How many fake autographs out there?
 

A simple search on eBay for “PSA signed topps” results in over 160,000 autographs for sale, It had me start thinking, even being slabbed by a TPA like PSA, how many fake/forged autographs do you think are in the hobby? (since TPAs are “only an opinion” and not the absolute final authority if an item is 100% authentic (unless we get it signed in person, can we truly know if an autograph is authentic?)

117

It was 118 until that Alaskan avalanche in 2022 destroyed one.

I must be naive, I was going to guess 3. I'll have to be a little more careful I think.

The California fires must have taken out a few.

Come on guys! Go easy! Of course I wasn’t asking for an exact number, I was asking more about if you thought there are alot of fake autographs in our hobby with aftermarket autographs. Geez!

What's an aftermarket autograph?

Not to worry, Coaches Corner will replace them in short order.

Hey Hank!

An aftermarket autograph is an autograph that isn’t a packed pulled autograph (an example a card certified by Topps or Upper Deck) that has been authenticated by a TPA. An example would be a signed Perez Steele postcard, a signed baseball or bat or a 1955 topps signed Roberto Clemente (autographs that have been authenticated or slabbed by PSA, Beckett or JSA for example).

A few years back I thought Beckett was approving quite a few at least I wasn't happy with. Less so PSA and Jsa and at times they denied ones I knew were good but I think the % is quite small when you take into account the number out there

Yes, there has been a few that Beckett and even PSA had been authenticating, Mike Schmidt secretarial, Ray Oyler ghost-signed (wife?) and Fernando Valenzuela are some repeat offenders I used to see often.

+1

As usual, I agree with Michael's opinion here.

Yes, I always agree with Michael. He has been spot on 100% of the time on my posts. I respect his opinion and thoughts on things very much.

I just read in Facebook in a collectors group taking about autographs, someone posted “ Needs to be authenticated... too many forgered signature out there...i heard 90% are fake.” 90% yikes, when you think about it.

I believe there are lots and lots of fakes and slabbed fakes out there. Forging autographs is child's play compared to counterfeiting cards. It's an absolute mine field out there.

:(

Well, then you have the "experts" saying almost everything posted here for opinion is no good, even stuff signed in person! You are right, it's a mine field.

Maybe make this a poll question - Are there more altered cards with number grades (PSA, SGC, CGC, Beckett) or forged autographs with certs (PSA, JSA, Beckett)?

Personally, I think the number of cert'd fake autographs is relatively low. Uncerted, you better either know your stuff or buy from a trusted dealer.

This is why more and more im leaning toward TPAs are necessary for resale value.

Because the opinion sellers have such a solid history of honesty, integrity and knowledge.

;):p