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Forged COAs, fake invoices, and fabricated permits are common. A convincing document does not prove authenticity — the document itself must be verified.
Anyone can print a COA. It's only as trustworthy as the person who signed it. Always verify the certifier independently. A COA from an unverifiable source is worse than no COA — it creates false confidence.
Real COA includes: fossil description, scientific name, formation, locality, date, certifier name+credentials, signature, unique certificate number. A COA that only says 'This certifies this is a genuine fossil' without specifics is a red flag.
Legitimate COA names a specific person or institution with verifiable credentials and contact info — not a generic company name with no individuals listed.
COA date doesn't match discovery or collection timeline. Invoice date predates fossil availability. Permit dates outside valid window.
COA says Morocco but listing says Wyoming. Invoice describes different specimen. Permit covers different species or quantity.
Real export permits have government reference numbers, stamps, and official letterhead. A typed letter without official markings is likely fabricated.
A photocopied COA with copied signature is not verification. Originals have wet ink signatures, embossed seals, or secure digital signatures.
COA claims to be from a museum or university that doesn't exist, or a paleontologist who can't be found. Always verify the certifier independently.
Multiple sellers using identical COA templates with different names filled in suggests forgery, not genuine certification.
COA
Signed by named expert. Includes specimen description, scientific name, formation, locality, date.
Landowner Release
Signed by landowner. Includes property description, collection date, explicit permission to collect and sell.
Export Permit
Government-issued. Official reference number, stamps, date. Covers specific specimen type.
Import/Customs Declaration
Matches export permit. Lists specimen, value, origin, destination. Official customs stamps.
Prior Bill of Sale
Establishes ownership chain. Seller name, buyer name, date, price, specimen description.
Prep/Restoration Report
Detailed preparator report listing all restoration, fill, composite, and reconstruction percentages.
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Document Review
Expert checks each COA, permit, and invoice against known genuine templates and databases.
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Photo Verification
Close-up and UV photos detect alterations, photocopies, and signature forgeries.
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Cross-Reference
Document claims cross-checked against listing fields — origin, formation, species, dates must match.
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Restoration % Field
Required on every listing. Sellers disclose exact restoration, composite, and replica percentages.
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Prep Report
Expert preparator report documenting all repair, fill, composite, and reconstruction work.
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Close-Up Photos
High-res close-up photos required. UV light photos recommended for high-value items.