Autograph Authentication Report
2021 Nintendopes Stickers Open Edition - Artist Mark Pingitore Auto · #44b
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 | Abbreviated two-part signature: angular 'M' cluster followed by a taller 'P' and a long, low trailing stroke ending in a crossbar. Overall shape is wide and low. | Every reference (R1-R8) shows the same abbreviated 'M(k) P...t' form: a compact angular first-name cluster, a gap, a 'P' with a top loop, then a flattened trailing run ending in a 't'-like cross. | Match |
| Slant and baseline | Moderate rightward slant. Baseline runs roughly horizontal with a slight rise toward the end. | R1, R3, R4 and R6 show a similar rightward slant on a near-horizontal baseline. R8 is more compressed and steeper, but within the same habit. | Match |
| Letter construction | 'M' made as a zigzag/sawtooth with a small loop or hook after it. 'P' has a tall stem with a loop at the top, followed by a low, flat letter run. | R1 most clearly shows the zigzag 'M' with a trailing 'c/k' hook and a looped 'P' with a long cross. R2-R7 repeat the zigzag 'M' and looped 'P'. | Match |
| Connecting strokes | The first-name cluster is connected in one movement. There is a lift before the 'P', and the surname run continues into the terminal cross. | There is the same pen lift between the first-name cluster and the 'P' in R1-R7. The surname stays connected through to the terminal cross. | Match |
| Starting and ending strokes | Begins with a sharp downstroke into the 'M'. Ends with a long horizontal cross that tapers out to the right. | R1, R3 and R6 show the same tapered, extended horizontal finishing cross. Starts are consistently angular entry strokes. | Match |
| Line quality and speed | At this resolution, strokes appear fluid and fast with tapered ends. No visible tremor or blunt stops, but the crop is small and blurred. | All references show rapid, confident execution typical of an artist signing many stickers. R8 and R7 are especially hurried. | Match |
| Pen pressure pattern | Darker density in the downstrokes of 'M' and 'P', with lighter tails. Variation appears natural, though the resolution is limited. | Similar heavier downstrokes and lighter terminals in R1, R3 and R6. | Natural variation |
| Spacing | Clear gap between the first-name cluster and the surname. The surname is compressed. | Same spacing habit in R1-R7. | Match |
| Flourishes and underlines | No underline. The terminal crossbar acts as the only flourish. | No underlines in any reference. The terminal crossbar is consistently present. | Match |
| Placement, size and ink | Blue marker placed across the lower artwork (the fish and water), just above the name banner. Medium size, roughly one third of the card width. | Nintendopes references are signed across the artwork in either blue (R3, R6, R8) or black (R2, R4, R5, R7) marker, at a similar size. Placement varies from card to card. | Match |
| Reproduction indicators (halftone, gloss layer, uniform density) | Cannot be assessed at this resolution. The signature does not appear in identical position or form to any reference, which argues against a facsimile template. | Not applicable | Not assessable |
Examiner notes
Our card is a 2021 Nintendopes Stickers Open Edition artist auto (card 44b), likely signed around 2021-2022. R2-R8 come from the same Nintendopes Open Edition run, so they are essentially contemporaneous. R1 (Magic Marker Art Horrorible Kids Series 9) is a different product from roughly the same period. It shows the same abbreviated 'M-P-t' signature under cleaner conditions (on a light background, slower and more legible). No meaningful era drift is expected.
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.
