Beware Fake 90's Autos

Not an ideal way to kickoff a new blog, but I felt compelled to post this public service announcement after recent hoards of fake Marino autographs have hit the market and are fooling unsuspecting buyers.

Straight to the point, blank copies of the 1998 SkyBox Autographics and the 1999 SP Signature Autograph cards were backdoored and are now appearing with inauthentic signatures.

In my expert opinion, here are fake copies of these cards followed by real examples for comparison.

Fake 1998 SkyBox Autographics

These fakes began appearing in late 2015. All fake versions are missing the embossed SkyBox stamp near the signature. If the signature is missing the "13" it is fake. Some recent fakes have started to include the "13," but if you study Marino's signature you can easily distinguish the real deal from the fake.

Real 1998 SkyBox Autographics

Fake 1999 SP Signature Autograph

These fakes began appearing in early 2016, around the same time as the SkyBox Autographics. If the signature is in black ink, or is missing the "13" it is fake. The two fake versions on the left side are getting closer to replicating Marino's signature, but the angle of the signature and position of the "13" are dead giveaways that the signature is fake.

Real 1999 SP Signature Autograph

Keep in mind that just because the card stock was intended to have an autograph and has the stated 'Certificate of Authenticity' on the back, collectors need to be scrupulous about the items they buy. Even card grading services 'authenticate' fake cards from time to time. If it doesn't look right, walk away.

11/18/20 Update: The "World's Most Trusted Source in Collecting" provides us with another gift. Can't make this stuff up. Did they not read my blog!?

6/6/21 Update: SGC joins the clueless club.

8/5/21 Update: Trifecta. Thanks PSA.