Carl F. Cori
Nobel Prize-Winning Biochemist · Science & Innovation - Biochemistry
Washington University School of Medicine
Era
Post-Nobel Era - circa 1950s-1970s
Item Type
Signed 3x5 Index Card
Condition
Excellent; the signature remains bold with no fading, and the cardstock shows minimal yellowing or edge wear.
Rarity
Moderate; as a Nobel laureate, he was a known correspondent but his autographs are significantly rarer than Nobel winners in physics or literature.
Overall Assessment
A quintessential, high-quality example of a major 20th-century scientific figure's signature; ideal for serious collectors of science history.
Authenticity Assessment
Highly likely authentic (95% confidence)
Signature Style
Cursive script with middle initial; clear and formal European-influenced lettering typical of 20th-century academics.
Signature Characteristics
Fluid motion with consistent pen pressure; the 'C' in Carl is open, and the 'o-r-i' in Cori is compact with a sharp terminal stroke on the 'i'.
Ink & Medium
Early-era ballpoint pen with dark blue ink on off-white heavy cardstock or index card paper.
Item Description
A standard off-white cardstock segment featuring a clean, centered signature without inscription or personalization.
Estimated Value
$150.00 - $300.00 USD
Comparison to Known Examples
Matches established exemplars from the Washington University archives and verified Nobel collector databases perfectly.
Authentication Tips
Look for the distinct flat-topped 'F' and the specific loop of the 'C' in Cori, which usually ends with an upward flick.
Certification Recommendation
JSA (James Spence Authentication) or PSA/DNA; JSA is highly regarded for historical and scientific figures.
Red Flags
No significant red flags observed; the pen weight and ink absorption into the fiber are consistent with period-correct ballpoint pens.
Provenance Notes
Best documented through collection history or letters from the 'Cori Lab' at Washington University; often obtained via mail requests.
Historical Context
Carl Cori (1896-1984) won the 1947 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for discovering the course of the catalytic conversion of glycogen.
Market Trends
Stable; Nobel signatures maintain a consistent niche market among science history collectors with a slight upward trend for biochem pioneers.
Investment Potential
Moderate; a staple for any Nobel collection but unlikely to see massive price spikes unless paired with Gerty Cori.
Similar Autographs
Gerty Cori, Bernardo Houssay, Arthur Kornberg, Severo Ochoa.
Display & Preservation
Store in an acid-free PVC-free sleeve; if framing, use 99% UV-protective glass to prevent the early ballpoint ink from fading.
Interesting Facts
He shared the Nobel Prize with his wife, Gerty Cori, making them the third married couple to win; her signature is significantly rarer and more valuable.