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What Is a Forged Autograph?

A forged autograph is a signature created by someone other than the person it claims to represent, with the intention of making it appear genuine.

Forgeries can be:

• copied freehand

• traced

• slowly drawn

• based on genuine reference examples

• reproduced using mechanical or digital methods

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Look at the Flow

A genuine signature is normally created through familiar, repeated movements. Someone copying a signature may work more slowly.

This can sometimes produce:

• hesitation

• awkward joins

• unusual stops and starts

• inconsistent movement

However, genuine signatures can also be messy or irregular, so flow should never be considered by itself.

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Examine Letter Formation

Many people develop distinctive ways of forming letters or parts of their signature. A forgery may imitate the overall appearance while missing smaller construction details. These characteristics become easier to identify when several reliable genuine examples are compared.

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Consider the Signing Period

A signature should fit the period when the item was supposedly signed. Artists and celebrities often change their signatures over time. A signature style known from one era appearing on an item claimed to be from a very different era can be a warning sign.

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Be Careful With Perfect Signatures

Collectors sometimes assume the neatest signature is the best. In reality, many genuine autographs are rushed, abbreviated or unattractive. A carefully drawn "perfect" signature can sometimes deserve more scrutiny than a naturally messy example.

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Check the Provenance

Ask where the autograph came from.

Useful provenance can include:

• photographs

• receipts

• auction records

• correspondence

• original owner information

• documented signing events

Vague stories should carry less weight than verifiable documentation.

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Check the Certificate

A Certificate of Authenticity does not automatically prove an autograph is genuine.

Collectors should investigate:

• who issued it

• whether the issuer can be identified

• whether the certificate number can be verified

• whether the certificate matches the item

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Consider the Seller

Seller reputation matters, but it is not proof. A long trading history and good feedback may provide additional confidence, but every autograph should still be assessed individually.

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Price Can Be a Warning Sign

A rare autograph offered far below normal market value may deserve additional scrutiny. However, a high price does not guarantee authenticity either.

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The Best Approach

Avoid relying on one characteristic.

Consider:

• the autograph

• reference examples

• signing period

• provenance

• certificate

• seller

• item itself

For higher-value purchases, a pre-purchase opinion can help identify potential concerns before money changes hands.

 

Need an Autograph Assessed?

Autograph Alley provides online autograph authentication and pre-purchase opinion services to collectors worldwide.

Submit clear photographs of your signed item for assessment.