Question 1

What is MAS Autograph Authentication?

Accepted Answer

MAS Autograph Authentication (legally MAS Certified, Inc.) is a professional autograph authentication company. MAS specializes in live, in-person witnessed certification at conventions and private signings, instant digital verification of signed items, and issuing publicly verifiable Certificates of Authenticity (COAs) and Letters of Authenticity (LOAs). Every MAS COA can be confirmed in seconds at mascertified.com.

Question 2

Is MAS Authentication legit and trustworthy?

Accepted Answer

Yes. MAS Certified, Inc. is an official Texas corporation and a recognized name in autograph authentication. MAS is best known for witnessed certification — a representative is physically present when an item is signed — which is the strongest form of authentication available. MAS-certified items are bought and sold daily by collectors, dealers and auction houses, and every certificate is backed by a public, real-time COA lookup so anyone can independently verify an item.

Question 3

What is witnessed (in-person) authentication?

Accepted Answer

Witnessed authentication means an MAS authenticator is physically present at the moment an autograph is signed — at a convention, private signing, or in-store event. Because the signing is observed first-hand, there is no opinion or guesswork involved: the item is certified authentic with full confidence. This is considered the gold standard in the autograph hobby.

Question 4

How do I verify a MAS Certificate of Authenticity (COA)?

Accepted Answer

Go to the COA lookup at mascertified.com/verify-coa and enter the serial number printed on your certificate or sticker. The system instantly confirms whether the certificate is valid and shows the certified item details. Verification is free and available to anyone — buyers, sellers and auction houses.

Question 5

What is the difference between a COA and an LOA?

Accepted Answer

A Certificate of Authenticity (COA) is the core certification record and matching tamper-evident sticker tied to your item's unique serial number. A Letter of Authenticity (LOA) is a detailed signed letter — available digitally or as a printed document — that accompanies higher-value items. MAS offers both digital and physical LOAs as optional upgrades.

Question 6

Do MAS-certified items hold their value and sell well?

Accepted Answer

Yes. MAS-certified autographs are actively bought and sold across major marketplaces, and MAS COAs are widely recognized by collectors and dealers. Because many MAS items are witnessed in person, buyers purchase with confidence, which supports strong, consistent resale value for certified pieces.

Question 7

How does MAS compare to PSA, Beckett and JSA?

Accepted Answer

PSA, Beckett and JSA are all respected, established leaders in authentication and the broader hobby, and MAS holds them in high regard. MAS differentiates itself through a heavy focus on live, witnessed certification, fast and affordable turnaround, instant digital verification, and modern digital Letters of Authenticity. Many collectors use MAS alongside these companies, and MAS-certified items are valued strongly in the marketplace.

Question 8

What items can MAS authenticate?

Accepted Answer

MAS authenticates a wide range of signed collectibles including trading cards, photos, Funko Pops, comics, posters, jerseys and apparel, balls and equipment, albums and vinyl, books, and more — from sports, entertainment, music, anime and pop culture.

Question 9

How do I submit an item for authentication?

Accepted Answer

You can submit online at mascertified.com/submit and mail your items in, or get Instant Verification of a signed item from photos. You can also have items authenticated live when MAS attends a convention or signing — see the event schedule at mascertified.com/events.

Question 10

How much does authentication cost and how long does it take?

Accepted Answer

MAS offers affordable standard authentication with optional priority (5–7 days) and express (2–3 days) turnaround upgrades, plus optional digital or physical Letters of Authenticity. Exact pricing is shown during online submission at mascertified.com/submit.

Question 11

Does MAS offer card grading?

Accepted Answer

Yes. MAS grading is available at grading.mascertified.com and is quickly becoming a favorite with collectors nationwide. Grading pairs a protective, tamper-evident slab with a holographic, publicly verifiable COA so your graded collectibles are protected and authenticated for life.

Question 12

Is MAS Certified a real registered company?

Accepted Answer

Yes. MAS Certified, Inc. is an officially incorporated Texas corporation with a board of directors. MAS was founded in 2022, began attending conventions and signings in 2023, and completed full incorporation in 2026.

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