![]() ![]() One thing to note here is that even if you have a certificate of authenticity or some other "proof" that your signature is valid, CGC doesn't care. Since the signature isn't verified (and since the green label can indicate other kinds of defects), it is inherently not as desirable and, thus, not as valuable. Unfortunately, a green label comic is often not worth anywhere near as much as a comic with a standard blue or gold label. Signatures that aren't verified are given this label, with the line NAME WRITTEN ON COVER WITH MARKER (or whatever the specific location would be.) For example, a book where a coupon was cut from the pages might not have the grade reduced because of it (especially if it's a very common defect), but the label indicates the defect is present. ![]() The Qualified label is usually used for some kind of major defect to the comic that might not affect its grade significantly. In fact, CGC has a label for this: it's their dreaded Green label, the Qualified label. If your book is already signed, CGC can't validate the signature. Now, obviously, a witnessed and certified signature is the best option, but it's only an option if you're getting the book signed in a position where a CGC official can be there. This book is forever enshrined in CGC's list of authorized signed books, with a unique identifier to make sure the book is verified as authentic. You're then given a book with the yellow Signature Series label. Then, they take possession of it, grade it, and slab it then and there. They have a witness physically present when you have your book signed. While you personally witnessing a signature has no authority behind it, CGC's authority is tangible. In exceptional cases, you can also work with CGC directly to have them come and witness and verify a signature, usually for high-end books worth a significant amount. This service is generally available at conventions where noteworthy individuals are present and signing various items. Option 2: Witnessed SignaturesĬGC, and to an extent, the other grading companies, offer a witnessed signature service. No one else has any distinct reason to trust your word, which is a problem if you're trying to sell (or grade) the book. Unfortunately, simply being present for the signature only authenticates the signature to you. It's a lot more likely with collectibles that have smaller markets, like indie publications. This isn't likely to be the case with a major individual like Stan Lee, who signed many thousands of items throughout his years on the convention circuit and various public events. A chain of ownership can be recorded, and the history tracked. ![]() In the case of specific, noteworthy books and signatures, the provenance can be followed. If you want to sell a book with a signature you know is authentic, you can sell it raw, and anyone who doesn't believe you will simply not buy the book. Also, the vast majority of people signing books don't provide those certificates. These can lend veracity to your claims, but just as a signature can be forged, so too can a certificate of authenticity, even if it's harder to do so. Sometimes, the person signing the book also issues certificates of authenticity to prove that they signed it. Anyone else would need to trust you in your claims. The trouble with this is that it's just your word that it was signed by the person whose signature is on the book. The first way to tell if a signature is legit is if you were the person who had it signed and you were there to see it in person. How can you validate a signature and verify that it's authentic? Unfortunately, this is quite difficult. ![]() That makes those signed books potentially more desirable, at least to those collectors. Anyone who hoped to have his signature as part of their collection can no longer get it in person and will need to obtain it second-hand. Of course, since he passed, no more comics will have his signature if they don't already have it. It's no wonder that thousands of people had him sign various books he had some involvement with. Stan Lee was an exceptional man, and the mark he made on comics, in general, will remain for all time. Genuine signatures can add value to a book in some circumstances.
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