How reliable is PSA/DNA?

[MarioLeMagnifique]

Anyone here bought a lot of items certified by PSA/DNA and know how reliable they are when they certify items such as autographed photos from celebrities?
I'm just wondering how exactly they certify items, like based on what exactly.
For example, how do they know the autograph is authentic, do they compare with another one? Do they do any types of tests in laboratory or something?
How much can I be sure (let's say in % on average) that the item with the signature is real when I buy an item certified by PSA/DNA?

Thanks.

[newton615]

probably around 90% accurate, and the 10% they are inacurate on are real. Its hard to slip one by them. They have specialists who study autographs of certain people from all times (ex. Micky Mantles auto looks a lot different now than 50 years ago). For the most part they are good

[pwaldo]

probably around 90% accurate, and the 10% they are inacurate on are real. Its hard to slip one by them. They have specialists who study autographs of certain people from all times (ex. Micky Mantles auto looks a lot different now than 50 years ago). For the most part they are good

I would agree with the 90%....maybe a little higher than that. Nobody is ever going to be 100%. The best thing to do would be to do some research before you buy to make sure what they certified is legit. That way you should be protected.

[jaybird_1981]

Yes I agree nothing is perfect but for the most part I am comfortable purchasing a PSA/DNA certified item.

[mrveggieman]

From what I heard PSA/DNA is pretty conservative about what they will cerfity as authentic. People who have items signed infront of them are having their items turned back to them as questionable. That's is not really a bad thing for a potential buyer because psa is erring on the side of caution so to keep as many fakes out as possible.

[Frantiic]

i remember seeing a video on youtube about PSA/DNA . it is opinions and not 100% sure its authentic. or was it JSA. cant really remember. Anyways. if it comes back from BGS or PSA/DNA i would say its authentic. but you can never be sure.

[JBpatches]

PSA is right most of the time, notwithstanding the first card PSA ever graded (THE Honus Wagner) and graded it authentic and an 8 when the person who graded it knew the card was cut. On PSA's site they state they will not grade cut cards.. I guess they won't grade most cut cards.