Best In Class Heritage Auctions™ - FAQs
Included in Best-in-Class
The LOO will not only summarize why Best-In-Class status was achieved but also include high-resolution images of the exact item certified for reference. Furthermore, each letter will feature a unique alphanumeric serial number that can be used to confirm the collectible's Best-In-Class status in the database.
For graded trading cards, a pre-printed Best-In-Class Certificate will be issued with the aforementioned alphanumeric serial number; however, the Best-In-Class summary and high-resolution images will be found in the online database only.
A tamper-evident, serialized sticker will be affixed to either the item (if a graded card from a third-party service) or the LOO. The security feature of the sticker will prevent unscrupulous individuals from removing it and affixing it to other items. The alphanumeric serial number, which matches the number found on the LOO or COO, is unique to each item and searchable in the Best-In-Class database.
A "Best-In-Class" branded folder will house the letters returned to the customer. The folder not only provides protection and storage but is also a great way to showcase your prized documents. Keep in mind that the certificates issued for graded cards will almost always be returned in a fitted sleeve, along with the card itself.
All Best-In-Class certified items will be registered into a database that is accessible online.
All Best-In-Class items can be verified online by entering the unique alphanumeric certification number found on each certificate, letter or sticker.
Once an item is registered into the Best-In-Class database and ready for cert verification, it automatically becomes part of the Best-In-Class Gallery (an online showcase). Each Best-In-Class item will receive its own page, which will include the expert summary found on the printed letter and high-resolution images of, and in support of, the item.
After items are added to the Best-In-Class online showcase, submitters will be notified of inbound interest. Offers received by Heritage will be presented to owners for review. Keep in mind that both the owners and those making offers will remain anonymous throughout the process.
Best-In-Class Terms & Conditions
Best-In-Class (B-I-C) is a service of Heritage Numismatic Auctions, Inc. (HNAI). Customer agrees that any submissions to B-I-C are subject to these Terms and Conditions, as well as to any other documents or instructions referenced herein. Read the full terms and conditions.
FAQs
In most cases, the answer is "Yes."
In product categories that have established third-party authentication/grading services, such as trading cards, autographs, game-used/worn items, vintage photos, tickets, and unopened material, underlying certification is required for eligibility.
There are rare cases where it will not be required, which include categories like advertising/display pieces where these services are either not yet available or established to the same degree as they are in other collectible markets.
To have any pre-approved item reviewed for Best-In-Class, the cost is $100 per item.
If your item achieves Best-In-Class status, the following tier will apply, and the review fee will be absorbed into the total price below:
- Items valued at $19,999 and lower = $500
- Items valued between $20,000 and $49,999 = $1,000
- Items valued between $50,000 and $99,999 = $2,500
- Items valued between $100,000 and $249,999 = $5,000
- Items valued at $250,000 or higher = Contact for Pricing
All Best-In-Class submissions must be pre-approved by our team.
Since all Best-In-Class submissions must be pre-approved, the first step in the process is to contact us with the items you are interested in submitting.You can begin the discussion by clicking here.
Once approval is confirmed, a submission form will be sent to the customer for signature with instructions to follow. This confirmation will include a mutually agreed-upon estimated value for each item. This exercise helps establish the maximum service fee based on the Best-In-Class pricing tier.
As a reminder, the cost to have an item reviewed for Best-In-Class is $100. After review, if the item is certified as Best-In-Class and proceeds to the next steps, the full price (based on the pricing tier) will be charged to the customer.
At that point, your item will receive the Best-In-Class treatment, which includes but is not limited to a brief synopsis explaining why the item achieved Best-In-Class, a corresponding B-I-C Letter or Certificate, a tamper-evident sticker (placement varies by item type), a customized presentation folder and entry into our online archive for verification.
No. Submitting your collectibles to our Best-In-Class service does not obligate you to consign your items to our auction platform. This is a standalone service. What you decide to do with your collectibles after submitting them to Best-In-Class is entirely up to you.
Yes. If any of the above happens, you can reach out to us for a replacement. Since high-resolution images for each item that achieves Best-In-Class certification can be found in our online archive, this should almost never be a problem. A replacement fee of $50 will be charged to the customer in the event this occurs and is requested.