THE FORGERS ARE GETTING BETTER.
The Michael Jordan autograph market has always attracted forgeries, but today collectors have to look far beyond the signature itself.

Counterfeiters have produced fake authentication companies, forged Letters of Authenticity, replicated holograms and certification labels, and even created convincing imitations of materials associated with legitimate third-party authenticators. Fake Upper Deck authentication materials and holograms have also appeared in the marketplace.

In other words, a COA or hologram alone does not make a Michael Jordan autograph authentic.

That makes understanding provenance, the signature itself, and the accompanying authentication increasingly important—especially as the value of the item increases.

EXPERIENCE MATTERS — BUT SO DOES A SECOND OPINION

I have collected Michael Jordan memorabilia for years and spend a significant amount of time studying his autograph, particularly vintage and in-person examples that may not have originally come with third-party authentication.

That experience helps me identify characteristics I want to see—and warning signs I don't—but I do not consider myself a professional autograph authenticator.

When I find an uncertified Jordan autograph that I believe may be authentic, I will frequently have it reviewed by people whose expertise I trust before purchasing it. I place particular value on the opinions of experienced collectors and specialists who have spent years focused specifically on Michael Jordan material.

When you're potentially spending hundreds or thousands of dollars, getting another knowledgeable opinion is inexpensive insurance.

THIRD-PARTY AUTHENTICATION

Professional third-party authentication remains one of the most important tools collectors have for navigating the Michael Jordan autograph market.

It is important, however, to understand what authentication means. No third-party authenticator is infallible. Authentication is an expert opinion based on the available evidence. One authenticator may pass a signature that another declines, and mistakes can occur.

For Michael Jordan autographs, the established third-party authentication companies I most commonly look to are:

PSA/DNA
James Spence Authentication (JSA)
Beckett Authentication Services (BAS)

In addition, GOAT Authentics is my preferred specialist for Michael Jordan autograph reviews. Their focus on Jordan material makes them particularly useful when evaluating unusual in-person signatures, vintage examples, questionable authentication materials, holograms and COAs.

Below you'll find information on each service, including authentication costs, signature reviews and submission options.

SIGNATURE REVIEWS

Before purchasing many uncertified Michael Jordan autographs, I use GOAT Authentics for a preliminary signature review.

GOAT's Wesley Getah and Eric John specialize in Michael Jordan material and have become my go-to resource for reviewing potential purchases. Their expertise extends beyond the signature itself to questionable Upper Deck holograms, COAs and other authentication materials that can accompany counterfeit items.

Their $10 Signature Review provides a preliminary opinion before committing to a purchase or submitting an item for full authentication.

GOAT Authentics now also offers full authentication and Letters of Authenticity for Michael Jordan autographs.

For me, the $10 review is one of the easiest safeguards available when considering an uncertified Jordan autograph.