Autograph Authentication Report
2024 Mutagen Canister Kids Stickers Open Edition - Artist Mark Pingitore Auto · #41a
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 | Two-part abbreviated signature: an angular 'M' zigzag form, a short gap, then a 'P' with a compact bowl running into a trailing 't/o'-like terminal with a crossbar. The first element is taller and more compressed than the second. | R2, R3, R4 and R7 show the same two-part scheme with an angular first initial and a looped P plus trailing terminal. R1 and R8 are more expansive and stretched, the normal variation for a larger signing field. | Match |
| Slant and baseline | Strong rightward slant relative to the writing direction. The signature is written along the card's vertical axis, and its baseline rises slightly toward the end. | References show a consistent right slant with a level-to-slightly-rising baseline (R2, R4, R7). | Match |
| Letter construction | The first initial is built as a sharp descending/ascending zigzag with a hooked lead-in. The P is made with a downstroke and a small bowl, followed by a looped 't' and crossbar. | The same zigzag first initial and small-bowl P appear in R2, R4, R6 and R7. R8's second element is more scribbled, within expected range. | Match |
| Connecting strokes | The pen lifts between the first initial and the P. The P connects continuously into the terminal letters. | Same lift-then-connect pattern across R1–R7. | Match |
| Starting and ending strokes | Tapered lead-in hook on the first stroke. The crossbar terminal finishes with a tapered exit. | Tapered entries, and terminal crossbar exits extending right, in R1, R2, R4 and R7. | Match |
| Line quality and speed | Strokes appear fluid and confident with no visible tremor or hesitation at this resolution. Sharp angles suggest rapid execution. | Rapid, fluid marker strokes throughout the references. | Match |
| Pen pressure pattern | Ink density varies, heavier at the turns of the first initial and lighter on the connecting and terminal strokes, consistent with a felt-tip marker. | Similar marker density variation, e.g. R2 and R4. R8 shows skipping on a slick surface. | Natural variation |
| Spacing | Moderate gap between the first initial and the P group. The terminal letters are compressed. | Comparable spacing in R2, R4 and R7. R1 has a wider gap. | Match |
| Flourishes and underlines | No underline. The crossbar serves as the final flourish. | No underlines in the references. The crossbar or terminal flourish is present. | Match |
| Placement and size | Blue marker, placed vertically along the right side of the artwork across the red-to-blue gradient. Moderate size. | The references use varied ink colors (blue, black, dark green) placed across artwork areas. Orientation can't be judged from the crops. | Natural variation |
| Reproduction indicators | No halftone dot pattern is apparent in the ink at this resolution. The ink appears to sit over the printed gradient, and density is non-uniform. | N/A | Not assessable |
Examiner notes
Our card is a 2024 Mutagen Canister Kids Stickers Open Edition artist autograph, so the signature dates to roughly 2024. All eight references are contemporary Magic Marker Art / Nintendopes / Slop Culture Kids artist-auto products from about 2022–2024, the same period and product family. Era-driven change is not a meaningful factor. Differences mainly reflect surface (glossy sticker stock vs. card), marker tip and signing speed.
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.
