Autographs 101 · Collector guide

How can you tell if an autograph is real?

Photograph the whole item, not only the signature

Capture the entire object, signature close up, reverse, labels, holograms and paperwork. Lighting and image compression can change how ink looks, so avoid declaring an autograph genuine or fake from a single screenshot.

Record the signer, item type, claimed signing circumstances and any seller statements separately from your own observations.

Rule out obvious reproductions and mismatched claims

Look for evidence that the signature is printed as part of the image, repeated identically across examples, or otherwise inconsistent with a hand-applied mark. Also check whether the item itself makes sense for the claimed time and signing story.

These checks can identify questions, but they are not a substitute for professional examination. Some machine-applied signatures and reproductions can be difficult to identify from ordinary photos.

Verify supporting documentation independently

Use the named issuer's official lookup when available. Compare the returned signer and item details with the actual piece rather than trusting a seller screenshot. A certificate number that exists can still be copied onto a different object.

Treat unknown-company COAs as claims to investigate rather than proof. Keep the original documentation and the date of any verification.

Certificate lookup guide

Evaluate the transaction, not only the ink

Check whether the seller uses photographs of the actual item, explains provenance clearly, permits reasonable verification and has return terms appropriate to the transaction. A bargain price or urgent sales pitch is not evidence of authenticity.

If important information is missing, ask for it before paying. Preserve the listing and correspondence relevant to the item.

Escalate when the decision matters

For consequential purchases, sales or insurance decisions, check current requirements and fees from a professional authentication service. Photo-only opinions and AI screening are preliminary and can differ from physical examination.

101 Pre-Screen can help you organize visible observations and next questions. It is not a certificate, appraisal or guarantee.

Autograph authentication research guide

101 Pre-Screen limitations

Turn a useful answer into research you can keep.

Preview the steps free. Gold and Emerald members can save a personalized playbook, add private notes and resume it through Research Shelf.

Before-you-buy review

Keep the questions, missing evidence and your own purchase limits in one place.

  1. Record the exact item, claimed signer and version being offered.
  2. Request whole-item photos, a sharp signature close-up and condition details.
  3. Separate the seller's claims from supporting signing or acquisition records.
  4. Record the price, shipping, fees and your own maximum total budget.
  5. Write down unresolved questions before deciding whether to proceed.
Certificate research file

Keep the claimed issuer, item comparison and unresolved mismatches together.

  1. Identify the claimed issuer from the label or certificate.
  2. Find the issuer's official lookup or support channel independently.
  3. Compare the issuer record, item description, label and actual piece.
  4. Record mismatches or missing information without treating a number match as authentication.
  5. Keep your questions and any response date for the next review.
Comparable-sales research

Build a repeatable record of relevant sold examples instead of relying on asking prices.

  1. Define the exact item type, signer, version and condition you are researching.
  2. Record a completed sale's source, date, currency and available price details.
  3. Note differences in authentication, inscriptions, condition and item type.
  4. Keep asking prices and unconfirmed sales separate from completed-sale evidence.
  5. Describe the limits of your comparison; do not turn a few examples into a guaranteed value.
Collection documentation plan

Organize a piece's history and the records you still need to gather.

  1. Describe a piece you own and its identifying details.
  2. List the photos, receipts and supporting records you have.
  3. Separate documented acquisition history from recollection or seller claims.
  4. Record condition observations and where supporting files are kept.
  5. Choose what to add to your private Vault after reviewing the information.

The interactive workspace requires JavaScript and a free account. Gold and Emerald add saving and updating across devices. Playbooks share the existing Research Shelf allowance: Gold 25 plans; Emerald 100.

A completed checklist is not authentication or an appraisal. Previewing does not save a record, start a scan or charge you.