Beckett Questions Authenticity of Certified Michael Jordan-Signed Rookie Card Amid Ongoing Autograph Controversy

Beckett Offers Conflicting Opinion on Previously Graded Michael Jordan-Signed Rookie
Company “Unable to Render an Opinion” on Autograph It Certified in March 2023. It’s another case of the Michael Jordan autograph controversy, which has gained momentum since the Netflix documentary The Last Dance and driven the value of signatures to new heights.

The authenticity of a Michael Jordan autograph on a 1984 Star rookie card, currently up for auction at Goldin, has been called into question by the same company that previously certified it.

Wesley Gretah, from G.O.A.T. Authentics, a firm specializing in authenticating Michael Jordan autographs, believed the signature on the card might be fraudulent and submitted it to Beckett for a quick opinion. Despite having authenticated the autograph in March 2023 with a grade of 9, Beckett responded this time with an “Unable to render an opinion” decision, according to cllct.com.

Michael Jordan autograph controversy continues

Gretah, who has examined thousands of Jordan autographs, expressed doubts about the legitimacy of this particular signature, citing several inconsistencies. He pointed to unusual characteristics in the formation of the letters, specifically the “M” and the “J,” which appeared different from typical examples of Jordan’s signature. Gretah emphasized that these anomalies made him highly skeptical that the autograph was genuine, as reported by cllct.com.

Interestingly, Gretah had submitted the card for review without revealing that Beckett had previously authenticated it. Beckett did not respond to cllct.com’s request for comment regarding the conflicting opinions.

While Beckett’s recent quick opinion did not invalidate the earlier certification, the uncertainty surrounding the signature raises concerns, especially considering the market value of the card. A similar Jordan Star card graded 7.5 by Beckett sold for $31,001 on eBay in September, while the current autographed version stands at $68,320 as of Thursday afternoon, adding over $37,000 in value attributed to the autograph alone.

Ken Goldin, the founder of Goldin Auctions, told cllct.com that he had reached out to a Beckett representative, who assured him that both the autograph and the card were legitimate. But the Michael Jordan autograph controversy still goes on.

Beckett’s Signature Review service, which costs $10, provides a decision within 24-48 hours but is less comprehensive than its in-person evaluations. Beckett’s service description notes that this review can offer peace of mind for consumers who don’t want to risk significant sums without an expert’s opinion, though inconclusive results could deter potential buyers, cllct.com reports.

The broader role of third-party authenticators like Beckett has been a point of contention in the hobby for years. Beckett faced a lawsuit after PSA found a BGS 9.5 card had been trimmed. BGS confirmed the alteration, sparking a lengthy legal battle. As noted by cllct.com, legal analysts suggest this case could have implications for how courts evaluate the objectivity of autograph authentication, drawing parallels to rulings on card trimming.