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Unfortunately for collectors, many famous people made multiple
autopen signatures for an added air of authenticity. Richard Nixon had
around twenty-five signatures, while John F. Kennedy had eight. Hope
is not lost, however. Collectors should break out their magnifying glass
and take a closer look at the signature in question. Autopens by nature
are consistent, while a human hand lifts and presses when writing.
Inspect for any changes in pressure or any differences in the ink
thickness. Autopens keep a constant pressure when signing and thus
will produce lines of exactly the same width throughout the signature.
They also produce a “drawn” appearance that does not flow as cleanly
as a real signature might. They start from a static position and finish
with a stop, meaning that there might be slight ink pooling at the
beginning and end of the signature, whereas when humans are signing,
they don’t linger around when the signature is done. Lastly, older
autopen models might jam slightly at times, causing a quick shake
of the pen.
Admittedly, these telltale signs are minute, and if you are ever in
doubt, do not hesitate to contact an expert. Beyond just years of
experience with handwriting, experts often have access to a library
of reference signatures which could greatly aid in solving autopen
mysteries. You can also reference the May/June 2020 issue Journal of
Antiques and Collectibles article on forged signatures (on page 24) for
further identification tips. (click on the link here: https://journalof
antiques.com/features/forged-signatures-tips-help-collectors-find-real-
Some presidents had an array of autopen signatures. As frustrating as this may be, deal/ for the online article.
they are likely documented and, with a little research, you can directly
compare your signature to their autopen templates. Value of an Autopen Signature
These are some of President Ronald Reagan’s autopen signatures.
Autopen signatures are the bane of autograph collectors, and they do
photo: Cabinet Magazine, Winter 2001-2002
command much lower prices than their personally signed counterparts,
Verify That Signature but as time puts distance between collectors and autopen signers, they
are not without value entirely. Collections of autopen signatures or
If possible, a buyer should compare documented, genuine writing celebrity ephemera sell well at auction, and some desirable lithographs
samples from the signer in question, and research to see if they were with autopen signatures are popular with collectors. Examples include
a known autopen user. Several presidents have their autopen signatures Apollo 11 crew lithographs from 1969 that bring a few hundred dollars
on file, and you can use those as a reference. You can even go so far at auction with autopen signatures, or limited release presidential
as to place your signature on top of a known autopen signature and see invitations that are mechanically signed.
if they line up. The genuine article shouldn’t be an exact match – when Interested more in the technology? Modern autopen machines
was the last time you signed something in exactly the same place, are anywhere from $5,000 to $10,000, while vintage examples hover
with the same size letters that were all identically formed, with no around $1,000 and rarely appear on the market. Whether you chose
flourish out of place? Humans typically don’t write with that kind of to embrace autopens or avoid them, a better understanding of the
mechanical precision.
technology is the first step.

Queen Elizabeth II enthusiastically embraced her autopen, which she began using in 1959. Be wary of anything
claiming to be her genuine signature after this date. An autopen-signed, 2001 Christmas card depicting the Queen at Walmer Castle.
photo: Sophie Dupree via Abe Books

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