Top 10 Most Forged Celebrity Autographs (and How to Spot the Fakes)

Buying and collecting autographs online can be fun — until you realize many of the signatures on the market are worthless. Forged autographs are a massive problem in the world of memorabilia, and even big-name third-party authenticators have been fooled or complicit. If you’re spending your money, you deserve to know what you’re really getting.

Here are the Top 10 Most Commonly Forged Celebrity Autographs, and how to spot red flags before you buy.

10. Bruce Springsteen

Why it’s forged: The Boss rarely signs autographs in person, making authentic ones scarce and valuable — especially signed albums.

Spotting fakes:

• Real signatures show fluid motion and strong pressure
• Many fakes are slow, shaky, or printed on cheap reprints
• Beware of items with generic COAs

9. Marilyn Monroe

Why it’s forged: Monroe’s fame is eternal, and authentic items can fetch thousands — making her a prime target for forgers.

Spotting fakes:

• Real signatures evolved over time (early "Norma Jeane" vs. later stylized Marilyn)
• Forgeries often mimic one era and mass-produce it
• Many signed photos are actually printed reproductions (these often sell for very low prices)

8. John Lennon / The Beatles

Why it’s forged: Group-signed Beatles items are some of the most forged autographs in history.

Spotting fakes:

• Group signatures are often forged together — real sets are rare and typically signed at different times
• Lennon’s signature has distinctive rhythm; fakes often overemphasize the “J”
• Cheap or misaligned ink on modern paper = red flag

7. Michael Jackson

Why it’s forged: His global popularity and untimely death created enormous demand.

Spotting fakes:

• Real MJ signatures evolved, but common characteristics include large loops and fast execution
• Beware “signed” Thriller LPs – especially sealed ones
• Printed forgeries on glossy photos are widespread (especailly on eBay)

6. Muhammad Ali

Why it’s forged: One of the most famous athletes ever — and his long illness led to proxy signing.

Spotting fakes:

• Look for steady, confident strokes in earlier signatures
• Late-career items should show signs of tremor (due to Parkinson’s)
• Many “Ali” boxing gloves are mass-forged and sold with generic COAs

5. Elvis Presley

Why it’s forged: Decades of fan obsession = endless fake Elvis autographs.

Spotting fakes:

• Real Elvis had bold, stylized penmanship
• Many fakes are oversimplified or cartoonish
• Be especially cautious with 8x10s and guitars — extremely high forgery rate

4. James Dean

Why it’s forged: He died young, signed very little, and commands premium prices.

Spotting fakes:

• Real signatures are very rare and often authenticated by top-tier experts
• Dean used both cursive and print styles — know the era and item
• Many “Dean” photos are printed forgeries sold online for cheap

3. Jimi Hendrix

Why it’s forged: Hendrix died at 27 and signed very little — almost all “signed guitars” online are fake.

Spotting fakes:

• Real Hendrix signatures show personality and spontaneity
• He sometimes wrote notes or dates with his signature
• Steer clear of eBay and sites selling “bulk signed” guitars

2. Kurt Cobain

Why it’s forged: Another 27 Club legend, Cobain’s real autograph is ultra-rare — and highly forged.

Spotting fakes:

• Handwriting often included sketches or personal notes
• Most “signed Nirvana” items are 100% fake
• Look for provenance and compare against known authentic examples

1. Princess Diana

Why it’s forged: Her iconic status and untimely death created lasting demand.

Spotting fakes:

• Real signatures often appeared on royal stationery or official documents
• Cheap signed photos = likely fake
• Watch out for smooth machine-printed versions sold as “original”

Red Flags for Any Autograph:

• Vague or generic COAs (not from industry trusted experts)
• No provenance
• “Too good to be true” pricing
• Mass listings from the same seller

How to Buy With Confidence

At World of Autographs, we know the industry is full of fakes — that’s why we offer:

• Only 100% authentic autographs
• A lifetime guarantee
• Provenance you can trust
• A reputation built over two decades of honest dealing

Whether you’re buying a signed record from Springsteen or a rare Monroe photo, we make sure you know it’s real — and we stand behind it for life.

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