Frequently Asked Questions
Authentications
Our authentication is centered around prehistoric flint and stone artifacts from the general Midwestern US area. We do not authenticate artifacts from outside the US. We also do not solicit to authenticate artifacts that are made from pottery or shell.
We base our conclusion on the evidence that is found on the artifacts surface as well as how the artifact itself was manufactured. If an artifact has been in the ground for an extended period of time, it should have evidence of such. Mineral deposit and patina are a couple things we look for, but also how the artifacts surface “weathered” while it was in contact with the surrounding soil, sand or water.
If you provide us with an email address on the Artifact Submission Form, we will email you when your package arrives at our facility. If you do not have an email, we will call you to let you know the items arrive. Once the evaluations are done, we will email or call you to let you know the results of the evaluation. If you have email, we will email you the tracking number on the return package.
Knowing that most collectors and dealers would like their artifacts evaluated and returned as soon as possible, we try to process every package in a timely manner. Usually our turn-around-time is 2-4 weeks. For large authentication projects, more time is needed simply due to the time it takes for each inspection.
Most times artifacts will have the evidence needed to make a decision of real or reproduction. However, there are situations where an authentic artifact may not display enough positive traits to make a decision, or a reproduction may not display enough negative traits. In these situations we do not issue a COA or a Rejection Letter, and the full amount of the service fee is refunded.
We prefer to receive items via priority mail with a delivery confirmation, insured, certified or registered mail. This allows you to be able to track the packages to be sure we received them. We do accept UPS and FED EX, please mail packages to:
Premiere Auctions Group, LLC
471 U.S. Highway 250 East Bldg. D
Ashland, OH 44805
Check, Money Order or Credit Card is preferred. Please do not send cash.
Yes, each year we hold full day seminars at our location with a 500 slide Power Point presentation and hundreds of examples are reviewed. If you would like to be on a seminar notification list, please email jim@premiereauctionsgroup.com and we will send you more information when it is available.
Yes – we do purchase artifacts. From single items to entire collections. If you have artifacts that you are looking to sell, please call us at 419-207-8787 or email photos to jim@premiereauctionsgroup.com.