Autograph Authentication Report
2024 Mutagen Canister Kids Stickers Open Edition - Artist Mark Pingitore Auto · #42b
Findings
Signature comparison
This card. The signature as cropped from the slab photo (front).
Below, the known examples Crown compared it with. Examples with stronger proof (signed in front of staff, or certified by an independent authenticator) carry the most weight.
Feature by feature
| Feature | This card | Known examples | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall form and proportions | Compressed two-part signature: an angular 'M' monogram, then an abbreviated 'P' with tall stem, then a trailing low-amplitude scribble ending in a crossbar. Small and wide in proportion. | R1–R7 all show the same two-unit structure: a stylized M with a hooked or looped lead-in, a tall P stem, and a flattened trailing body with a 't'-like crossbar. R1 is larger but has the same proportions. | Match |
| Slant and baseline | Written vertically up the right edge of the card; relative to the writing line it has a mild rightward slant and a roughly level to slightly rising baseline. | R2–R7 have a mild right slant and a level to slightly rising baseline. R1 rises more steeply on the P. | Natural variation |
| Letter construction | M formed as a hooked downstroke into angular peaks. P has a long descending stem and a small looped bowl. The terminal letters are reduced to a wavy line with a crossing stroke. | Same M construction (hook entry, two or three peaks) in R1, R2, R3, R4 and R7. P stem and reduced trailing letters with a crossbar in R1–R7. | Match |
| Connecting strokes | The M is written as one unit with a lift before the P. The P connects into the trailing scribble. | References show the same lift between the M and P units and a connected P-to-terminal stroke. | Match |
| Starting and ending strokes | Tapered entry on the M. Terminal crossbar exits with a light tapered tail. | Tapered entries and a flicked terminal crossbar are seen in R1, R4, R6 and R7. | Match |
| Line quality and speed | Fluid strokes with no visible tremor or hesitation at this resolution. Width varies naturally along the curves. | Fast, fluid execution throughout R1–R7. | Match |
| Pen pressure pattern | Heavier on the downstrokes of the M and the P stem, lighter on the connecting and terminal strokes. | Similar downstroke emphasis is visible in R1, R2 and R7. | Match |
| Spacing | Moderate gap between the M and P units; the terminal letters are tightly compressed. | Comparable spacing in R2–R7. | Match |
| Flourishes and underlines | No underline or paraph beyond the terminal crossbar. | No underlines in the references. | Match |
| Placement and size | Placed vertically in the right margin over the artwork in blue marker, avoiding the character's face and the title banner. | References are signed over the artwork in assorted marker colors; placement varies by card. Vertical placement is not directly shown but is plausible on a portrait sticker. | Natural variation |
| Reproduction indicators | Ink appears to sit over the printed art and the color is not integrated into the print layers. No halftone dots are visible in the strokes at this resolution. | N/A | Not assessable |
Examiner notes
Our card is a 2024 Mutagen Canister Kids sticker (No. 42b) and the signature is likely contemporaneous, c. 2024. References R2–R7 (Nintendopes Open Edition stickers) and R8 (Slop Culture Kids) are from the same Magic Marker Art sticker line and likely the same 2023–2025 window. R1 (Horrorible Kids Series 9 autograph card) is also recent. Era drift is therefore not a significant factor. Differences are best explained by surface, pen and speed, given the small glossy sticker stock and fine-point markers in varying colors.
How Crown authenticates autographs: the signature is compared with known examples gathered from Crown's own authenticated cards, independent authenticators and public listings, measured by software, examined by an AI forensic model, and signed off by Crown Grading staff. The decision above is Crown's.
