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

Upon submission, PSA first registers the item and performs an initial visual inspection to identify any obvious issues before beginning detailed authentication work.

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

PSA builds exemplars through PSA On-Site signings where they witness signatures directly, public authentication events, and carefully vetted items with documented chain of custody.

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

PSA focuses on pen pressure variations, natural ink flow, and the characteristic entry and exit strokes that reflect an individual's unique writing habits.

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

Secretarial signatures, signed by a secretary or proxy on behalf of the athlete, are considered less desirable and typically trade at a significant discount compared to items with the athlete's own direct signature.

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

Signatures evolve naturally over time as penmanship changes with age, and physical factors like arthritis, injury, or reduced dexterity in older athletes can cause significant stylistic changes.

PSA - Professional Sports Authenticator Practice Test

PSA - Professional Sports Authenticator Practice Test

PSA Autograph Authentication Process 2