PSA Autograph Authentication Process 2

Question 1

What is the first step in PSA's autograph authentication process when an item is submitted?

Accepted Answer

Registration and initial visual inspection for obvious issues

Answer

Immediately comparing to exemplars

Answer

Checking for signs of alteration before any comparison

Answer

Weighing and measuring the item

Question 2

How does PSA build its database of signature exemplars for active athletes?

Accepted Answer

Through PSA On-Site authentication events, public signings, and acquisition of signatures with documented chain of custody

Answer

By purchasing one signed item per athlete

Answer

By requiring athletes to submit reference signatures annually

Answer

By only using signatures from verified game contracts

Question 3

What signature characteristic does PSA prioritize when examining an autograph under magnification?

Accepted Answer

Pen pressure variations, ink flow patterns, and entry/exit strokes

Answer

The total length of the signature

Answer

The color of the ink only

Answer

The number of letters in the signature

Question 4

What is the collector implication of a PSA Authentic, Secretarial designation?

Accepted Answer

The item typically trades at a significant discount to directly signed items

Answer

The item is a forgery and should be avoided

Answer

The item was signed by a proxy but is still generally valued similarly to a direct athlete signature

Answer

The designation has no impact on value

Question 5

Why do older athletes' signatures from different decades sometimes look dramatically different from their later signatures?

Accepted Answer

Natural evolution of penmanship over time, combined with physical changes such as aging or injury that affect pen control

Answer

Athletes intentionally changed signatures to prevent forgery

Answer

Athletes sign differently based on which hand they use

Answer

The ink type used in earlier decades changed the appearance of signatures

Question 6

What does PSA's full Letter of Authenticity (LOA) include that a standard PSA sticker does not?

Accepted Answer

A detailed written explanation of the evidence supporting or refuting authenticity, suitable for insurance and legal purposes

Answer

A guarantee of future value appreciation

Answer

A grade number from 1-10

Answer

A photograph taken at the moment of signing