Buying autographs is exciting — but it can also be risky. The market is flooded with forgeries, and even experienced collectors can get caught by clever fakes.
At AutographSharks, authenticity isn’t optional — it’s everything. This guide will help you learn how to identify real signatures, avoid scams, and collect with confidence.
🔍 1. Check the Certificate of Authenticity (COA)
A genuine autograph should always come with a Certificate of Authenticity from a reputable source.
But not all COAs are created equal — anyone can print one.
Here’s what to look for in a real COA:
- Issued by a trusted authenticator (PSA/DNA, Beckett, JSA, or similar).
- Includes a serial number and matching hologram.
- Shows clear details about the item and signature (athlete, date, event, etc.).
- Allows you to verify online through the authenticator’s database.
At AutographSharks, every item we sell includes a verifiable COA so you can buy with total confidence.
✍️ 2. Compare Signature Style
No two signatures are exactly alike — but every athlete has a consistent pattern.
Look at:
- Letter shapes (especially initials)
- Signature flow — a genuine autograph has natural, smooth motion
- Pressure and spacing — fakes often look shaky or too deliberate
💡 Pro tip: Search for examples of the athlete’s real signature online or in reputable auction listings to compare.
🧾 3. Beware of “Too Perfect” Signatures
If a signature looks flawless, identical to others you’ve seen, or is repeated across many items — it might be machine-printed or autopen (a mechanical replica).
Authentic autographs have tiny variations and natural imperfections.
💸 4. Check the Price and Provenance
If the deal seems too good to be true… it usually is.
Ask these questions before you buy:
- Who owned the item before? (Provenance matters.)
- Where was it signed?
- Is the seller a verified dealer or a random online reseller?
At AutographSharks, every piece of memorabilia comes directly from verified signing events or trusted industry partners — no random eBay sellers, no guesswork.
🧠 5. Know the Common Red Flags
Watch out for:
🚫 Sellers who refuse to show the COA
🚫 Autographs on odd materials (e.g., stickers, unrelated items)
🚫 Spelling mistakes on COAs or product pages
🚫 Poor-quality photos that hide the signature details
If something feels off, walk away. A real autograph is worth waiting for.
🦈 Collect with Confidence
Authenticity is the heart of collecting — and it’s what separates true memorabilia from worthless ink.
At AutographSharks, we take pride in offering verified, authenticated sports and WWE autographs you can trust.
Every signature is checked, certified, and backed by our 100% money-back authenticity guarantee.
👉 Shop authentic autographs now →