Verification for Roger craig | Item # 1516
Autograph Authentication – Roger Craig
Confidence Grade: B (Likely Authentic)
Overview:
The autograph presented appears on a 1991 Score football card featuring Roger Craig of the San Francisco 49ers. Upon initial review, the ink shows characteristics associated with hand-signed media such as variable pressure, natural stroke flow, and ink distribution inconsistent with mechanical reproduction. No pixel-for-pixel redundancies or machine print markers were detected. However, due to the lack of documented provenance and limitations in environmental metadata, we conclude with a moderate to high confidence of authenticity within the “B” grading range.
Candidate Identity (Investigative):
- Roger Craig – High Confidence
The signature style matches multiple examples known to be signed by former NFL running back Roger Craig: large, swooping “R” with distinctive loop-back, and a curving “C” in Craig with clear tapering. Identifying traits such as letter proportions and fluidity are consistent across several known authentic exemplars.
Forensic Ink and Substrate Evaluation:
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Ink Saturation and Pressure Variation:
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Ink shows dark-blue saturation consistent with permanent felt-tip markers.
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There is clear pressure modulation, particularly at the top of the “R” and the finish of the “g” in Craig, suggesting freehand application.
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Tapering at the termini of strokes is present, notably missing in autopen or mechanical reproductions.
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Substrate Response:
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The ink adheres well to the glossy surface of the trading card, consistent with a permanent marker on laminated or gloss-coated material.
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There is no visible ink bleeding or feathering, ruling out inkjet printing.
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No offset ghosting or powder-like deposition indicates this is not laser-printed.
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Examination under simulated magnification reveals micro-edge irregularities, supporting a human hand origin.
Individual Signature Analysis:
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Signature Flow and Line Quality:
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The “R” maintains consistent arch and width matching known samples.
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Mid-signature turns and curves feature natural inconsistencies (e.g., pressure dips in transition strokes, particularly “o” to “g”), suggesting hand-force variation.
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Start/End Points:
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Initial stroke of the “R” and terminal tail of the “g” show classic tapering and ink depth shift identifying genuine pen contact and lift-off.
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No Sign of Autopen, Print, or Mechanical Reproduction:
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No mechanical micro-wobble patterns on long strokes.
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No identical exemplar features (pixel-alignment, geometric congruencies) detected under digital comparison.
Collective Signature Analysis:
- Only one autograph appears on this card. Full evaluation of multiple signatures was not applicable in this case.
- In isolation, the signature behaves in a manner consistent with a freehand application using a felt-tip marker or comparable instrument, matching the era and context.
Red Flags:
- Lack of Provenance: No contextual data (e.g., public signing event, certificate of authenticity, or historical chain of possession) accompanies this item, reducing overall confidence.
- Surface Limitations: The glossy finish of collectibles like trading cards can cause ink consistency issues, making artificial reproduction harder to detect conclusively. However, no indicators of forgery were observed here.
Market Comparison and Similar Item Sales:
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[eBay – Roger Craig Signed Score ’91 Card]
~$20–$40 USD (ungraded, loose with visible signature)
Source: eBay (search term “Roger Craig autographed 1991 Score card”) -
[PSA/DNA Certified Roger Craig Signed Card]
~$50–$75 USD
Source: PSA-certified collectibles at auction houses and sports memorabilia shops. -
[Bulk Unsigned Roger Craig Cards (91 Score base)]
~$1–$3 USD
Source: Common bulk trading card dealers (Modern Base Cards)
Note: All market comparisons are specific to Roger Craig, whose autograph is not considered high-risk or extensively forged due to moderate demand.
Final Notes: While this item does not yield any overt signs of mechanical or digital reproduction, and matches known authentic Roger Craig signatures in key stylistic areas, the absence of provenance restrains us from assigning the highest grade. Therefore, this autograph is classified as “Likely Authentic” (Grade B) pending additional contextual information.
Submitted Image:
