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Sports Memorabilia Certificate of Authenticity vs. Letter of Authenticity
If you're buying autographed sports memorabilia, you'll likely encounter the terms Certificate of Authenticity (COA) and Letter of Authenticity (LOA).
Although both are used in sports memorabilia autograph authentication, they serve different purposes and are typically used for different types of signed collectibles.
Understanding the difference can help you make better buying decisions and avoid confusion when purchasing authenticated memorabilia.
What Is a Certificate of Authenticity (COA)?
A Certificate of Authenticity (COA) is a document issued by an authentication company stating that an autograph has been examined or witnessed and entered into the company's authentication database.
Today's trusted authentication companies—including Beckett Authentication Services, JSA, and PSA—use unique authentication numbers that match the hologram attached directly to your memorabilia.
Rather than relying solely on a printed certificate, collectors can verify the authentication online using the matching certification number.
How Does a Certificate of Authenticity Work?
Modern Certificates of Authenticity are much simpler than they were years ago.
Most contain:
- A unique authentication number
- The authentication company's branding
- Instructions for verifying the certification online
The same authentication number appears on the hologram attached directly to the signed memorabilia.
Those matching numbers permanently connect the certificate to that specific autograph.
Older Certificates of Authenticity often listed the athlete's name and item description. While those still exist, most modern authentication companies now rely on their online databases for detailed information.
Do Witness Autographed Sports Memorabilia Items Receive a COA?
Usually, they do not.
With modern witness autograph authentication, companies such as Beckett, JSA, and PSA generally apply only a witness authentication hologram directly to the memorabilia.
There is typically no separate matching Certificate of Authenticity.
Instead, the hologram itself acts as the authentication record.
Collectors simply scan the QR code or enter the authentication number online to verify the autograph, the athlete, the item, the signing date, and, in some cases, the signing location.
What Is a Letter of Authenticity (LOA)?
A Letter of Authenticity (LOA) is a much more detailed authentication document.
Rather than being issued for most everyday memorabilia, LOAs are generally reserved for higher-end collectibles where additional documentation provides greater confidence.
Examples include:
- Michael Jordan autographs
- Mickey Mantle autographs
- Babe Ruth autographs
- High-end vintage autographs
- Rare game-used memorabilia
Because these collectibles can be worth thousands—or even tens of thousands—of dollars, authentication companies often provide much more documentation than a standard COA.
What Information Is Included on a Letter of Authenticity?
A Letter of Authenticity generally includes:
- A photograph of the exact signed item
- A detailed description of the memorabilia
- A unique authentication number
- The authentication company's opinion regarding authenticity
- The authenticating expert's signature
- A matching authentication sticker or hologram
Including a photograph of the exact item gives collectors additional confidence that the LOA belongs to that specific piece of memorabilia.
Where Does the Authentication Sticker Go?
When memorabilia receives an LOA, you'll generally receive both:
- The Letter of Authenticity
- A matching authentication sticker
Collectors often have the option of placing the authentication sticker directly on the memorabilia or having it attached to the Letter of Authenticity instead.
Many collectors choose to place the sticker on the item, while others prefer keeping valuable vintage memorabilia free of stickers and attaching the hologram to the LOA.
Why Are Letters of Authenticity Notarized?
Letters of Authenticity issued by trusted companies such as JSA, PSA, and Beckett are often notarized.
For example, a JSA Letter of Authenticity signed by Jimmy Spence is notarized to verify that Jimmy Spence personally signed the authentication document.
The notarization does not authenticate the athlete's autograph.
Instead, it verifies the authenticity of the signature appearing on the Letter of Authenticity itself and confirms that it was executed by the proper representative of the authentication company.
Always Verify Your Sports Memorabilia Authentication
Whether your memorabilia includes a COA or an LOA, you should always verify the authentication number through the company's online database.
Trusted authentication companies such as:
- Beckett Authentication Services
- PSA/DNA
- James Spence Authentication (JSA)
allow collectors to search authentication numbers online.
If an authentication company doesn't provide an online database—or if the authentication number can't be verified—you should be extremely cautious.
A piece of paper by itself does not make an autograph authentic.
The reputation of the authentication company is what matters.
Which Is Better for Sports Memorabilia Authentication?
Neither is automatically better.
They simply serve different purposes.
A Certificate of Authenticity is commonly used for standard authenticated memorabilia and relies on matching certification numbers and online verification.
A Letter of Authenticity provides significantly more documentation and is generally reserved for premium sports memorabilia and valuable autographs.
The most important factor isn't whether you receive a COA or an LOA.
It's whether the autograph was authenticated by a trusted company like Beckett, PSA, or JSA.
Final Thoughts
Both Certificates of Authenticity and Letters of Authenticity play an important role in sports memorabilia autograph authentication.
Modern COAs rely on matching authentication numbers and online databases, while LOAs provide additional documentation, photographs, and expert authentication for higher-value collectibles.
Before purchasing any signed sports memorabilia, verify the authentication number through a trusted company like Beckett, PSA, or JSA. A recognizable name and a searchable online database are far more valuable than a generic certificate from an unknown company.
Related Guides
- What Is Sports Memorabilia Authentication?
- What Is Witness Autograph Authentication?
- PSA vs. Beckett vs. JSA: Which Authentication Company Should You Use?
- How to Verify an Autograph Authentication Number
- Basic Authentication vs. Witness Autograph Authentication
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Overall rating: 4.9 / 5 from 4942 reviews.
Again, PSM did a great job!
Nice autograph by Roger Clemens himself. Thank you Matt Powers and his team for this signing event.
Nice autograph by Cal Ripken Jr. Thank you Matt Powers and his team for this signing event.
Nice autograph. Thank you Matt Powers and his team for this signing event.
Another perfect autograph on my 3000 hit baseball. Always a great experience! Thanks again.
I've had this card since the age of 12. Never had the opportunity until now to get his RC signed. Thanks Matt for making this happen!!
Once again, Matt and his team delivered a smooth, professional experience in obtaining a Dustin Pedroia autograph (with authentication) to a book already containing a number of Red Sox greats’ signatures. I recommend Powers Spirts Memorabilia highly.
Great experience. Card was just as described. Excited to have this added to the collection.
Frank Thomas 1990 Topps Signed Baseball Rookie Card #414B Auto Graded Beckett 10
The COA was placed exactly where I wanted it and it turned out great. Always an easy experience.
An excellent experience with the team. The ball turned out perfectly. Easy to ship the ball in and it returned after signing without an issue.
Great place to do business with. Thank you!
Fernando Tatis Jr 2019 Topps Baseball Rookie Card RC #410 Graded PSA 9 MINT
😍 such a nice autograph! Thank you!
Thank you for another awesome autograph!
Mr. Powers delivered on my request for this Cal Ripken jr. autograph. It was a nice size clean and perfect signature better than I expected. Mr. Powers team is quick to respond with any concerns you may have and keeps you posted on your item. I will absolutely be getting more signatures through them to finish my collection. I highly recommend Powers Sports to anyone that has any doubts. I use to do send ins with Steiner sports until he sold, to me Powers picked up where they left off and I couldnt be happier. Thank you
Great experience as usual! I’ll definitely be getting more autographs in the future!!
As good as it gets
Smooth transaction
The process was smooth and easy as always.
Awesome!
The color match ink auto looks great! Thanks!
A fantastic addition to the set. Bosh's autograph really pops on this one. Thanks!
This might be the only autograph of this card that has his whole auto on it. Great addition to the collection!
The COA wasn't close to where I asked for it to be placed. I'm not sure how this was missed but it was a bummer when I saw that.
This came back amazing! The autograph was very clean! Thanks!
This completes my set of sketch cards. It's been fun doing this.
This was just the COA. Thanks!
It's awesome to get this one back! Another added to the Collection.
Great job by Powers Sports once again! They were able to secure a great signature from Andy Reid on my trading card, using the exact type pen and the exact location that I requested. Accuracy and quality are their top priority!
I submitted 2 cards to get them signed by Patrick Ewing himself. Thanks Matt Powers and his team for this signing event.
Nice addition of Barry Bonds to my PC!
Great card and great place to do business with. Thank you!
Ronald Acuna Jr 2018 Topps Living Baseball Rookie Card RC #19 Graded PSA 10
Loved it all.
Great experience as usual, highly recommend Powers
Great job by Matt and his team as usual
Matt and his team did it again. Highly recommend Powers to anyone looking for high end autographs
Matt and his team always do their best for their clients. Couldn’t be happier
Awesome experience as usual, I love my Jagr autograph!
Awesome experience as usual!
Great experience! I had never gotten any autographs through a signing like this before and I had a number of questions. Someone called me right back & couldn’t have been nicer. The customer service was outstanding every step of the way & I couldn’t be happier with the Reggie Jackson autographed ticket.
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