About The Indian Artifact Grading Authority

Our mission is to provide quality services that the artifact community can rely on and trust in. Each and every artifact that is submitted to the IAGA is evaluated with the highest standards in the hobby. Our staff, headed by Joseph Mattingly, has over 25 years of combined experience in the Indian artifact field. Joseph's qualifications include Formal Degrees in Physical Anthropology, Authentication Methodology, as well as National Museum Curation and Collection work. He has personally examined hundreds of thousands of authentic Indian Artifacts, and utilizes this experience on every evaluation. The IAGA is a comprehensive Indian artifact evaluation service that prides itself on conservative evaluation procedures.

Benefits for Collectors/Buyers

Today's Indian artifact collectors have seen a unprecedented growth in sight-unseen purchases. The purchase of artifacts through the Internet, mail, and by phone have opened the door to greater selection and prices never before available to collectors. However, many times it is impossible to know exactly what you are getting until it arrives. Sometimes sellers advertise their items as authentic grade 9 or 10 artifacts, but in reality they may be a lower grade or reproductions. The IAGA offers grading, authentication, and appraisal services for those seeking a professional opinion on their artifacts.

Having an official certificate from the IAGA increases the value, collectibility, and provenance of the owner's artifact.

Benefits for Sellers

Artifacts that have either a certificate of grading or authentication from the IAGA often see an increase in price and demand. Buyers and sellers will be able to trade with more confidence by mail, phone, or on the Internet, because they'll know what to expect of an IAGA evaluated artifact. Buyers that know what they're getting are more likely to be confident and aggressive bidders. Sellers can be assured they're getting paid a fair price for their artifact's condition. And because the collector knows what to expect, fewer items are returned because of dissatisfaction. Buyers trust IAGA evaluated items for all of the above reasons.

Preserve the History and Increase the Value of your Indian Artifact Collection

Each IAGA Artifact Certificate will include all known history that is provided by the owner. IAGA Artifact certificate information is carefully recorded in a secure digital database along with a digital image of the certificate.

In addition the certificate will include a unique identification number, embossed seal, and an official IAGA stamp making it suitable for framing. The certificate will also be housed inside a ridged and clear protective sleeve in order to ensure the certificate's safe storage and display. Having an official evaluation certificate from the IAGA will ensure the preservation of the artifact's provenance and historical information. The grade assigned, along with the classification, can be used to determine the approximate value and rarity of the artifact. This information can be invaluable if the artifact or collection needed to replaced by an insurance company.