Spotting an Authentically Signed Memorabilia: A Guide
There are a few different ways to authenticate autographs, but the most reliable way is to get them in person. This means that you have to hand the item to a celebrity or personality you admire, watch them sign it, and have them hand the item back to you. However, instances like this can be hard to come by, so you may have to rely on a third party to help you acquire signed items.
No matter how you can get your hands on signed items, it's important to know whether you're getting the most value out of your money. In this guide, we'll go over some commonly asked questions to understand whether the autographs in your collection are authentic.
What Is an Autopen?
An autopen machine is a device used to automatically sign a signature or autograph. The autopen signature is made with even pressure and indentation in the paper, which is how these machines are distinguishable from original handwriting, where the pressure varies.
The use of an autopen machine has become increasingly common in recent years, as it can be used to quickly and easily sign large numbers of documents. However, because the autopen signature is not handwritten, it can sometimes be questioned as to its authenticity.
How Do You Spot an Autopen?
One way to spot an autopen signature is to look for even pressure and indentation in the paper. Autopen signatures will also be uniform in size and appearance, whereas an original signature will vary in size and pressure depending on the person's handwriting. Since the autopen doesn't actually write but prints, the autograph will not have damaged the paper at all.
An experienced collector can compare an unknown signature with known examples of autopens in order to determine if the signature is real or fake. If the two signatures are exactly the same, it is probably an autopen.
How Much Are Authentically Signed Memorabilia Worth?
The value of an autopen signature can depend on a number of factors, including the rarity of the signature and the popularity of the individual. Generally speaking, autopen signatures are worth significantly less than those that are handwritten.
This is because an autopen signature is not considered to be a "real" signature but rather a machine-generated facsimile. As such, it is not as rare or as valuable as a signature that has been handwritten by the individual.
PSA/DNA Letter of Authenticity
A PSA/DNA Letter of Authenticity is a document that verifies the authenticity of an item. It is usually issued by the Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) or the National DNA Database (DNA) and is considered to be the most reliable verification of authenticity by collectors, investors, and all major dealers and auction houses.
They have a team of experts who review each item to determine its authenticity and grade it according to its condition. PSA is one of the most respected and well-known authentication services in the industry.
The NFL has used PSA/DNA Authentication Services for 14 consecutive years to help prevent potential counterfeiting of Super Bowl game-used items.
Conclusion
The authentication of signed memorabilia is an important process to ensure the legitimacy of the item. There are many factors that need to be considered when authenticating a signature, including the type of item, the condition of the item, and the signature itself.
When it comes to signed items, you can trust Signed Memorabilia 4U. If you want to get memorabilia signed and authentic, we have everything you might need. Visit our page to learn more.
