Do to the overwhelming responses regarding forgery examples. I will be discussing in extensive detail on some of the really difficult and subtle forged Jordan autographs. I will also cover the many reasons why I have concluded that the showcased example is "not authentic."
Over the years Michael Jordan's autograph has been one of the most sought after signatures within the collecting world. Due to the extreme high demand for his signature, he is also one of the most forged. In the 1990s Michael took on his typical "trademarked" "M" Squiggle "J" Squiggle style autograph. Forgery examples are plentiful due to the relative simplicity to the autograph. I have done extensive research and evaluations regarding this time frame and have reviewed hundreds of examples that were being produced by the Upper Deck Company. I have noticed that there are many subtle variations with his legitimate signed UDA products, which raises the difficulty in trying to pinpoint some kind of style in regards to a chronological time frame analysis. Keeping this in mind, and with the simplicity of his mid 1990s signature, forgers tend to use this style as reference and literally copy the signature like a robot.
There are four to six major areas that I key on when evaluating his signature.
#1 the consistency of the "M" Stroke.
#2. "Figure 8" loop at the end of the "M"
#3. The "peaks that make up the "I" "C" "H" and "L" in "Michael"
#4.The "J" Stroke
#5. "Figure" 8 loop at the end of the "J"
#6 The "D" loop/stroke in "Jordan"
With these "six" critical areas in mind, Michael has roughly 3 to 4 different signing variations in each specific area that can vary dramatically depending on his mood or signing situation. Thus, making it near impossible for a forger to actually create a "foolproof" autograph due to the complexity of Michael’s subtle signing habits.
By closely evaluating the numerous autographed products released by the Upper Deck Company, I have noticed that almost each and every signed item has different characteristics that vary even down to items that were signed in consecutive order. Keeping all of this in mind, This is where the forger tends to make his mistake by normally mastering one or two areas where it’s almost impossible to tell a legitimate verses forged item. But with these so called "perfected" areas they also tend to make critical mistakes in 2 to 3 other segments of the autograph as well.
The real key in regards to identifying Jordan forgeries is to identify key mistakes on "multiple" items. Sure, there are those "fly by night" forgers but most of the material are always identifiable. The "professional" forger tends to spend a great deal perfecting his work, and are not the ones that are out to make a quick buck. These are the culprits that generate forged material in greater quantities. This is where the mistake is made, it’s not uncommon for Michael to sign items that are "uncharacteristic" to his normal signing style, but to see the same mistakes on numerous items depicts a definite telltale sign that it’s a forged piece.
Now, onto the examples: