Pawn Stars’ Steve Grad Joins Beckett, Launches Beckett Authentication Services
Beckett Media has launched an autograph authentication company, led by renowned expert Steve Grad of Pawn Stars fame.
The new company, Beckett Authentication Services, is immediately positioned as a leader in the $500 million authentic autograph industry. Led by Grad and authenticator Brian Sobrero, BAS is accepting online submissions effective today at the Beckett Authentication Services website.
“I am beyond excited to take this incredible next step in my career,” Grad said. “Partnering with Beckett’s talented global team will allow Beckett Authentication Services to deliver unparalleled service to dealers and collectors worldwide.”
Grad most recently served as principal authenticator for PSA/DNA, building that company’s authentication business during the past 15 years. Grad has authenticated many of the finest pieces in the sports collectible hobby, including the highest graded Babe Ruth single-signed baseball and the only known Joe Jackson signed photo.
Since 2013, Grad has served as an autograph expert for Pawn Stars on The History Channel, and will continue to appear on the popular show representing Beckett Authentication Services.
Sobrero’s lifelong association with the autograph industry has helped him develop an unmatched library of exemplars. He has been an invaluable resource to auction houses, leading hobby dealers and private collectors, ensuring that their modern autographs are authentic. Sobrero and Grad will work in concert with Jeromy Murray, general manager of Beckett’s grading and authentication businesses.
“Beckett is the most trusted brand in the business, and has been for more than 30 years,” said Sandeep Dua, CEO of Beckett Media. “The addition of Steve Grad and Brian Sobrero underscores our commitment to providing industry-best products and services. BAS will be a perfect partner to our well-respected Beckett Grading Services (BGS) business.”
Grad, Sobrero and the BAS team will join BGS at collectible shows throughout the country, including the Greater Boston Sports Collectors Club show (Nov. 4-6) and the Fanatics Authentic show in Chicago (Nov. 18-20). Additional public appearances will be announced soon.
Visit www.beckett-authentication.com to submit autographs for authentication or to learn more about Grad, Sobrero and the Beckett Authentication Services business.
Great move! the 2 best in the business…Beckett, Very Smart.
Will BGS still be partnering with JSA?
Yes, I’d be curious if JSA is still in the mix. Personally I’m happy for a one stop shop with BAS.
The guy from Pawn Stars and The Gummy Bear FTW!
For me, when Steve Grad took over the authenticating of memorabilia at Pawn Stars, the level of professionalism and precision authencating went from a magnifying class to state of the art technology. It was like going from the Stone Age to the Space Age. In addition, the historical information that Steve provided kept me on the edge of my seat as I was able to learn fascinating and interesting information that made Pawn Stars my favorite History channel show of all time. Best of luck to Steve and his team as they on an exciting and rewarding journey.
Fantastic. This is going to help the community out a ton.
Can’t wait to submit some items.
what are the fees? what do you authenticate autos on ? and do they come back in an encapsulation like a graded card?
thanks
mike
I believe that this is one of the smartest moves that Steve Grad could’ve made. I had met him personally after he had authenticated a/an 1942 New York Giants Team Signed baseball; in San Jose, CA. Being the collector that i am, I usually keep a brand new baseball on me at all times. And a case of balls in my vehicle. It was so nice to have him autograph a baseball & inscribe it to me. Including take a picture with him. I have a couple of questions for you Steve, will you be authenticating game used bats? As I had talked to John Taube, of which I was beyond suspicious when he had told me to send him 20-25 bats, when I had asked for a price list about how much it would cost to have certain bats authenticated. I don’t know if you would remember me, I believe that is was in March 2013? Maybe 2014, I also had some T-202’s & a/AN Tee Pee Willie McCovey Signature Model bat, with me, the ball had Mel Ott, Bill Terry, Carl Hubbell, & Notibles were Walter “Jumbo” Brown & Morrie Annovich. I have nothing but good things to say about my expierience in meeting Mr. Grad, & now due to him moving from PSA/DNA, & my absolutely awful expierience with John Taube, Beckett has a new customer, instead of only using Beckett to authenticate my cards, I will now be commited 110% to supporting them and trusting them 110% with the significant amount that I have in my collection. Is there any way that you would be able to email me, or what would it cost for you to do a house call? I’m less than a hours drive from when you’re at the Cow Palace for the Tri-Star Show. As most people know how this industry is, 99.999% of the business is based upon Trust, reputation & how satisfied you are with the overall value for what you’re paying for. If you’ve got any time, or if anyone else is able to contact me in this new sub-section of Beckett authentication services. I would greatly appreciate that. As I had said before; reputation is EVERYTHING in this business, and after speaking to someone who was unable to give me a price list for authenticating game used bats, & then telling me to send them 20-25 bats & have them PERSONALLY CHOOSE which TO authenticate. That unfortunately doesn’t work with me. I’m now another collector whom is switching from the best to the BETTER! Congratulations on your new adventure & new chapter to your life. I’m beyond excited about this & you’re MOVE TO what now is going to be the GO-TO company. P.S. Will Beckett be going public anytime soon? I say that as I would LOVE to purchase some stock in the company. Once again if anyone is able to get a hold of me, that would be greatly appreciated! Thanks for being such a Rad, Awesome, straight forward & awesome person. You TRUELY are the type of Professional that is going to make Beckett look back & say that was one of the best moves that they could have ever made. Thanks again! And I hope to speak with one of your team members/associates in the near future! All the best, Mark
Hi Mark,
Your best bet to reach Steve would be through the Beckett Authentication page (there’s a spot at the top in the header): http://www.beckett-authentication.com/
Well folks, I was just BLOCKED from being a PSA customer ever again because I had the gall to dispute a charge with VISA (and I won,…$154). I couldn’t believe it but that is their policy. So, I am now a Beckett guy full time and am told I am better off for it anyway
It looks to me like the cost for authentications is the same or close to the same as PSA. Why would someone pay the same price to Beckett with PSA being well-established and the primary go-to in the business? Also, why does Beckett charge the same price per card for grading regardless of who signed it, but for autographs you pay a big premium for others like Michael Jordan (@$100)? Why should any of them get a “piece of the action” that they don’t have a single penny invested?
Hi there, Questions regarding Beckett Authentication can be submitted here: http://www.beckett-authentication.com/contact_us.php
You guys are the best in the business
I’m a collector and I own stuff from Clara Bow, Fatty Arbuckle, Judy Garland etc… and if Steve’s name isn’t on my COA’S then it means nothing! That guy is the best at what he does!
To Steve,Hi! When is the next time you will be at the pawn stars store to authenticate autographs?
Also,do you authenticate game used/ worn items?
Thanks! Victor