Autograph Authentication Report
2024 Topps Garbage Pail Kids: Kids at Play - Auto · #82a
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-word 'Smokin' Joe'. A large lead-in S, a compressed angular 'mokin' cluster, then a separate, larger 'Joe'. | R2 and R1 show the same two-word layout: a big looping S, a 'mokin' body, an apostrophe, and a separate 'Joe' of similar or larger height. | Match |
| Slant and baseline | Slight rightward slant. The baseline rises a little into 'Joe'. | Moderate right slant with a roughly level to slightly rising baseline in both. | Match |
| Letter construction | 'm' is formed as sharp peaks, and the k/i/n are compressed and less legible. J has a top hook and a long descending stem. 'o' is small and the 'e' is looped. | R2's 'm' is rounder and 'kin' more legible. The J has the same top-hook construction, and the 'oe' pairing is similar. | Natural variation |
| Connecting strokes | S runs into the 'mokin' body in a continuous stroke. 'Joe' is detached. | Same pattern: S connects into 'mokin', and 'Joe' is a separate unit. | Match |
| Starting and ending strokes | S starts with a long sweeping lead-in from lower left. The final 'e' ends in an extended tapered tail to the right. | S begins with a broad curve from the left. The 'e' ends with a short flick (R1) or a rounded finish (R2). | Natural variation |
| Line quality and speed | Fluent and fast with tapered entries and exits. No visible tremor or hesitation at this resolution. | Fluent, rapid strokes in both. | Match |
| Pen pressure pattern | Visible variation, with heavier downstrokes on the m peaks and the J stem and lighter connecting strokes. | Similar variation in R2 and R1. | Match |
| Spacing | Tight letter spacing within 'Smokin' and a clear gap before 'Joe'. | Comparable word gap. Letter spacing in R2 is somewhat looser. | Natural variation |
| Flourishes and underlines | No underline. The flourish is limited to the S lead-in and the e tail. | No underline in either. Same S flourish. | Match |
| Placement and size | Signed large across the upper art just below the GPK logo banner. The name bar reads 'BLABBY GABBY' and no printed 'Artist Autograph' line is visible. | Both references are signed inside the name-bar box, with a printed 'SMOKIN' JOE ARTIST AUTOGRAPH' line (visible in R2). | Difference |
| Reproduction indicators | Ink shows natural density variation and overlap. No halftone or dot pattern is visible at this resolution. | N/A | Not assessable |
Examiner notes
All three are from the same 2024 Topps Garbage Pail Kids: Kids at Play release window. R2 is a Lawn Dot parallel auto from this set, and R1 appears to be a similar green-bordered card. Significant career-era drift is unlikely, so differences should come from speed, pen and surface.
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.
