A lot of collectors, when purchasing autographs, ask beforehand if they come with Letters of Authenticity. Sometimes the only “authentic” thing is the signature on the L.O.A. which often isn’t worth the paper it is written on.

A case-in-point is this short note written and signed by Lincoln, pardoning a soldier. Besides the unusual wording of the note and the atypical execution of some of the numbers and letters, it is dated May 11, 1865, twenty-six days after Lincoln’s death. The vendor explained this discrepancy by claiming that Lincoln signed such notes in advance. He did sign some military commissions in advance and some do appear that post-date his death; however, these commissions were left blank upon signing and filled in as needed. In this case, Lincoln allegedly completed the note in full, including the date of issuance he “divined” well-in-advance. This is more “stupid” than we can handle at one sitting!!