Verification for Ryne Sandberg | Item # 1172
Autograph Authentication – Ryne Sandberg
Confidence Grade: B (Likely Authentic)
Overview
This analysis covers the autographed 2018 Topps Allen & Ginter “Fantasy Goldmine” baseball card featuring Ryne Sandberg. The signature on the card appears to be applied directly with a blue marker and exhibits variability in stroke weight, suggesting manual application. While there are no overt reproduction markers (e.g., autopen, laser print), certain unexplained inconsistencies result in cautious grading.
Candidate Identity (Investigative):
N/A — Provided as Ryne Sandberg, identity accepted for authentication purposes. Signature structure and medium are consistent with Sandberg’s known autographed items.
Forensic Ink and Substrate Evaluation
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Ink Characteristics:
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The signature is done in blue ink, displaying signs of fiber disturbance typical of marker application.
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Line weight varies naturally, showing signs of pressure changes and velocity shifts.
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There are minor ink deposits at stroke ends, consistent with handheld marker usage.
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Substrate Relationship:
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The ink sits on the glossy surface of the 2018 Topps Allen & Ginter card.
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No evidence of laser toner characteristics (i.e., glossy fused edges or powdery buildup).
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No ink bleed into paper fibers, consistent with writing on a coated card stock.
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Mechanical Print Indicators (Negative):
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No consistent line widths or flattening as seen in autopen traces.
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No dot patterns, feathering, or blurry lines consistent with inkjet or photocopy processes.
Individual Signature Analysis
- Signature Characteristics:
- Moderately stylized script that approximates known exemplars of Ryne Sandberg’s quick-signature style.
- The capitalized “R” shape is absent or distorted, and legibility across the autograph is low but typical of in-person signatures by seasoned athletes.
- Variability is present in stroke direction and the marker flow, particularly in the middle and end portions of the signature.
- Entry and exit strokes appear organic, lacking mechanical symmetry or repetition.
- Signature is placed in an open portion of the card, avoiding deliberate overlap with printed text and graphics—a behavior aligned with hand-signing routines.
Collective Signature Analysis
- Only one signature observed on the card.
- The lone signature does not display evidence of optical reproduction or mechanical duplication processes.
- The autograph’s placement, ink application, and stroke behavior present a cohesive picture that aligns with standard personalized card signings, often done at conventions or via mail-in signings.
Red Flags
- No major red flags were identified. However:
- The abbreviated and highly stylized form of the signature creates modest difficulty in assessment.
- The lack of provenance or authentication stickers (e.g., PSA/DNA, JSA) means additional verification is not available, which affects confidence grading.
- Inscription-free autographs are more easily targeted for forgery due to lower complexity. A personalized message or date would improve confidence.
Market Comparison and Similar Item Sales
- Comparable Sales (Ryne Sandberg, Allen & Ginter, certified or in-person):
- 2018 Topps Allen & Ginter Ryne Sandberg Signed Card (PSA/DNA certified) – Sold for $40–60 (eBay, 2023)
- Ryne Sandberg Bulk Signing Blue Sharpie On-Card (unsigned card variants) – Sold for $25–35 (eBay, uncertified)
- Sandberg Signed Memorabilia with similar marker flow (authenticated) – Typically: $35-$75 per item depending on certification and scarcity.
Conclusion:
The autograph analyzed bears consistent visual markers of hand signing with a felt-tip marker, including natural stroke variation, absence of replication artifacts, and a plausible signature shape matching public exemplars of Ryne Sandberg. Due to the absence of provenance or third-party certification, the item cannot earn an “A” without reservation. Nonetheless, no reproduction or mechanical forgery indicators were found.
Final Confidence Grade: B (Likely Authentic)
Submitted Image:
