Verification for Mike mccoy | Item # 1431
Autograph Authentication – Mike McCoy
Confidence Grade: B (Likely Authentic)
Overview
Initial analysis of the signature presents strong indicators of freehand authorship with organic tapering, irregular stroke dynamics, and subtle variation in pressure, all of which are typically inconsistent with common reproduction methods like autopen or mechanical printing. The environment appears to be a glossy photograph consistent with sports memorabilia formats. There is no simulated pixel-tone replication visible from any printing method, though the ink interaction with the substrate shows mild pooling near stroke overlaps.
Candidate Identity (Investigative)
- Top Candidate (High Confidence): Mike McCoy
- Visual identifiers in the signature align with exemplar patterns from known signatures of Mike McCoy (Green Bay Packers, #76), including stylized capital “M”, open-loop ending, and upward-right trailing “y” stroke in “McCoy.”
- Other Candidates: None material.
- No other plausible matches surfaced with comparable stroke pattern congruence or letterform granularity.
Forensic Ink and Substrate Evaluation
- Ink Type: Appears to be a permanent felt-tip marker consistent with modern autographing standards (likely Sharpie or equivalent).
- Ink/Substrate Interaction:
- Moderate ink pooling in high-pressure stroke regions suggests hand-drawn application.
- No visible halftone dot pattern, banding, or dry glossy sheen that would align with laser or inkjet printing.
- Slight feathering indicates ink absorption consistent with photograph paper receiving direct hand signature.
- Stroke Start/End:
- Tapering is consistent with pressure-sensitive pen dynamics.
- Start and end of several strokes show velocity-caused pullouts and flares inconsistent with mechanical replication.
Individual Signature Analysis
- Stylistic Characteristics:
- Stylized sweep on the initial “M” with a mid-point elevation curve — consistent with known Mike McCoy signatures.
- The “c” and “o” lobe forms occur separately, without robotic symmetry indicating autopen.
- Natural tremor in “y” tail is consistent with human motion, especially with pressure fluctuation.
- Line Weight and Pressure:
- Observable thickness variation confirms hand pressure changes over the course of marking.
- Letter-to-letter flow shows authentic pen lifts and directional changes.
- No Identical Pattern Repetition:
- Each graphemic stroke holds distinction. No repeated pixel patterns or digital print evidence.
Collective Signature Analysis
- Only one visible autograph is featured on this particular item. Thus, all assessments attribute directly to the single signature that overlays the photograph.
- The layout, ink selection, and placement are consistent with commonly signed NFL memorabilia pieces, notably those distributed during player-signing events or fan conventions.
Red Flags
- Photographic Glare: The reflective glare along the inked region makes parts of the signature difficult to analyze with full clarity, which slightly limits trace-level granularity.
- Unverified Provenance: No background documentation, certificate, or inscription contextualizes the event under which the item was signed.
- Possible Pen Overpressure Spots:
- There are slightly over-blotted areas in downstrokes, which could raise questions about ink dragging—but they remain plausible for live signatures.
Market Comparison and Similar Item Sales
Based on internal exemplars and market examinations:
- Mike McCoy Signed 8×10 Gloss Photo – Green Bay Packers
- eBay, Authenticated Edition: ~$25 – $40 USD
- Heritage Sports Auctions: Not frequently archived due to limited fame tier.
- Green Bay Packers Signed Photos (Non-HOF Players; 1970s Era)
- Average Range: $18 – $45 USD, depending on condition and personalization.
- Comparable Item Without Provenance
- Raw Market Value (Unsigned Photo w/ Signature): $12 – $20 USD if unattributed or unverified.
Conclusion: Based on stylistic fluency, stroke dynamics, ink integrity, and signature construction under magnification, this signature is likely authentic and consistent with pen-signed autographs attributed to Mike McCoy. The lack of hard provenance prevents a definitive Grade A rating, but indicators strongly oppose mechanical reproduction.
Submitted Image:
