What You Need to Know About Upper Deck Authenticated (UDA) Hologram Numbers

Key Takeaways

• UDA holograms are unique serialized identifiers that verify authenticity through Upper Deck's tamper-evident 5-step authentication process.
• Not all UDA hologram numbers appear in the online database — older items (pre-2000s) and certain product lines were never digitized, which doesn't mean they're fake.
• Matching holograms on both the item and Certificate of Authenticity are essential for verification — mismatched numbers could indicate a counterfeit.
• Upper Deck Authenticated is one of the most trusted names in autograph authentication — I worked as their Autographed Product Manager from 1998-1999 and have been buying and selling UDA items since the company launched.
• If you can’t find the hologram number on the Upper Deck website, try calling Upper Deck at 1 (800) 873-7332 to ask them to look it up manually. Upper Deck may be able to verify the hologram number offline.
• Criminals have created high quality fake duplicate UDA hologram numbers and certificates to defraud buyers. Typically, these fake holograms are used on forged high dollar autographed memorabilia from top tier athletes like Michael Jordan and LeBron James. Be especially vigilant when shopping for these products even if the hologram number verifies properly.
• Many autograph companies including Fanatics now have similar authentication processes but beware fakes. Imitation being the sincerest form of flattery, fraudsters have created fake UDA holograms and certificates of authenticity to fool collectors. They’ve unfortunately done the same to Fanatics and other major autograph and authentication companies.

Since Upper Deck Authenticated was founded, I've been a fan of, collector of, buyer of, seller of, and for almost a year from 1998 to 1999, UDA’s Autographed Product Manager. I obviously have a unique perspective about UDA hologram numbers.

The most common problem arises when a prospective buyer tries to look up an old UDA hologram number on the Upper Deck website to verify the autograph. In the vast majority of cases, the result is a very unsatisfying "hologram not found" message. The buyer then assumes — incorrectly — that the autograph must be fake or suspicious.

Let me clear up the confusion once and for all.

Understanding UDA Hologram Numbers and the Database

Upper Deck Authenticated hologram numbers are unique, serialized identifiers applied to autographed memorabilia as part of their 5-step authentication process. These shimmering, tamper-evident holograms move when you tilt them and serve as the cornerstone of UDA's authentication system.

Here's the critical fact most collectors miss: The UDA hologram database at upperdeck.com hasn’t been constantly updated by Upper Deck and can’t be counted on for older autographs including, unfortunately, many of Michael Jordan – still probably the most forged autograph in the world.

When Upper Deck first started producing authenticated autographed memorabilia in the mid-1990s, there was no online database. As the company updated their technology, they didn't retroactively update every hologram number from older products. Not to excuse UDA, but it would have been a massive data entry task that yielded minimal additional sales of their current products, which of course is their main concern. So many if not most legitimate UDA items older than 20 years simply won't appear in the current online database.

How to Verify UDA Hologram Authenticity

I authenticate UDA items using these specific verification steps:

1. Check the hologram quality — Genuine UDA holograms have a distinctive shimmer and three-dimensional depth to the logo. Fakes typically look flat or printed.
2. Verify matching numbers — The hologram number on the item should exactly match the number on the Certificate of Authenticity.
3. Examine the COA — Authentic UDA Certificates of Authenticity should include detailed product information, the athlete's name, and the item description. A major notable exception is the Michael Jordan autographs from his Flight camps, which ended in 2010. These COAs only state the camp location and year because campers were allowed to get a single item signed at the end of camp, UDA authentication. This lack of specificity, of course, made these particular COAs and holograms more susceptible to fraud.
4. Look for tampering — UDA holograms are designed to leave "VOID" markings if someone tries to peel them off. However, it’s well known that older holograms don’t adhere well to fabric including jerseys, which again has caused obvious problems with fraud particularly with Michael Jordan.
5. Use the UDA database selectively — Check upperdeck.com/hologram/ but don't be surprised if older autographed memorabilia items don’t show.

The Difference Between Autograph and Third Party Authentication Companies

UDA, Fanatics, PROVA, Schwartz Sports and TriStar Productions conduct their own paid signings which they witness and authenticate. They don’t authenticate any other autographs. Third party authentication companies – the big 3 are BAS, JSA and PSA/DNA – authenticate all autographs they believe they are qualified to based on “exemplars” (known to be real autograph examples). These big 3 authentication companies also often authenticate public signings at conventions and private signings.

Here's a comparison of major autograph and authentication companies:

Note that this list is far from comprehensive. Many other companies such as Mounted Memories and Steiner Sports have conducted paid signings with their own legitimate authentication, and either ceased operations or been absorbed by one of the bigger companies. However, for third party authentication, the big three of BAS, JSA and PSA/DNA are by far the most widely accepted and I would recommend avoiding any others.

For my inventory, almost all autographs above $100 come with a Certificate of Authenticity from one of the above companies, with more lower dollar autographs being authenticated on a regular basis.

For collectors of baseball memorabilia, basketball autographs, or football collectibles, UDA items represent some of the most trustworthy authenticated pieces available. Same with Fanatics.

My inventory at AutographsForSale.com includes UDA items alongside pieces authenticated by JSA, Beckett, PSA/DNA and other reputable authentication companies. Every item comes with a lifetime guarantee of authenticity — because I stand behind every autograph I sell.

If you have questions about authenticity of one of our products before purchasing, contact me directly at 858.384.7057. I've been doing this since 1999, and I am happy to answer any questions you may have.

Red Flags for Fake UDA Autographs

After 25 years in this business, I've seen every type of counterfeit. Watch for these warning signs:

●     Mismatched hologram numbers between the item and COA

●     Poor hologram quality — fuzzy printing, no shimmer effect, or obvious sticker appearance

●     Suspiciously low prices — genuine UDA Michael Jordan or LeBron James autographed memorabilia items don't sell for $500.

I've seen thousands of UDA autographed items since 1999. The most common mistake collectors make is assuming the online database is comprehensive. It isn't, and it will never be.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is UDA still the best option for Michael Jordan autographs?

Yes, despite the issues described above, Upper Deck Authenticated is still arguably the most respected autograph company in the sports memorabilia industry, and their exclusive contract with Michael Jordan is still ongoing. Same with LeBron James and Tiger Woods. They pioneered witnessed signing sessions and tamper-evident holograms in the 1990s. I worked for UDA as their Autographed Product Manager and can confirm their authentication process is rigorous and trustworthy.

Does Upper Deck Authenticated authenticate autographs?

No. As an autograph company, Upper Deck Authenticated only witnesses and authenticates autographs during controlled signing sessions with athletes. They don't provide authentication for any other autographed items. For items that need third party authentication, use JSA, Beckett, or PSA/DNA.

How do you know if signed memorabilia is authentic?

This is the million dollar question. For starters, be aware that eBay is once again the WORST marketplace for fake autographs. Many years ago, eBay actually started cracking down on sellers of fake autographs and managed to keep things from getting out of control. Nowadays, things are as bad as they’ve ever been. eBay apparently does little or no enforcement of fake autographs.

The absolute worst autographs to shop for on eBay are those with the highest demand and most popularity that are NOT authenticated by one of the companies listed above. If you’re expecting to buy a Michael Jordan autographed jersey for $1000 or a Mark Hamill autographed Star Wars 8x10 photo for $100, eBay has plenty of both. 100% fake, of course.

Buy from reputable dealers like myself who offer lifetime guarantees. If you're unsure about an item, contact me at 858.384.7057 for a professional evaluation.