4 min article

Autographed items policy

Authentic autographs and autographed items can be highly sought after items, and in some cases may be extremely rare and valuable.

This policy was updated on 20 December 2023. Our policy guidelines have not changed, but the information about activity that doesn't follow this policy has been updated for clarity.

Our policy on the sale of autographs and autographed items provides guidance to keep all of our members safe when buying or selling on eBay.

Frequently Asked Questions

 

How can I tell if an autograph is genuine?

Autographs are commonly sold with Certificates of Authenticity (COA). COAs can offer assurance that an autograph is genuine, but you need to be sure the authenticator is reputable.

What information should I include when listing an autograph?

Include as much information as you can about the autograph and the item it's been written on. To give your buyer as clear an understanding as possible as to what they're buying, we recommend including the following:

  • A clear, scanned image of the autographed item
  • Information about the COA, including the name of the person or company issuing the certificate
  • A scan of the COA
  • Your refund policy

Read our full policy

Autographed items policy overview

Autographed items, commonly bought and sold on eBay, are unique in that they can be highly valuable yet easily forged. eBay strives to maintain a marketplace that is safe for both buyers and sellers of autographs, and has developed the following guidelines and policies designed to protect you, the members of our community.

Autographs are commonly sold with so-called "Certificates of Authenticity" (COA), which are designed to offer the buyer some assurances that the autograph was indeed properly signed by the person(s) in question. However, COAs are only as valuable as the reputation of the issuing party. Literally anyone can offer a COA, so it is important that savvy buyers investigate the background of each "authenticator". Blank COAs are not permitted and certificates of authenticity may NEVER be sold as a stand-alone item. For further information regarding authentication please visit our Authenticity disclaimer policy page.

Disciplinary action

eBay reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to remove any autographed item listed on its site and refund the associated listing fee, if eBay believes that the listing of the item is inconsistent with eBay's goal of providing a safe trading environment, or if in its sole discretion eBay believes that the sale of the item might create liability for the buyer, the seller, or any third party.

eBay may also seek an opinion from a disinterested 3rd party regarding any autograph listing. If the 3rd party has any concerns about the authenticity of the listing, eBay may at its sole discretion, remove the listing from the site. Sellers whose autographs have been repeatedly identified as problematic may be warned, put on probation, or suspended from all eBay buying and selling activity, at eBay's sole discretion.

Activity on eBay is required to follow this policy, the eBay User Agreement and all applicable laws, as well as respect the rights of third parties. If it doesn't, eBay may take action consistent with applicable laws and the eBay User Agreement, and may even be legally required to do so. Such actions may include, as an example only: Removing the listing or other content, issuing a warning, restricting activity or account suspension.

Additional information

Authentication

Autographs are commonly sold with "Certificates of Authenticity" (COA), which are meant to assure the buyer that the signature is genuinely made by the person claimed. However, COAs are only as valuable as the reputation of the issuing party. Anyone can offer a COA, so it is important to investigate the background of each.

There are many reputable autograph experts, and eBay has identified a partial list of authenticators - opens in new window or tab for your benefit. These authenticators offer various services for buyers and sellers of autographs.

Listing guidelines

eBay strongly recommends that autograph sellers include all relevant information in their listings about the autograph and the item it appears on, including:

  • A clear, scanned image of the actual autographed item for sale
  • All relevant information about the Certificate of Authenticity (if the signature or item has been authenticated), including the name of the person or company issuing the certificate
  • A scan of the Certificate of Authenticity (if the signature or item has been authenticated)
  • Seller's refund policy – in case any reputable dealer (including those dealers listed in the relevant authentication section of eBay's site) find that the item is likely not authentic

Unacceptable authenticators on eBay

eBay will not permit any use of certificates of authenticity on its site that have been issued by certain individuals or authenticators. These COA's have been prohibited through circumstances that occurred in the United States, however due to international trading it is possible that these COA's could have been imported into Australia or elsewhere. To view the names of these persons and the reasons why these exclusions exist, please visit the Using authentication and grading services - opens in new window or tab page on eBay.com.

Tip
Visit Seller Help to find details of any policy issues with your account or listings, and get the information you need to quickly resolve them.

Why does eBay have this policy?

eBay strives to maintain a marketplace that is safe for both buyers and sellers of autographs. This policy helps to ensure an open trading experience where every party is informed about the items being traded.

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