Authentication Process

To combat counterfeiting and provide peace of mind to collectors, PSA/DNA employs a four-level Authentication System. The process includes:

STEP 1: EXAMINATION

• Ink/Medium Analysis
• Autograph Structure Analysis
• Object Evaluation
• Side-By-Side Comparisons *
• Video Spectral Comparator (VSC4) * - A powerful workstation designed to examine questionable documents and autographs using sophisticated color and infrared imaging, magnification, coaxial lighting, and side lighting on-screen.

  The VSC detects:

  Erasures
  Reveals masked and obliterated signatures
  Differences in ink types
  Other extraordinary tampering
  
  *When Necessary

STEP 2: ANTI-COUNTERFEITING

Covert Tagging - Once an autograph is deemed genuine, the item is marked with invisible ink which contains a synthetic DNA sequence/combination specific to PSA/DNA.

The DNA-laced taggant cannot only be detected in a scientific lab but also with a proprietary infrared laser. In fact, by using the laser, the invisible DNA-ink will glow "RED." More importantly, the chances of replicating this exact sequence is 1 in 33 trillion!

Certificate of Authenticity - For items submitted at an authentication fee lower than $50, a small 3x5 certificate on your authenticated piece is issued with your item. The COA features a six digit alphanumeric number that matches the tamper evident label.
For an addition fee of $10, a Letter of Authenticity will be composed and issued with your item
Letter of Authenticity - For items submitted at an authentication of $50 or higher, a detailed letter on your authenticated piece is composed and issued with your item. The letter features: PSA and PSA/DNA watermarks custom embedded into the paper stock to prevent counterfeiting; simply hold the LOA against a lamp and look for the official PSA and PSA/DNA logos. A high resolution photo of your exact submission. Hand signature from one of PSA/DNA's representatives. Six digit alphanumeric serial number that matches the tamper evident label. Autographs that are signed, in our opinion, by clubhouse personnel will receive a "Clubhouse" designation. A special letter is returned with an explanation segregating the difference between these examples and actual autographs.

All authenticated memorabilia is available online for verification. Simply visit Cert Verification and enter the alphanumeric serial number. The verification page will display:

Autographs - Items submitted at the fee of $50 or higher that do not meet our requirements and, in our opinion, are of questionable authenticity will receive a "NO PASS" designation. Thereafter, a Letter of Opinion (LOO) is returned with a detailed explanation of our experts' findings. The letter features:

Items submitted under $50 will receive a non-detailed Letter of Opinion (LOO).

Occasionally, our experts cannot express an opinion on an autograph. These will be designated as "Inconclusive" and a credit voucher will be issued in the full amount of the authentication fee. This voucher can be used towards future submissions.