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As I previously stated I’m certainly not an expert on Roberto Clemente autographs. However, people seeking opinions on the authenticity of Clemente autographs in their collections or examples they are considering purchasing appear here. Generally they receive brief responses in the affirmative or negative without much information on the basis for that opinion. People will also occasionally share examples that have passed authentication.

I thought I would try something different in hopes of not looking too ignorant while attempting to further the conversation. It would be great if a person who is an expert in Clemente autographs would contribute to the discussion I’m hoping to generate.

Clemente’s autograph is at times complex, ornate and artistic. However, I seldom see attractive examples on trading cards. I assume this is because he was likely standing and holding the card when he signed at games. Your card is a great example of that theory. The more attractive examples appear on photos and team issued cards used for Sunday autograph game day events at Three Rivers. I imagine he was seated and had a surface to sign the item on. The same could be said for legal documents and checks that bear his signature. I have no proof of that it’s just an opinion.

I think it’s just as important to have exemplars of Phil Dorsey’s Clemente autographs as it is to have authentic examples of Clemente autographs. Dorseys frequently have the large 6s I previously alluded to and the angle of his signatures seem to have a more dramatic angle than authentic Clementes . I’m sure there are many other differences but those are the two identifiers that tend to make me question the authenticity of Clemente autographs.

Here are four bad Clementes and a picture of Roberto and Phil together. The two black and white portrait photos failed JSA recently. I suspect they are Dorseys. The first color example is from a Roberto Clemente Night program. I think it’s a Dorsey as well. The last one (my 3000 hit poster) is definitely a Phil Dorsey. I can say that because it originated from his estate.

Does anyone else have opinions or observations? If so I’d love to read them. Thanks for indulging me.