Autograph Red Flags: 8 Signs to Walk Away
Most fakes are caught in under a minute by collectors who know what to look for. Run through this checklist before every purchase — especially anything bought online or from a non-TPA source.
Authentic signatures show variable pressure — heavier on downstrokes, lighter on upstrokes. Uniform line width across the entire signature is the single most common forgery tell.
Small wobbles, restarts, or pen lifts mid-stroke indicate the writer was copying rather than signing fluidly. Genuine signatures flow continuously.
Magnify the signature. If the line has tiny dots (offset printing) or perfect uniform thickness with no ink pooling, it is printed — not signed.
A 1950s signature in modern Sharpie ink, or a Babe Ruth autograph on photo paper that did not exist until 1980, is impossible. Always check era-appropriate materials.
A certificate of authenticity from an unknown private company means nothing. Only TPAs (PSA, JSA, BAS) carry market weight. "COA from a celebrity meet" is the #1 red flag on eBay.
A "PSA-authenticated" Michael Jordan for $50 is fake. Compare against recent eBay sold listings + Goldin auction records before buying.
If the seller uses a generic photo instead of the actual item, walk away. Reputable sellers always photograph the exact piece they are selling, with the cert visible.
Mechanical signing devices used by celebrities, politicians, and athletes for fan mail. Look for repeating identical patterns across multiple signatures from the same source.
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101 Pre-Screen is an AI-assisted opinion, not authentication or an appraisal.