Ronald Reagan
40th President of the United States · Politics - U.S. Presidents / Entertainment - Film
The Executive Branch of the United States Government / Warner Bros. Studios
Era
Post-Presidency - circa 1989-1994
Item Type
Potentially a book page or index card
Condition
The autograph presents well with crisp ink and no visible fading. Assuming the white background is clean, it would grade as Excellent/Near Mint.
Rarity
Moderate. While he signed frequently, high-quality post-presidency signatures are in constant demand due to his historical stature.
Overall Assessment
This appears to be a genuine, late-career signature of Ronald Reagan. It captures his characteristic stroke speed and letter ratio perfectly. It is a highly desirable piece for any U.S. history enthusiast.
Authenticity Assessment
Likely authentic based on letter formation and flow; confidence level: 85%. Formal certification is recommended as Reagan is one of the most widely forged political figures.
Signature Style
Cursive, rapid flow. Features his classic large 'R' in Ronald and high-looping 'R' in Reagan, though showing signs of the simplification common in his later years.
Signature Characteristics
The initial 'R' displays a classic high-top loop. There is a perceptible upward slant. The later 'g' and 'a' letters in 'Reagan' show the transition to his more abbreviated 'shorthand' style used in retirement.
Ink & Medium
Black felt-tip marker (likely a Sharpie) on a white surface, appearing consistent with 1990s-era office supplies.
Item Description
The autograph appears on a plain white substrate, which is typical for 'matted-in' signatures used with photographs or in bookplates. The image shown is a photo of a computer screen, making texture analysis difficult.
Estimated Value
$400 - $700 (Unauthenticated); $800 - $1,200+ (With PSA/DNA or JSA Full Letter)
Comparison to Known Examples
Closely matches authenticated examples from the early 1990s, specifically those signed during his office hours in Century City, California.
Authentication Tips
Look for the specific 'connected' flow between the 'n' and 'a' in Reagan. Watch for the 'stop/restart' points in the 'g' and 'a'. Be wary of 'Autopen' versions which mirror this specific layout but have uniform line thickness and lack ink pooling at the end of strokes.
Certification Recommendation
PSA/DNA or JSA (James Spence Authentication). These are the industry leaders for Presidential autographs.
Red Flags
No immediate signs of hesitation or 'shaky' ink associated with forgeries; however, the lack of a visible document context (the rest of the item) warrants caution regarding autopens.
Provenance Notes
Look for documentation relating to the Ronald Reagan Library or his post-presidency office. Items with 'With best wishes' or 'Sincerely' inscriptions add provenance value.
Historical Context
Reagon transitioned from a Hollywood leading man (affiliated with the Screen Actors Guild) to a pivotal Cold War leader. A signature from this era represents his legacy as the 'Great Communicator'.
Market Trends
Presidential autographs, particularly Reagan's, have remained stable or slightly appreciated. He remains the most popular 20th-century Republican president for collectors.
Investment Potential
Strong. As a 'Mount Rushmore' level figure for many, Reagan items are considered 'blue-chip' assets in the memorabilia market.
Similar Autographs
George H.W. Bush, Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter, or actors from the 'Golden Age' of Hollywood.
Display & Preservation
Frame with 99% UV-protective glass. Presidential signatures are prone to fading if exposed to direct sunlight or fluorescent office lighting.
Interesting Facts
Reagan was a prolific letter writer. In his later years, as he battled Alzheimer's, his signature became increasingly shaky and eventually stopped before his passing in 2004.