Action Figure Authority (AFA) is a company that provides grading and authentication services for action figures and other collectible toys. They use a comprehensive and detailed grading system to evaluate the condition and overall quality of the toys, providing collectors with a reliable way to determine the value and authenticity of their collections.
Action Figure Authority was founded in 1990 by Tom Derby, who was a passionate collector of Star Wars action figures.
The company grew in popularity and expanded its services to include grading and authentication for a wide range of action figures and other toys.
In 2013, AFA was acquired by Collectors Universe, Inc., a leading provider of certification and grading services for collectibles of all kinds.
Today, AFA continues to be a trusted and respected name in the world of toy collecting, with a team of experts who are dedicated to providing collectors with accurate and reliable grading and authentication services.
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AFA offers a comprehensive grading system for action figures, which evaluates the condition and overall quality of the toy on a scale from 1 to 100. This service provides collectors with a reliable way to determine the value and authenticity of their collections.
AFA uses a combination of technology and expertise to authenticate action figures and other collectible toys. This service helps collectors ensure that they are buying or selling genuine and original items.
AFA offers encapsulation and preservation services for graded items, which helps protect their condition and value over time. This service is especially useful for collectors who want to display their items and keep them in top condition.
AFA grading is a comprehensive and detailed system for evaluating the condition and overall quality of an action figure or other collectible toy. AFA assigns a numerical grade to the item on a scale from 1 to 100, based on factors such as condition, packaging, and originality.
AFA uses a combination of technology and expertise to authenticate toys, including visual inspection, detailed research, and access to industry databases. This helps ensure that collectors are buying or selling genuine and original items.
The cost of grading an action figure with AFA varies depending on factors such as the value of the item, the turnaround time, and the level of service requested. Prices start at around $20 and can go up to several hundred dollars for high-value items.
The turnaround time for AFA grading varies depending on factors such as the level of service requested and the volume of submissions. Standard turnaround times range from several weeks to several months, although expedited services are available for an additional fee.
While AFA uses a variety of methods to authenticate toys, they cannot guarantee the authenticity of an item in every case. However, their grading and authentication services are widely respected in the collector community and can provide valuable information and insight for buyers and sellers alike.