Calling all Auto experts (which I am not)

[darz90scardz]

What do you guys think, is this an actual blue ink Autographics, or is it just a black that faded? Could it also be a blue that has faded? Please help. Me dumb.

[kukocitb]

Not an expert either but I am leaning towards faded.

[kingofsnake]

I also think that it is a daded blank.

[darz90scardz]

Kukocitb, do you mean a faded blue or faded black?

After doing a bit more auto research, I think it’s an actual blue that has faded. I’m still all ears if what bo user aggie4ever is saying is incorrect…

[mindcycle]

I’m no expert but I’m leaning more toward a slightly faded blue. Blacks, at least the ones I have, seem to just become lighter black over time.

[threepointplay]

That looks very much like a blue faded autograph.

I hate to call out the other sports card forum, but over on B***Out the user PuddleMonkey is currently testing different inks, including leaving multiple copies of the same autographed card in a room facing different directions and then comparing it to one kept in a storage box. You can find it under the title:

'The 2025 Definitive (not Topps) Color, Paper & Pen Test Thread'

I have long known that the ink on all modern cards will fade over time, but the tests PuddleMonkey is doing, demonstrates how quickly (days not weeks) that Blue Ink can fade if not permanently kept in storage. It also gives you the different shades they go through as they do. The experiment is fascinating and scary all at the same time.