PSA/DNA is it worth it?

ClockworkAngel

I have told a buddy that I will help him sell his card collection and autographed baseball collection. Yesterday he dropped off about 12 single signed baseballs, including Mickey Mantle, Yogi Berra, Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, Don Drysdale, Griffey, Nolan Ryan, Rickey Henderson, Ralph Kiner, Stan Musial.

I wasn't sure the best way to go about this. PSA/DNA charges as little as $20 to as much as $100 (Mantle) to certify and authenticate the autographs.
But looking on eBay, I didn't notice a large difference between sales with or without the authentication. Should I use the service? Is it worth the investment? Specifically, why is Mickey Mantle so much more? Is $100 worth it for that?

Anyone who collects this stuff that has any feedback would be really appreciated!

yankeeno7

Some players, like Mantle, are more expensive because they are commonly forged. Some are very good forgeries and take an experienced eye. That is why they get a premium for authenticating Mantles and many other players.

thenavarro

Of the ones you mentioned, the only one I would add the additional investment to would be the Mickey Mantle. I don't think the spread in price on the others between PSA/DNA ones, and uncarted real ones, would be worth it. But, before you invest the $100 in Mantle, put it on ebay and run a PSA/DNA quick opinion to make sure it has a probability of passing. if it comes back likely genuine, send it in and you get your quick opinion fee credited back against the full authentication.

Mike

ejguru

All good advice. Just realize the the Quick Opinion is NOT BINDING, as I have learned the hardway (and know of others as well). I would never spend more than $200 without authentication; Good luck!

cardsnbeads

I would get all of them done except maybe Kiner .

CubsKiller99

I've used them for flat-signed autographed material (cards, pics, 3x5) and have been pleased
with the results that it gets when selling later.

If you're doing it just for your own peace of mind or for your own collection and future
heirs -- really no downside to doing it just a tad expensive.

For future selling -- the main thing that I look at is the variance between the authentication
fee and the potential sale price. I can easily justify getting an item graded for $75 if I can
sell it for $200-$400, but if I can only get $125 for it then it's not so appealing.

Where you really make out is multiples. Since it's easier to eyeball multiple sigs of the
same player in one session, the fee is lower. Then you can get lower-priced autos
authenticated and still do well.

ejguru

Question really then becomes, what can you get for it WITHOUT CERTIFICATION? Can you get the $50?

Yankees001

It completely depends on who it is.

Not worth the money: Feller, Doerr, Kell, Ferrell and other commons

Worth the money: any Blue Chip player Ruth, Gehrig, Mantle, Williams

The people that fall between the best and the crap just depends. YES- Berra, Ryan, Henderson, Musial, Maybe: Drysdale
NO-Kiner,

Most people will not consider bidding with out PSA/DNA or JSA.

I would wait for a $10, $20 special. They have them and balls are accepted, I sent many in before.

Dave

CubsKiller99

I believe that PSA has 50% off this month for autographed items with auth cost less than $100.
For Collectors Club members and there is no maximum submission required.

bcubs

I'm glad this thread started. I have some 8 X 10's to get authenticated, Mize, Snider, Aaron, Mays, and Musial. I might just need to take advantage of the special.

Foo3112

If its for his personal collection and he believes them to be real, I dont see why he should get them authenticated but if he decides later down the road to sell them, then yes. That way he will always get more money for the items and that is a fact. I recently got burned on an auto without a COA. My buddy works for JSA and I sent him a photo of the item in hand AFTER I purchased it and he sent it to James himself and James replied in under 10 min (I saw the text) that it was "no good". Then the seller didnt want to give a refund saying that its weird because it came from a reputable dealer. Just completely refused working with me saying that "how can he trust that I wouldnt switch his out with another one and send him the bad one". Just stupid false reasons on why he couldnt do a refund. The best one he told me was because he "accepted my best offer". I still dont know what that has to do with not giving a refund. Its simply a personal choice but thanks to the great info on this board in the past, I knew that it would always be in my favor if it wasnt any good so I took a chance. Its just a plain headache to deal with autos that arent authenticated. Last time I buy anything without a COA.

Anywho, I contacted Mike "thenavarro" and he gave stellar advice and options to help me and one of the best things you can do is what he stated in his post above.

But, before you invest the $100 in Mantle, put it on ebay and run a PSA/DNA quick opinion to make sure it has a probability of passing. if it comes back likely genuine, send it in and you get your quick opinion fee credited back against the full authentication.

ejguru

Good advice from Mike, no doubt.

Also, be ready for this great, helpful Quick Opinion response:

"Your Request for Item "Dazzy Vance single signed ball", opinion was rendered at "6/11/2013 9:02:22 AM" and the result was:

Response: "Unable to Render Opinion"

Here are the details of your Request:
Comments:
Request ID: 97186
Request By: 06/12/2013

You will be refunded the amount of $10.00, if the refund does not reflect on your credit card statement please contact us quickopinion@collectors.com.

Thank you choosing the QuickOpinion service!"


Not really helpful, but I will not be out the $10....but I don't know enough to invest in this ball...that's for darn sure!