mikeschmidt

Well -- with DiMaggio, make sure you weigh your options carefully if you want to maximize money.

A PSA/DNA card of DiMaggio on Ebay will likely bring you ~$150. Check some completed auctions. That's the going rate. After $75 authentication fee, and S&H back and forth, etc. -- you net about $60-$65 before Paypal and Ebay fees.

Which basically means that if you can get more than $70 for the card on Ebay with PSA/DNA quick opinion, it is the preferred option that will realize you the most money.

~marc

frankhardy

Just popped! 64 Topps Giants Mantle Auto.

PSA Order Status for Submission # 4553182

LINE # CERT # CARD CARD CO. CARD # CARD NAME VARIETY GRADE
1 12562456 1964 TOPPS GIANTS 25 MICKEY MANTLE N/A N0

Date Received: 03/03/2007
Date of Grades Posted: 03/21/2007
Date Shipped: 03/21/2007


My opinion is - yes it's worth it for a high dollar auto, and it's not worth it on something worth less than $50 or so.