How We Authenticate:
Initial Review
Our panel of advisors with a combined 200 years of experience initially reviews each item in person.
Chemical Analysis
Our Niton XL5 XRF analyzer assesses the chemical makeup of the item to verify that the material is age-appropriate.
Database Check
We use our extensive internal database of sold items to establish an item's rarity and develop reasonable comparisons.
Certification
These methods collectively enable us to confidently certify an item as authentic. If the item is unverifiable, we will abstain from certification but still provide findings to the owner.
Custom Authentication Decal
Our custom authentication and grading decals include:
Custom QR code for quick access to item details on our website
Unique item number for easy catalog search on our website
Clearly displayed certification and/or grading information
Tamper-proof and non-duplicable labels for added security
Our Custom AGS Grading Method:
100-Point Scale
We use a unique 100-point scale that considers eleven different criteria tailored for various types of items.
Custom Decal
Each item receives a custom printed, tamper-proof decal based on the tier of service selected.
Subscription-Based Catalog
All information is recorded in our subscription-based catalog for customers to review and learn more about the item. The item is also recorded in our comprehensive database for future reference.
Certification Card
Along with the decal, a certification card is provided.
Authentication & Grading Request Form
Interested in Authentication & Grading? Please complete the form below:
FAQs
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What criteria does AGS use to grade items?Please review our grading guide to learn more about the AGS proprietary grading system.
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Can my items be authenticated, graded, and/or appraised through photos or digital communication?No. All items must be authenticated in person by one of our team members. Your options are to send your item by mail, visit us at one of many antique shows throughout the year, or to arrange a site visit with us if you have a large quantity of items.
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What value does the sticker have?Our stickers are placed in the least intrusive location possible on your item. Each sticker will include the inventory number, QR code, and grade (if applicable). This provides you and potential buyers with easy access to additional photos, manufacturer information, and details regarding the condition and rarity of your item.
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What if my item is determined not to be original?AGS reserves the right not to process and sticker your items if we deem them inauthentic. In the rare occasion that we sticker an item and determine later that it is not authentic, we also reserve the right to remove the sticker and refund the original patron his or her money.
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How do I find out more about an item that has been AGS certified?Each item that has been AGS certified is assigned a distinct inventory number as well as a unique QR code. In order to learn additional information about the item, you must subscribe to our state-of-the-art database. There are monthly and yearly subscription options. Once you are a member, you can either search the inventory number in the database or simply scan the QR code to be instantly taken to the item’s listing.
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What is the cost to have my item authenticated?We offer three tiers of services with different prices for each. Tier 1 Authentication Tier 2 Authentication & Grading Tier 3 Authentication, Grading, & Market Evaluation
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What if I want my entire collection authenticated, graded, and/or appraised?Please reach out to us through the “Contact Us” on our website. We will be happy to give you a custom quote for either a part or your entire collection. Entire collections will be processed on location.
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What if my item is damaged after I have it graded, authenticated, and/or appraised?AGS’s liability ends the moment we hand over or ship the customer’s item back. If an item is damaged subsequent to our assessment, we will be happy to reprocess and sticker the item and update it in our database. This expense will be incurred by the customer.
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What is the value in paying for this service?AGS services benefit items of particular rarity and high condition. In today’s world of advertising collectibles, rarity and condition dictate value. Our services offer both the owner and potential buyers peace of mind in knowing exactly what they are spending their money on.
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What qualifications do the AGS team have?The AGS team has decades of combined experience in both collecting and selling the best antique advertising collectibles. While mistakes happen, our team strives to use our knowledge, access to research, and our Niton XL5 XRF Analyzer to provide our customers with multiple datapoints as to why their item is authentic or not.