Top 10 Most Forged Sports Memorabilia Signatures

From Babe Ruth to the Beatles to Neil Armstrong, legendary signatures from the world of sports, history and entertainment are among the most sought after collectibles in the world, unfortunately this means they are also the world's most forged. Industry leading autograph authenticator PSA/DNA has compiled a list of the world's most forged signatures based on their authentication data.

Over half of the sports memorabilia signatures featuring famous sports stars that was PSA/DNA during 2010 were judged to be forgeries. Here are the Top 10 most faked autographs, along with what the approximate sales prices of genuine autographs should be in parenthesis:

1. Babe Ruth ($3,000 for a signed cut to $50,000 or more for a choice, single-signed baseball) - The King of Swing is the most sought-after autograph in the hobby and the PSA/DNA rejection rate is in the 60 percent range.
2. Lou Gehrig ($3,500 for a signed cut to $60,000 or more for a choice, single-signed baseball) - There is very high demand for his signature and there's a large volume of forgeries.
3. Mickey Mantle ($150 for a signed cut to $600 or more for a choice, single-signed baseball) - Mantle remains one of the most desirable autographs in the hobby, and even though he signed an enormous amount of items until his death in 1995, the number of forgeries is greater than the amount of authentic examples availabl
4. Michael Jordan ($175 for a signed cut to $600 or more for a single-signed basketball) - Despite signing thousands upon thousands of autographs while under contract with Upper Deck Authenticated, the supply is not nearly enough to satisfy demand.  Forgeries remain a major problem.
5. Muhammad Ali ($150 for a signed cut to $500 or more for a single-signed boxing glove) -  Even though Ali has been somewhat of a prolific signer in the past, the number of authentic Ali autographs fresh to the marketplace has decreased in recent times.
6. LeBron James ($125 for a signed cut to $450 or more for a single-signed basketball) -  James remains one of the most difficult in-person signatures to acquire, making the number of authentic example relatively low for an active superstar.
7. Ted Williams ($100 for a signed cut to $350 or more for a choice, single-signed baseball) - While the demand for "Teddy Ballgame's" signature has declined slightly over the past several years, the amount of Williams' forgeries in the marketplace is staggering.
8. Tiger Woods ($250 for a signed cut to $1,500 or more for a single-signed golf flag) -  Even though Tiger's popularity as an athlete and person has taken a serious hit in the last year, he remains on the list of the most dangerous autograph
9. Kobe Bryant ($100 for a signed cut to $400 or more for a single-signed basketball) - With five championships under his belt and perhaps more to come, Kobe has become a real target for forgers the last couple of years.
10. Albert Pujols ($100 for a signed cut to $300 or more for a choice, single-signed baseball) -  His consistency as a hitter, positive overall image and the lack of authentic autographs in the marketplace provide ample reason for forgers to target this perennial MVP contender.

Example of a Forged Babe Ruth Autograph:

"It's important to buy autographs from reputable sellers who use independent, third-party authentication to protect their customers," advised Orlando who also serves as Editor of Sports Market Report. "There are a lot of so-called 'deals' on the Internet, at local flea markets and even some collectibles conventions, but genuine autographs do not often come with a huge discount.  Buyer beware because you usually get what you pay for."

Best Match Items Ending First Newly-Listed Items First Price + Shipping: Lowest First Price + Shipping: Highest First

1935 Babe Ruth Signed Baseball LOA from James Spence Authentication PSA DNA $4,300.00

Babe Ruth Signed Cut PSA DNA Auto Signature Certified Slabbed Autographed $3,900.00

25 500 HR Signed Baseball Cards PSA DNA BABE RUTH FOXX OTT MANTLE WILLIAMS AROD $9,900.00

Babe Ruth & Hank Aaron Autographed Signed NL Baseball Graded 7 PSA DNA #E54295 $14,950.00

Babe Ruth Autographed Signed 3x5 Index Card Mint 9 PSA DNA #82008989 $6,950.00

Babe Ruth Autographed Signed Index Card Graded 10 PSA DNA #83108614 $7,450.00

Babe Ruth Autographed Signed Personalized Baseball PSA DNA #B30818 $3,950.00

BOB FELLER & OTHERS AUTOGRAPHED SIGNED 16X20 BABE RUTH PHOTO PSA DNA $99.00