Can Two Authentication Companies Disagree on the Same Autograph?

Can different authentication companies reach different conclusions?

Yes.

The important word is opinion.

Authentication companies do not simply scan a signature and receive a definitive result from a machine.

Beckett Authentication Services says its experts examine factors including the ink and structure of an autograph and can compare the signature with known examples from its database.

PSA/DNA also uses a professional authentication process to determine whether an autograph is genuine.

Both companies have established procedures, but the people making the assessment are still forming a professional opinion based on the evidence available to them.

That means disagreement is possible.

Imagine a signed soccer jersey is submitted to two different authentication companies.

The first company examines the signature and determines that it matches known examples closely enough to authenticate.

The second company examines the same signature but does not have enough confidence to authenticate it.

The two results would conflict, but neither result automatically proves that the other company is wrong.

This is one reason collectors should be careful with statements such as "It has a certificate, so it must be genuine."

The identity of the authenticator matters.

So does the specific documentation.

So does the item itself.

Why can autograph authentication opinions differ?

There are several reasons.

First, signatures naturally vary.

A player does not necessarily produce an identical autograph every time they sign something. The appearance can change depending on how quickly they are signing, the writing surface, the pen and other circumstances surrounding the signing.

Authenticators therefore compare the signature against known examples rather than expecting every autograph from a player to look identical.

Beckett explains that its experts analyze the structure of the autograph and, when necessary, compare it with examples in its database.

PSA also has established autograph authentication and grading standards.

The second factor is the evidence available to the authenticator.

A signature might be easier to assess when there are strong reference examples available.

Another autograph could be unusual, abbreviated or affected by fading, smudging or the surface on which it was signed.

That can make the assessment more difficult.

The third factor is that authentication companies have their own processes.

PSA states that its authentication and certification services involve individual judgments and professional opinions that can change over time.

Beckett's terms similarly state that its authentication involves an individual judgment and professional opinion.

This is an important distinction.

Authentication is an expert assessment, not an absolute guarantee that eliminates every possible disagreement.

It also explains why an authenticator can sometimes decline to give a definitive opinion.

PSA's terms allow for autographs to be designated "Inconclusive" when its personnel cannot express an opinion.

Beckett also has an "Inconclusive" outcome for certain submissions.

That is not the same as saying an autograph is definitely fake.

It means the authenticator has not reached the level of confidence required to certify it.

What should collectors do when authentication results conflict?

Do not panic, and do not automatically choose the more expensive certificate.

Start by examining exactly what each company said.

Look at the certification numbers and documentation.

If an item has been authenticated by PSA or Beckett, check the relevant certification information against the authenticator's records.

The physical item should also correspond to the documentation.

PSA, for example, states that its authentication documentation can include an image of the exact item examined. Beckett also provides certification information that can be checked through its verification system.

That makes it easier to establish that the authentication record actually relates to the item in front of you.

Next, look at the provenance.

How did the autograph reach the seller?

Was it obtained directly from the athlete?

Was the signing witnessed?

Is there a documented history of ownership?

Does the item have other evidence connecting it to the player?

Provenance does not replace professional authentication, but it can provide additional context.

You should also consider the type of item.

A signed jersey is different from a signed photograph, trading card or match ticket. The surface, condition and circumstances surrounding the autograph can all affect the examination.

If two authentication opinions conflict on an expensive collectible, getting an additional professional opinion can be sensible.

That does not guarantee that a third company will agree with either of the first two.

It simply gives you more information before making a significant purchase.

Does having two authentication certificates make an autograph safer?

Not automatically.

Two certificates from two different companies can provide additional information, but the fact that there are two pieces of paperwork does not turn the autograph into an unquestionable fact.

The important question is what each certificate represents.

If both companies independently authenticated the same signature, that can provide useful supporting evidence.

If one company authenticated the autograph and another company rejected it or found it inconclusive, the disagreement needs to be understood rather than ignored.

Collectors should also avoid assuming that a certificate from an unfamiliar source carries the same weight as authentication from an established specialist.

The reputation and authentication process of the company matter.

The documentation should also be traceable.

A certification number that can be checked against the authenticator's database provides a stronger basis for verification than a generic certificate containing only the seller's own statement.

What does conflicting authentication mean for a buyer?

It means you should slow down.

If you are considering buying a signed soccer jersey and discover that reputable authentication companies have reached different conclusions about the autograph, treat that as a reason to investigate further.

Look at the provenance.

Check the certification.

Review photographs of the exact item.

Understand what each company actually examined.

And consider whether the evidence is strong enough for you to be comfortable owning the piece.

This is particularly important with highly sought-after players.

A signed Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo or Pelé jersey can be an exciting addition to a collection, but the name on the shirt should not replace proper due diligence.

MVPs focuses on authenticated signed sports memorabilia and uses established third-party authentication companies, including Beckett Authentication Services and PSA, depending on the individual product.

When buying any signed collectible, check the authentication attached to that specific item rather than relying on a general statement about a seller's inventory.

The goal is not to find a piece of paperwork that simply says "authentic."

The goal is to understand why the autograph is considered authentic and what evidence supports that conclusion.

Authentication provides an expert opinion.

Good provenance provides context.

Clear documentation gives you something you can verify.

When those pieces line up, you have a much stronger foundation for a purchase.