A certificate of authenticity the buyer can verify
Following an expert examination, the VS Certificate attests to the authenticity of a signature, an autograph or a handwritten document. It is tied to one specific item, bears my signature as a forensic handwriting examiner and carries a unique number that can be checked on this website.
What each certificate includes
- Unique registration number, which can be checked in the online verifier.
- Identification of the item: photograph, description, dimensions and support, so the certificate cannot be attached to any other item.
- Scope of the examination: what was examined (the original or photographs) and with what means.
- Technical conclusion with its degree of certainty, written in plain language.
- Examiner's signature and date of issue.
- Language: English or Spanish, as you prefer.
What it certifies and what it does not
The certificate expresses a reasoned technical opinion on the item examined: whether the signature is handwritten and consistent with that of the person concerned, or whether it is a facsimile, a stamped signature, a secretarial signature or an imitation.
It is not a valuation: it does not set a price for the item. Nor does it replace an expert report when a matter goes to court; for that I offer forensic handwriting examination.
If a signature does not pass the examination, no certificate is issued. I explain the reasons in writing and return the item to you.
Physical + digital or digital only
| Physical + digital | Digital only* | |
|---|---|---|
| What I examine | The original item, in hand | High-quality photographs |
| Pressure, indentations, ink and paper | Yes | Not possible |
| Printed certificate with security features | Yes | No |
| Digital version with number | Yes | Yes |
| Listed in the online verifier | Yes | Yes |
| Recommended for | Valuable items, sales and auctions | Items of moderate value or a first opinion |
| Price | from €100 + shipping | from €75 |
*The digital certificate has a limited scope: an image does not allow pen pressure, ink or the support to be examined, and it may hide decisive details. Its conclusion refers to the images examined. See all prices.
Designed so it cannot be copied
A certificate is only worth something if it cannot be forged. That is why the VS Certificate combines three layers:
- Physical security: security code, holographic code, watermark, identification mark and embossed VS seal. I do not explain how they work, so as not to help forgers.
- Link to the item: the photograph and description prevent it from being used for a different item.
- Online register: the number can be checked on this website. A VS certificate that does not appear in the register is not ours.
Questions about the certificate
Is a certificate of authenticity legally valid?
A certificate of authenticity is neither an official document nor a court ruling: it is an expert's technical opinion, and its value depends on the qualifications of the person who signs it and on the method followed. If the matter is going to court, the appropriate document is an expert report.
Can I get the certificate in English?
Yes. I issue the certificate in English or Spanish, whichever you need to sell or insure the item.
What happens if I lose the certificate?
Every certificate is recorded in a database for future reference. Write to me with the number and we will look into it.
Do you certify works of art or signatures on paintings?
I certify signatures and handwriting. On a work of art I can examine the signature, but I do not give an opinion on the authorship of the painting itself, which requires other specialists.
Certify your item
Send me a few photos and I'll tell you how much it costs to certify it. The €25 preliminary assessment is deducted from the price of the certificate.