Expert Mantle, Ring Authenticator Loves '99 Yankee Ring

Jul 12 2006 5:42PM

Collectors of Mickey Mantle autographs probably already know T.J. Kaye, even though they may not know his name. Kaye is president and CEO of T.J.'s Collectibles of Boca Raton, Fla. But Kaye also is a "go to" guy for authenticating Mantle autographs says PSA/DNA president Joe Orlando, who uses Kaye as an expert consultant authenticator for the company.

"T.J. offers specific experience and vast expertise in the area of Mickey Mantle autographs, one of the most desired autographs in the hobby," says Orlando.

Kaye earned a BA in accounting before establishing himself as a successful realtor in the 1980s. But his love for the autograph business, which he kept running on the side, blossomed. And by 1996, Kaye had opened a gallery, T.J. Collectibles.

As one of the nation's leading Mantle autograph experts, Kaye warns not to buy items that are not authenticated by PSA/DNA or another reputable authenticator. "Signed baseballs and 8-by-10s are the most commonly forged items," says Kaye. Kaye grew up in New York with a father who was a die-hard Mantle fan, and has been around authentic Mantle signatures nearly his whole life.

Kaye says the market is ripe for championship and Super Bowl player rings, but warns that replica rings and salesman's sample rings can fool buyers who don't demand authentication on the items.

"Rings are hard to get, because they usually come from the player's family who needs the money for one reason or another," Kaye says. "It's not like game-worn jerseys, of which there could be multiples. A real Super Bowl ring, for instance, is a one-of-a-kind for that player for that year. You need it authenticated by experts to make sure you are not getting a replica or sample ring."

Kaye, who says he's seen every World Series and Super Bowl ring ever made, says his favorite championship ring of all time is in his personal collection: the 1999 Yankees World Series champion ring.