Using authentication and grading services

Sellers can have their items authenticated by an independent expert before listing them, and buyers can get items evaluated before making a purchase to see if they’re getting a good deal.

What service to use

Authentication services can determine whether an item is genuine and described appropriately.

Grading services determine the physical condition of an item; the grade given depends on the type of item graded.

Recommended authentication and grading companies

The authentication and grading companies listed below are professional evaluators.

Authentication and Grading Companies
Autographs	Sports autographs and memorabilia James Spence Authentication - opens in new window or tab PSA card - opens in new window or tab Beckett Authentication - opens in new window or tab Sportscard Guaranty - opens in new window or tab PROVA Group - opens in new window or tab Certified Authentication Services (CAS) - opens in new window or tab Pre-certified autographs Fanatics Authentic - opens in new window or tab Sports Memorabilia - opens in new window or tab Steiner Sports - opens in new window or tab Tristar Productions - opens in new window or tab Upper Deck - opens in new window or tab
Beanie Babies	Peggy Gallagher Enterprises - opens in new window or tab
Jewelry, diamonds, and other gemstones	International Gemological Institute (IGI) - opens in new window or tab Gemological Institute of America (GIA) - opens in new window or tab
Political memorabilia	American Political Items Collectors (APIC) - opens in new window or tab
Stamps	American Philatelic Expertizing Service (APEX) - opens in new window or tab Philatelic Foundation (PF) - opens in new window or tab Professional Stamp Experts (PSE) - opens in new window or tab

Misrepresented items

If an expert says that an item on eBay is not accurately represented, we reserve the right to remove it. If this happens, we may refund the listing fee to the seller.