Pre-print

A pre-print (also called a "printed autograph" or "facsimile") is a mass-produced reproduction of a signature that is printed directly onto an item during the manufacturing process. Pre-prints are NOT hand-signed and have no collector value.

Pre-prints are common on posters, promotional photos, mass-produced memorabilia, and retail merchandise. They are designed to give the appearance of a signed item but are produced by machine in large quantities.

You can identify a pre-print by examining the signature closely. Pre-printed signatures sit flat within the image or surface — they are part of the printed material. A genuine autograph sits ON TOP of the surface with visible ink texture, pen marks, and sometimes slight bleeding or indentation.

Common places where pre-prints trick unsuspecting buyers include online marketplaces (eBay, Facebook Marketplace), gift shops, and unauthorized memorabilia dealers. Always examine an item carefully before purchasing, and look for authentication from PSA, JSA, or Beckett.

A simple test: run your fingertip lightly over the signature. A genuine hand-signed autograph will have a slight texture or ridge from the ink. A pre-print will feel perfectly smooth and identical to the surrounding surface.

Related Guides