Opinions on Value/Authenticity

[perezfan]

It doesn't necessarily mean that collectors shouldn't "do" autographs. It just requires some education and awareness. This piece stood out immediately to me as being problematic, as soon as I saw the Grove and the Foxx. Plus, the uniform inks and obvious fact that most were done in the same hand were red flags as well.

But aside from that... there are troubles with virtually every segment of the hobby. If there is money to be made, the bad guys will find a way to corrupt the hobby. An autograph expert might not be able to identify any of the following...

A reproduction Pennant vs. one that's vintage
A touched-up Hartland vs. one that's all original
A restored Bobbing Head Doll vs. an original
A Type 1 photo vs. a re-strike
A reproduction Ad Sign, vs. an original
A reproduction Broadside vs. one that's vintage
A Fantasy Pinback vs. one that's real

The list could go on indefinitely. But that doesn't necessarily mean people shouldn't ever collect those things. It just means you learn as you go (as we all have).

Whichever niche of the hobby you are into, there are obstacles and fakes. Although it might be more common with autographs, it's really no different than for anything else we collect.