MTM Authenticity and Certifications

LOA · COA · Our Guarantee System

1. MTM Letter of Authenticity (LOA)

What is an LOA?

The MTM Letter of Authenticity (LOA) is an official document issued directly by MTM Memorabilia Trading Milano for every autograph sold in our catalog.

It is not a generic certificate: it is a declaration signed by our experts, stating the provenance and veracity of the autograph in question, based on our direct knowledge and documented sources.

What does the LOA state?

The MTM LOA states:
• the identity of the signatory
• the medium on which the autograph is placed (jersey, photograph, brochure, trading card, etc.)
• the methods and circumstances of the autograph's acquisition, to the best of our direct knowledge
• the document's issue date
• the unique item code linking the LOA to the specific piece

Serial number and online verification

Every MTM LOA is identified by a unique serial number in the format MTM-YEAR-NNNNN (for example, MTM-2026-00001).
This code is printed on the physical document and on a QR code printed on the LOA itself.

By scanning the QR code or directly visiting the verification page on mtmmemorabilia.com, collectors can check at any time:
• that the serial number exists in our official archive
• the name of the signatory and the description of the piece to which the LOA is associated
• a photo of the autographed product

Verification is public, free, and accessible without registration. It is a tool that protects both the original buyer and anyone who may acquire the piece in the future on the secondary market.

Why is the MTM LOA reliable?

MTM Memorabilia has been operating in the collectibles sector for years with rigorous selection and provenance criteria. We do not purchase autographs from unverified sources, nor do we accept pieces without a documented chain of custody. The LOA is the written expression of this supply chain: it does not certify the autograph in a technical-legal sense, but it declares its provenance with full responsibility on our part.
It is included free of charge with every MTM autograph, without exception.

2. The Certificate of Authenticity (COA)

What is a COA?

The COA (Certificate of Authenticity) is a certificate issued by an independent third-party certification body, external to MTM, which assesses the authenticity of the autograph through a graphological and calligraphic analysis conducted by specialized experts.

Unlike the LOA — which declares provenance — the COA certifies the authenticity of the autograph independently and is internationally recognized, significantly increasing its value on the secondary market and its resale potential over time.

The certification bodies we work with

MTM works exclusively with the most authoritative independent certification bodies in the world within the collectibles sector. Below are the six bodies recognized by MTM:

• PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator)
The largest authentication and grading body for trading cards and autographs worldwide. Based in the United States, with global recognition.
• JSA (James Spence Authentication)
Specializing in sports and entertainment autographs. One of the main references in the North American and international markets.
• Beckett Authentication Services
A long-standing institution in American sports collectibles, with decades of experience in certifying cards, autographs, and memorabilia.
• Epperson Authentication
An independent US entity specializing in the authentication of autographs on all types of media, known for the rigor of its process.
• Autograph COA
An international certification body specializing in autographs, with a presence and recognition in the European and global markets.
• Associazione Autografia — Periti Calligrafi Certificatori
The leading Italian certification body, composed of specialized calligraphy experts; the COA issued by Associazione Autografia has no expiration date and is recognized internationally.

3. Our Certification Policy

Autographs under €350: LOA included, COA purchasable separately

For autographs valued under €350, MTM includes the LOA free of charge and offers the option to purchase a COA from one of the recognized bodies separately. For low-value items, the cost of the COA might be disproportionate to the item's value — but for those considering future resale or desiring internationally recognized protection, the option is always available.

Autographs over €350: LOA + COA included in the price

For autographs valued at €350 or more, both the MTM LOA and a COA from a recognized certification body are included in the price, with no additional costs. For significant value pieces, dual certification — provenance declared by the LOA and authenticity guaranteed by the COA — is an indispensable standard for us, in the interest of the collector and market quality.

High-exposure signatories: COA included regardless of value

For autographs of highly renowned individuals — active athletes in the current season, historical champions, sports icons with a large collector base — MTM includes the COA regardless of the selling price, even below the €350 threshold.

For these signatories, demand is high, and the circulation of inauthentic material is historically common. The value of the piece also tends to increase over time, making dual certification an investment that protects the collector both today and during potential future resale. For these autographs, the COA is not an option but a necessary standard.

How to read the certification on the product page

On every product page on mtmmemorabilia.com, you will find a clear and transparent indication of the certification included or available for that specific piece. The phrases used are as follows:

• "LOA MTM included — COA purchasable separately": The MTM Letter of Authenticity is included in the price; a COA from an independent certification body is available as an additional paid option.

• "LOA MTM included — COA [name of body] included": Both certifications are included in the price, with no additional costs.

• "LOA MTM included — COA [name of body] included (high-exposure signatory)": The COA is included because the signatory falls into the high-demand category, regardless of the economic value of the piece.

Each product page also displays the LOA serial number assigned to the piece and a direct link to the verification page, allowing you to check the document's authenticity at any time, even after resale.

Note on Terminology

In all our documents and communications, the LOA "declares" the provenance and veracity of the autograph.
The verb "certifies" is reserved exclusively for COAs issued by independent third-party certification bodies.