Why We Started the Library: We started the Signature Library in response to the disturbing amount of forgeries present in our autograph collecting hobby. Thanks to the FBI's Operation Bullpen, many of the forgers are now in prison and out of business. However, a new crop has moved in to take their place.

Many concerned collectors email us with scans of their recently purchased autographs asking us if they are authentic. Well over 1/2 of these turn out to be bogus. So we decided to take a pro-active approach by creating a databank of authentic examples of some of the most forged signatures; therefore, allowing the collector to compare their potential purchase to the real thing BEFORE they buy. We urge you to bookmark it and check back often. The library will be constantly growing and improving.

If you find the Signature Library helpful, we would ask you to consider making a donation by clicking on the banner at the top of this page. We hope to be able to keep this great reference tool free for every collector, but it does take a lot of labor and image server space...neither of which are cheap. Your donation can be as little as $1 and you can conveniently use your credit card. Whether you choose to financially support the Signature Library or not, we sincerely hope that you find it useful. And please SPREAD THE WORD!

Where the Examples Come From: We will not use an example unless we are absolutely 100% sure of its authenticity! All examples come from one of three sources.
1) From autographs we have obtained in-person
2) From companies such as Upper Deck Authenticated, Steiner, Tri-Star, PSA/DNA, etc.
3) From public or private signings and autograph shows.

Tips on Using the Library: These examples should give you a great indication of whether your potential autograph purchase is genuine or not; however, in most cases it will not provide 100% proof either way. Here's why: 1) A small percentage of forgeries are very, very good and they may look very much like the real thing. 2) A celebrity or athlete's "in-person" signature may vary from their "show" signature. The in-person signature may be rushed, done at a bad angle, etc. 3) Some people's signatures change a lot over time (Willie Mays and Barry Bonds are great examples).

Therefore, in addition to using the Signature Library, you should also follow other precautions when purchasing autographs.

1) Purchase only from respected, credentialed dealers. A good place to start is the UACC Registered Dealers site. All UACC Registered Dealers have had their inventories vetted by the UACC (the world's largest and most respected autograph association). Currently, there are only 200+ autograph dealers world-wide that have met the strict standards for UACC RD status and very few of those are sports autographs dealers. You can look us up on the site...we are #RD208. Registered Dealers must also pay a yearly fee and abide by a strict code of conduct.

2) Don't be afraid to ask questions. It is your right as a customer or potential customer to ask the seller about the origin of their autographed merchandise. If they respond angrily or evasively, you know you've come across a bad seller. Also, don't be afraid to ask an established seller his opinion on a particular item. Most legitimate sellers will give you their honest opinion. Feel free to Email Us anytime with questions.

3) Educate yourself. Too many new collectors have simply started buying autographs with no prior knowledge on the subject. These are the people who have been suckered by the forgers. If you would like to add a Roger Clemens autograph (for example) to your collection, check out our Signature Library and other reliable sources to see what a Clemens autograph should look like before you attempt to purchase one.

If you follow these simple steps, you will be able to add many fantastic autographed pieces to your collection with no worries about authenticity. This is a great hobby...let's keep it clean!