How to Spot a Fake Football Autograph: 3 Pro Tips

As a football fan, you know that there are few things as exciting as getting an autograph from your favorite players. Not only is an autograph a sentimental thing, but it’s also a great investment. An autograph from the late Joe Namath is worth upwards of $60,000!

If you can’t get a football autograph in person, the next best way to acquire one is to buy it. How do you ensure that sports autographs are legitimate, though? Read on for three ways to spot the real from the fake!

1. Check the Ball Itself

Professional athletes might be willing to sign anything you have on you if you run into them in person, but that’s not true for authentic autographs. If you’re shopping for an autograph from your favorite football player, the first thing to look for is whether the autograph is on an official or regulation ball.

Check the football for an official logo from the manufacturer stamped in the proper place. If you see a listing for an autographed football on a ball that doesn’t have a manufacturer stamp, then it’s time to look elsewhere.

2. Compare to Other Examples of the Person’s Autograph

The easiest way to spot a fake is to learn what an authentic autograph looks like. This means doing your research online to check out samples of authentic autographs. For example, signedmemorabilia4u.com has loads of authentic signed sports memorabilia available for purchase that you can review to see if autographs sold else compare.

It’s important to note that not all signatures are going to look the same. There will be some slight variations, but glaring differences between autographs are definitely cause for concern. If something doesn’t seem right about an autograph, go with your gut.

3. Look for Signs of Stamping

When it comes to spotting a fake autograph, one of the hardest ones to spot is a stamped autograph. The best way to determine if an autograph is real or stamped is to look at it in person and bring a magnifying glass.

Stamped autographs are flat because the ink is applied to the ball evenly. Real autographs will have some variations in the density of the ink. You might have to magnify the autograph to spot it, but it’s worth having a second look.

Another telltale sign of a fake is an autograph that is too close to the seams of a ball. It’s quite difficult to sign over or near the seams, so the majority of players won’t sign there. Stamped autographs might show up close to a seam, however.

Spotting a Fake Football Autograph Doesn’t Have to Be Impossible!

Getting a football autograph from your sports heroes is an incredible way to own a piece of football history. Unfortunately, you have to be super careful to avoid fake autographs, because they’re popping up everywhere. Take the time to research the autograph and the ball on which it comes, and you’ll have peace of mind with your purchase.

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