PSA - Professional Sports Authenticator Autograph Authentication Process Questions and Answers

Question 1

What is the most critical component used by a PSA/DNA authenticator when determining the authenticity of a submitted autograph?

Accepted Answer

A comprehensive database of known genuine autograph exemplars.

Answer

The Certificate of Authenticity that accompanied the item.

Answer

The monetary value of the signed item.

Answer

The quality and condition of the item that was signed.

Question 2

An authenticator examining a Mickey Mantle signed baseball notices that the signature's strokes are uniform in pressure and appear unnaturally perfect, lacking the typical variations in speed and flow seen in genuine examples. Which type of forgery is most likely indicated by these characteristics?

Accepted Answer

Autopen or Mechanical Signature

Answer

Freehand Simulation

Answer

Traced Forgery

Answer

Pre-printed Signature

Question 3

Which of the following characteristics is an authenticator most likely to associate with a genuine, fluidly signed autograph?

Accepted Answer

Consistent, confident strokes with natural speed and pressure variations.

Answer

Numerous unnatural pen lifts in the middle of letters.

Answer

Visible, shaky "tremors" throughout the signature.

Answer

Identical pressure applied to every part of every letter.

Question 4

A baseball alleged to have been signed by Babe Ruth in the 1930s is submitted for authentication. The signature is written with a modern blue Sharpie marker. How would a PSA/DNA authenticator most likely assess this item?

Accepted Answer

Deem it not authentic, as the writing instrument is anachronistic.

Answer

Deem it authentic, as the signature structure is correct.

Answer

Request additional provenance before making a decision.

Answer

Deem it inconclusive due to the condition of the baseball.

Question 5

A collector submits a photograph signed by Michael Jordan. The authenticator's initial review shows that the letter formation and size are generally correct. What is the essential next step in the authentication process?

Accepted Answer

Analyze the signature's flow, speed, and pressure against known exemplars.

Answer

Immediately certify the autograph as authentic based on the correct letter formation.

Answer

Assign a numerical grade to the autograph without further analysis.

Answer

Research the current market value of Michael Jordan autographs.

Question 6

Which of the following is a common indicator of a "simulated" or freehand forgery?

Accepted Answer

An unnaturally slow, hesitant, and deliberate appearance.

Answer

A printed, pixelated appearance under magnification.

Answer

An indentation on the paper that perfectly mirrors the signature.

Answer

The use of ink that is appropriate for the time period.