A Diamond in the Rough...

[abcd1234]

I've come across an auction that has several memorabilia pieces.

Most are not authenticated but the auction people believe they are indeed real.

Some have upper deck authentication from way back when....

Whats interesting is that most of the items have a starting price under $100.

Should I take a gamble on items that are not authenticated? Have upper deck pieces been faked before? My instinct tells me to run but the prices grab my attention.

[dthimesch]

Yes Upper Deck pieces have been faked.

Few more details may be helpful.

What kind of pieces are we talking about?

[abcd1234]

auto balls featuring mickey mantle, whitey ford, yogi berra, albert pujols, eddie murray, ted williams, and mixed in is late 80s complete topps sets.... it seems very fishy.

I dont want to list the auction site but its disheartening to see this type of activity in the hobby. There's even a 500 home run ball signed by 12 players including mantle...

That ball, needs authenticating, but its up for auction without any certification.

[abcd1234]

Here is one example. The swoops seem a little different from other mantle autos...

[bravezfan4life]

Nope mantle no good look at the N in mantle that’s a common forgery. Mickey Mautle lol

[CardBoard4Life]

Originally Posted by abcd1234

Here is one example. The swoops seem a little different from other mantle autos...

I have seen many many Mantle autos, they all have a uniform slant, that auto is all over the place.

[callou2131]

It isnt coaches corner by any chance is it? They are nothing but a front for forgers

[3124508 on COMC]

If you're in Florida all I can tell you is don't buy unauthenticated autographs, especially from auction houses. 80% of the fake crap I see on Ebay in bulk is coming out of Florida.

[salthill]

Originally Posted by abcd1234

I've come across an auction that has several memorabilia pieces.

Most are not authenticated

Red flag #1.

but the auction people believe they are indeed real.

Red flag #2. (We “believe” it but are going to zero effort to prove it, so we’re clear of any liability.)

Some have upper deck authentication from way back when....

Whats interesting is that most of the items have a starting price under $100.

Red flag #3.

Should I take a gamble on items that are not authenticated? Have upper deck pieces been faked before? My instinct tells me to runbut the prices grab my attention.

Red flag #4.

I’d steer well clear.