Authenticators do this by checking the signature style matches with known examples of genuine autographs. They ensure that everything from the ink to the pen strokes are accurate. Third-Party COAsĪ third-party authentication company has a staff of in-house autograph authenticators. These certificates come as an add-on available for purchase by fans who want proof of authenticity. When doing private signings or appearing at conventions, celebrities like Mark Hamill will offer unique COAs. First-Party COAsįirst-party authentications are provided by a signer at the time of signing and are essentially ironclad guarantees of authenticity. Below you can see the differences between what qualifies as first-party, second-party, and vendor COAs. First-party COAs are a good example of this.
However, a COA can sometimes be more than just the representation of an authenticator’s opinion.
They also come in the form of full letters which describe the authenticator’s reasons for making their determination of authenticity. The simplest would be a serialized sticker on the signed item. A Certificate of Authenticity is proof that an expert assessed an autograph and found it to be genuine.
