A Brief Understanding of Autograph Authentication

Autographs are a great way for fans and collectors to show their appreciation for the celebrity or athlete they admire. But, how can you be sure you’re getting an authentic autograph? Authenticating an autograph is a complex process that requires a deep understanding of the techniques and materials used in the authentication process. 

Authenticating an autograph starts with examining the signature itself. Is it consistent with other known signatures from that person? Is the signature written on appropriate paper? Are there any unusual features that suggest it may not be authentic? These are all important questions to ask when examining a signature.  In addition, look for any added context which could indicate forgery. If someone "signed" something that was produced after they died, that's an indication that it's definitely inauthentic. 

Experts also determine if the autograph is in "live ink" - meaning, it was signed directly onto the material, and not just printed on for mass production (see "hard signed" and "facsimile autographed" in our terminology guide).

Finally, experts check various databases and records to determine whether or not the signature matches up with known examples from that particular person's handwriting style over time. This includes looking at both digital records and physical archives such as newspaper articles or books featuring images of authentic signatures from throughout history. By doing this final check, experts can confirm whether or not the signature being examined is truly authentic.

Authenticating an autograph requires skill and know-how, but most of all - experience. Professional authenticators can look at the minute details of an individual autograph and tell you what exactly is off about it, because they have seen the same autograph thousands of times beforehand. Knowing that your autographed item is genuine will give you peace of mind when collecting memorabilia from your favourite athletes and celebrities, but until you've had a wealth of experience in the field, leave it to the experts. With this guide, you now have a better understanding of what goes into authenticating an autograph, so that you can make informed decisions about which items are worth buying (and which ones might be too good to be true). Good luck on your autograph collecting journey!