Third Party Authentication Services? PSA, JSA SGC?

[Hawaiian Bam Bam]

What is your opinion on Third Party Authentication Services? Such as PSA, JSA SGC? do you like getting items authenticated by these companies? thanks

[TheKingRoyal]

I trust PSA and use them. I have actually sat in on an authentication session (not just some Public sponsored signing) and seen how they do it first hand. Takes about 30 minutes for many of the items they get. In October I know of a place having PSA visit on a Friday.

JSA I have heard is reputable, but have no idea about SGC as I have not used them myself nor read anything about them.

[coolbly16]

I had a decent experience with an in-person session with JSA, although once I got there, the prices were higher than what was advertised.

[sorklora]

JSA and PSA are the leading authenticators and most trusted. I usually go with JSA as they are more readily available and easier to work with. SGC has always been a leader in the grading world and I have heard they use JSA authenticators right now, so they are legit. They will probbaly expand and do their own stuff soon, and will eventually be up there with JSA and PSA foir authentications, just like BGS/BVG, PSA, and SGC are the foremost card grading companies.

[mrveggieman]

I would only deal with PSA.

[*censored*]

PSA, JSA, and SGC are all as good as it gets.

That being said, remember that it's still an opinion and guarantees jack squat. I've heard of plenty of stuff people have gotten done in-person that have failed, and plenty of fakes that have been ruled as real. So, proceed with caution no matter who you use.

[Blueline90]

I think it's the biggest fraud in the sports world. It's subjective, so it's just one persons opinion. If you read the fine print, they state this. And how they are not liable for their opinion. It's a big crock.

However, all three of those are top of the line. JSA is the easiest to deal with and slightly cheaper, but PSA probably carries a little more clout. Never used SCG but heard great things.

[sorklora]

Itse definitely an "opinion," but is as good as it gets, minus an actual witness to the signing like JSA will do and MLB and UDA do. As far as PSA carrying more clout, that's incorrect. If anything, they are slightly less than JSA in terms of reliability based on their membership services and the fact they are known to grade cut and altered cards which lowers their overall trustworthiness in my book.

Also, as shady as the "opinion" business can be, all three companies seem to be professional and at least give collectors a better idea of their item's authenticity instead of buying blindly. They do notice things the avg collector wouldn't and honestly if they tell me my auto is bogus, I'm ditching it and not looking for a second opinion. Just too time consuming in today's world.