Definition
Autograph authentication is the process of a third party — most often PSA/DNA, JSA, BAS, or Roger Epperson Authentication — examining a signature for consistency with the figure's known authentic examples. Authenticators evaluate stroke order, pressure, slant, pen medium, and surface behavior.
Why it matters
For autographs, third-party authentication is the dominant value multiplier. An authenticated signature on identical paper can sell for several multiples of an unauthenticated one.
Example
A 1956 cut signature attributed to Marilyn Monroe is submitted to JSA. JSA's examiners compare it against known authentic Monroe signatures and issue an LOA.
Related terms
- AuthenticationA third party verifying that an item is what the seller claims it is.
- Certificate of AuthenticityA document asserting that an item is authentic — credibility depends entirely on the issuer.
- Letter of AuthenticityA long-form authentication document, typically from a recognized third-party authenticator.