DJR Expert Guide Series, Vol. 861 — How to Authenticate Purchased Autographs Without COAs

Many autographs circulating online, at flea markets, or through private sellers come without certificates of authenticity, forcing buyers to rely solely on the physical and behavioral clues within the signature itself. While a missing COA does not automatically mean an autograph is fake, it eliminates an important reference point—placing all emphasis on structure, flow, medium logic, provenance clues, and consistency with verified exemplars. Forgers often exploit this gap with fabricated stories, mechanical signatures, or AI-assisted imitations designed to look convincing at first glance. Without a disciplined workflow, even experienced collectors can misinterpret confidence for authenticity or overlook red flags hidden in pen behavior and placement. Understanding how to authenticate autographs independently of paperwork is essential for making safe, accurate buying decisions.

DJR Expert Guide Series, Vol. 861 teaches you the complete, non-destructive workflow used by professional authenticators to evaluate purchased autographs when no COA accompanies the item. You’ll learn how to assess whether the medium makes sense for the signer, analyze signature structure and rhythm, study pressure and flow under magnification, compare against verified exemplars, detect mechanical or digital signatures, evaluate inscriptions, interpret provenance clues, and determine when expert authentication is required.

Inside this guide, you’ll learn how to:

• Confirm whether the item is a logical medium for the signer

• Analyze structure, proportion, stroke sequencing, and letter formation

• Evaluate pressure, flow, and ink behavior

• Compare signatures to verified exemplars responsibly

• Detect autopen, stamp, printed, or AI-assisted signatures

• Assess inscriptions and personalization behavior

• Evaluate contextual provenance clues without relying on COAs

• Identify common red flags in forged signatures

• Know when to escalate an item for professional authentication

Whether you're buying autographs online, evaluating show purchases, reviewing inherited pieces, or verifying items for resale, this guide gives you the structured, expert-level framework needed to authenticate signatures confidently—without relying on certificates.

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