Do You Need an Appraisal or an Authentication?
Joe DiMaggio Signed Baseball with "#5" Inscription (Authenticated) – Est. Value: $900
If you’ve ever found yourself wondering what that old coin, autograph, or antique is really worth—or whether it’s even real—you’re not alone. At DJR Authentication, these are the most common questions we help answer. But before you move forward with selling, insuring, or displaying your item, it’s important to understand the difference between an appraisal and authentication.
What’s an Appraisal?
An appraisal provides a professional estimate of value based on the item’s condition, origin, market demand, and comparable examples. This is the service you want when:
• You're insuring something valuable
• You're selling or donating an item
• You need value documentation for estate planning or tax purposes
What’s Authentication?
Authentication confirms whether something is genuine—especially when it comes to signatures, coins, rare memorabilia, or artwork. It’s often the first step before appraisal. You’ll want this when:
• You suspect a signature may be forged
• You inherited an item with no documentation
• The value depends on originality (e.g., autographs, paintings, rare coins)
Why Many Items Need Both
Even the most stunning baseball, painting, or historic document may be worthless if it’s not authentic. Conversely, a valuable but unsigned print won’t benefit from authentication alone. When in doubt, we recommend starting with a Fast Opinion.
Get the Answers You Need
At DJR Authentication, we help clients across the country get clarity on what they own. Whether it’s a $40 opinion or a $400 museum-level appraisal, we deliver expert insight with no-nonsense professionalism.
