The Most Useless "Certificate Of Authenticity," Ever

A "Certificate of Authenticity" for a test stamp that catalogs a quarter.

Jim

https://www.ebay.com/itm/U-S-Postal...AOSwzZtfIhXW

Pretty much any dealer "certificate of authenticity" is worthless, unless they are a known expert in the specialty in question. Even then, without a photo on the cert so you know which stamp it corresponded to, it means nothing.

Similarly, so-called certificates of guarantee or warranty from dealers are only as useful as they are willing to provide compensation in the event of an adverse opinion, and in most cases do not survive the dealer/business.

In both cases, IMO useless.

$7.50? Looks like puffery aimed at new collectors.

'Signed' by
Nick Bruyer
Philatelic Authority

Anyone know him? A quick online search appears to show him as Founder, CEO and Chairman of Asset Marketing Services, Inc (http://www.amsi-corp.com/).
Don

But he's a "philatelic authority". I just wonder if his signature is authentic. Or is it . . . a fake? Hmmm . . . .

Reminds of the JH Stolow "certificates". I kept the best one I have come across just for the memories.

Rich

Such as it is, at least this one is accurate. I suspect that most of us have seen far worse inaccurate "certificates".

$29.95 with any purchase. Git 'em while they're hot!

This really is not a bad idea .

It teach and shows new people that buying something philatelic that they know nothing about ,it is good to have a certificate . This eBay offer is gear to newbies . It also teach that there are experts about stamps .


I fail to see the negative side to getting new people interested in stamps and feeling good about having a real certificate ,that appears to be correct .

I don't believe this seller intends to be educational. He is preying on inexperience.

"I fail to see the negative side to getting new people interested in stamps and feeling good about having a real certificate ,that appears to be correct ."
While this "cert" is correct, it is very bad for new people to rely on such faux-certs.

I can't second that strongly enough. This one happens to be correct, but the vast majority of "certificates of authenticity" not issued by one of the recognized legitimate philatelic groups are not only worthless but wrong. They are used to prey on the less knowledgeable collectors among us. It's just another form of fraud.

I have my opinion already formed about this ad that appears in the current collections list from Dr. Bob Friedman. Interested in what you have to say.

"Newfoundland, the rare used #15 one shilling. Previously sold in 2003 by a prestigious Canadian company for $2,950 Canadian. The description stated, 'Perhaps 4-5 remain. A GREAT RARITY.' Further described: 'Margins close to cutting with small tear at right.' 2017 Scott $12,500. The Saskatoon Stamp Center guarantee of authenticity is included. NET: $1,995."

The stamp seems to be accurately described. The Saskatoon Stamp Center is a well known company, among BNA collectors, and has been around for many years. Again, your thoughts?

To me it is like a car dealership issuing their own certificate stating that a pre-owned automobile has a clean background. It may very well be so but they have a vested interest in a positive outcome. A stamp dealer issued certificate is nothing more than a marketing gimmick.

"A marketing gimmick " because it works ,for some people . Same as a car dealer who say they did a 21 point inspection ----- It works !

Steve -----Sounds like everything that Dr. Bob says is true . I see nothing wrong in his statement ,but the price I would be willing to pay .


There is a stamp auction lot right now that I am looking at and plan to bid ,it is for a very rare high value stamp but it is defective ,I have a limit to what I am will to pay much like your posting above but the percentage is a lot less than your example. What Dr. Bob is trying to get is too high for me .