Top 10 Most Forged Sports Memorabilia Signatures
Collectors always need to be careful when they're buying autographs. Sadly, the hobby has several people who knowingly defraud their customers by forging autographs of some of the biggest names in sports. PSA/DNA has released their latest list of the most forged sports autographs and it's filled with all-time greats and current stars.
The top half of the list shows no change from their last list, which was released in 2010. Leading the way, once again, is Babe Ruth. Authentic signatures from the influential slugger command huge money on the secondary market. And while he signed a lot of stuff while he was alive, an astounding number of forgeries have seeped onto the market over the years.
In its report, PSA/DNA also points out that not all fake autographs were created with the intent to defraud people. One such instance is the use of secretaries and paid assistants over the years. Many celebrities have used them over the years to respond to autograph requests through the mail.
Whenever you're buying autographed sports memorabilia, it's essential to take precautions to avoid getting fooled. Authentic autographs can be worth hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars. Fake autographs are worthless. Start with buying from reputable dealers. Also, be very picky about letters of authenticity. If someone's going to forge a sports autograph, they're also likely to make their own letter of authenticity. Buy items that come authenticated from companies like PSA/DNA, JSA or Steiner -- companies with longstanding histories in the hobby.
Another good rule to go by (but not foolproof) is that if something is too good to be true, it probably is. If someone is offering you an extremely cheap autograph, they could be out to make a quick buck. As always, be careful and look for warning flags.
Here is the complete list of most dangerous sports autographs from PSA/DNA. Their ranking on the last list is also noted in parentheses. We have also noted PSA/DNA's value estimations for authentic autographs.
10 Most Forged Sports Autographs
1. Babe Ruth
(Previous Ranking: 1)
The King of Swing is the most sought-after autograph in the hobby and the PSA/DNA rejection rate is extremely high.
Value: Cut Signature - $3,000, High-Grade Signed Baseball - $60,000
2. Lou Gehrig (Previous Ranking: 2)
There is very high demand for the signature from the late Yankees hero and there's a large volume of forgeries.
Value: Cut Signature - $3,500, High-Grade Signed Baseball - $75,000
3. Mickey Mantle (Previous Ranking: 3)
Mantle remains one of the most desirable autographs in the hobby. 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 available.
Value: Cut Signature - $150, High-Grade Signed Baseball - $600
4. Michael Jordan (Previous Ranking: 4)
Despite signing thousands upon thousands of autographs while under contract with Upper Deck and Upper Deck Authenticated, the supply is not nearly enough to satisfy demand. Forgeries remain a major problem.
Value: Cut Signature - $175, High-Grade Signed Basketball - $750
5. Muhammad Ali (Previous Ranking: 5)
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 years.
Value: Cut Signature - $150, High-Grade Signed Boxing Glove - $500
6. Kobe Bryant (Previous Ranking: 9)
With five championships under his belt and perhaps more to come, Kobe has become a real target for forgers over the last few of years. The Lakers superstar has had an exclusive autograph agreement with Panini for several years.
Value: Cut Signature - $100, High-Grade Signed Basketball - $400
7. Tiger Woods (Previous Ranking: 8)
Even though Tiger's popularity as an athlete and person has taken a serious hit in the last couple of years, he remains on the list of the most dangerous autographs. He has had a deal with Upper Deck for more than a decade.
Value: Cut Signature - $250, High-Grade Signed Golf Flag - $1,500
8. Derek Jeter (Previous Ranking: N/A)
With the career accolades starting to pile up, there has been an increased interest in Derek Jeter autographs. As a result, the number of fakes has also increased.
Value: Cut Signature - $125, High-Grade Signed Baseball - $350
9. Albert Pujols (Previous Ranking: 10)
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.
Value: Cut Signature - $100, High-Grade Signed Baseball - $300
10. Ted Williams (Previous Ranking: 7)
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 still staggering.
Example of a Forged Babe Ruth Autograph:
PSA/DNA also noted a high number of forgeries for 2012 rookie standouts Bryce Harper, Mike Trout, Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III.
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Related Topics: How To: Autographs
Zack Dickerson | Aug 3, 2011 | Reply
I have several baseballs,that were gave to me after a persons death…I have no coa’s,but I need them re-graded…help please….thanks
Ryan Cracknell | Aug 3, 2011 | Reply
Zack Dickerson (ID 24640) » Zack, A great place to start would be to submit them to PSA/JSA or another well-regarded authenticator. If you live in a major city they may go to a local show or it can be done by mail as well.