The value of a certificate of Authenticity
I know a certificate of authenticity is important but I was wondering if people could help make choose between these items:
1. Saga #1, Signed, Certificate of authenticity, Price $92.80 (buy it now), condition not stated, (14 day money back, have to pay for return) - http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/SAGA-1-1ST-PRINT-SIGNED-BRIAN-K-VAUGHAN-w-COA-MIDTOWN-NM-SOLD-OUT-/251131542229?pt=US_Comic_Books&hash=item3a789b3ad5#ht_946wt_1271
2. Saga #1, Signed, no COA, Price $66.60 (buy it now), condition brand new, from a business and am able to return if faulty - http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/SAGA-1-1ST-PRINT-SIGNED-BRIAN-K-VAUGHAN-w-COA-MIDTOWN-NM-SOLD-OUT-/251131542229?pt=US_Comic_Books&hash=item3a789b3ad5#ht_946wt_1271
So would it be worth the $30?
OR
If i decide against a signed one and just look for a 1st printing:
Keep in mind I orginally wanted a #1 first print, have #2-6 first print and Brian K Vaughan is my favourite writer, in any medium
asked Aug 21st 2012 by jakeobrien
2 Answers
Asker has accepted an answer.
As it is not CGC graded, your best option is the one with the certificate.
Most collectors who are serious about the signed comics they collect will demand a certificate if it isn't CGC. Otherwise, as you can see - it just isn't worth as much.
Is it worth 50% of the non-certified book? From the price trends I have seen. Yes, absolutely.
That is a Midtown certificate too - so you can check that it is authentic with them. As certificates go, that is a good one.
answered Aug 21st 2012 at 18:47 by matt
Comments
Mind if i add my two bob? Unless the item is sealed, graded and stamped correctly by the issuer they are not a 100% guarrenteed to be authenticly signed or issued. Midtown comics does have a huge respected place in the industry but certificates can be very easily copied and reproduced to add authenticity to a product ( Usually with added value as well). The cost of having a comic graded ,sealed and certified with number of print run is more often than not far greater than the value of an item will reach in a life time. The service would be fine with a genuinely one off edition (hence the limited number editions) number 13 of 500 printed for example. Best to stick with your local friendly neighbourhood comic store that you trust.But remember especially when impulse buying that price is NOT an indicator of true value.There is Nothing like getting your items signed by your your artist and having a camera handy :) Cheers
answered Sep 5th 2012 at 16:08 by ChavenQLD
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This is a very subjective question Jake, which would exclude it from Q&A - I will leave it in as I hope that someone else will be able to provide an evidence backed answer. Aug 21st 2012 at 18:48 by matt
sorry man, I posted the wrong link for one of them as well; http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/251114987133?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649#ht_500wt_1054
so if you want to delete this just do it Aug 21st 2012 at 18:56 by jakeobrien
Thanks for the advice man, I ended up getting the one with the COA. The way I see it the only way I wont be 100% happy with the purchase is if i win the trip and I get to see him in person...but then I win the trip! WIN WIN! Aug 21st 2012 at 21:24 by jakeobrien
Matt is correct. If you ever decide to sell it, the Midtown CoA will be invaluable in proving it's the real deal (and for your own piece of mind). Unfortunately, it's not proof enough for you to submit the book to CGC's Signature Series - though I think CGC should work in partnership with retail stores so they can witness signatures on behalf of CGC instead of just CGC employees at conventions. All the rules are here: http://boards.collectors-society.com/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=5393349&fpart=1; you'd only get a Green Label. The CoA is just Midtowns personal stamp of approval Aug 22nd 2012 at 00:37 by MostEgregious