What Is the Difference Between PSA and Beckett Authentication?
Learn the difference between PSA and Beckett authentication, how each verifies autographs and what to check when buying signed soccer memorabilia.
PSA and Beckett are two established companies that provide authentication services for sports collectibles and autographs. For someone buying signed soccer memorabilia, seeing either name associated with an item can provide important information about how the autograph has been evaluated. The companies have separate authentication systems, certification processes and additional services, but both offer professional examination of submitted autographs. Understanding how they work can help you make a more informed decision when choosing your next signed collectible.
PSA and Beckett Authentication Services both examine autographs to determine whether they believe the signatures are genuine. PSA uses its own authentication and certification system, while Beckett Authentication Services uses its own examination process and BAS certification numbers. Both allow collectors to verify certified items through their respective online databases.
How does PSA autograph authentication work?
PSA offers autograph authentication across sports, entertainment, history and other collecting categories.
During its authentication process, PSA examines characteristics including the autograph's structure and ink and can compare the signature with reference material. Its authenticators can also use specialized equipment when additional examination is required.
Once PSA certifies an autograph, information about the certification can be checked through PSA's online certification verification system.
PSA also provides additional autograph services beyond a basic authenticity determination. Depending on the collectible and service selected, collectors can access options including autograph grading and encapsulation.
PSA also operates an In-the-Presence authentication service for eligible signings, where the signature is witnessed as it happens rather than evaluated later as a previously signed autograph.
How does Beckett autograph authentication work?
Beckett Authentication Services, commonly called BAS, was established in 2016 as part of Beckett Media.
For autograph authentication, Beckett's experts examine features such as the ink and structure of the signature. When necessary, they compare the autograph with examples from their reference database and can use specialized examination equipment.
When Beckett determines that an autograph is authentic, the item receives a BAS certification number associated with its authentication. Certified autographs can then be checked through Beckett's online verification database.
Beckett also offers additional services including autograph grading. An autograph that has first been authenticated can receive a numerical condition grade from 1 to 10, with 10 representing the highest grade.
Other Beckett services include autograph encapsulation and witnessed certification for eligible items and signing situations.
Should collectors choose PSA or Beckett authentication?
For most memorabilia buyers, the important point is understanding exactly what has been authenticated.
PSA and Beckett operate independently and issue their own certifications. A PSA-certified autograph has been evaluated under PSA's system, while a BAS-certified autograph has been evaluated under Beckett Authentication Services' system.
Neither company makes every authenticated collectible identical.
The player, jersey, condition, signature placement and overall presentation can still differ considerably between two pieces carrying respected authentication.
When comparing signed soccer memorabilia, check the authentication information on the specific listing and verify the certification where possible. You should also consider the collectible itself rather than choosing solely because one authentication company's name appears on it.
Both PSA and Beckett provide established third-party autograph authentication services, making either relevant when evaluating signed sports memorabilia.