Angus Young
Lead Guitarist and Co-founder of AC/DC · Music - Rock & Roll
AC/DC
Era
Modern Era (circa 2010-Present)
Item Type
Vinyl Record Album Cover
Condition
Excellent/Near Mint. The autograph is bold and centered. The album cover shows sharp corners and minimal edge wear, with no visible ring wear or surface scuffs.
Rarity
Moderate. Angus is a consistent signer but usually prefers to sign in groups or at specific events. High-quality signatures on 'Back in Black' covers are highly sought after compared to random slips of paper.
Overall Assessment
This is a premium-grade autograph. The choice of a white paint pen on the black embossed cover is aesthetically superior to a standard marker. It is a highly desirable piece for a serious music collector. Verdict: Highly collectible.
Authenticity Assessment
Likely authentic; confidence level: 85% - 90%. The signature exhibits the fluid, rapid motion and specific letter-shaping consistent with authentic contemporary Angus Young examples.
Signature Style
Stylized shorthand signature. It features a prominent, looped 'A' followed by a series of vertical rhythmic 'points' representing the additional letters, ending in a sharp downward and outward flourish.
Signature Characteristics
Initial 'A' is wide with a soft loop; the middle section consists of 3-4 rhythmic vertical strokes representing 'n-g-u-s'; the final 'g' or flourish drops low and snaps back to the right with a tapered finish.
Ink & Medium
White or silver oil-based paint pen (often referred to as a DecoColor or Sharpie Paint marker). The ink appears high-contrast, opaque, and well-adhered to the matte surface.
Item Description
2003 or later remastered reissue of the AC/DC 'Back in Black' LP. It features embossed lettering for the band logo and album title on a textured matte black sleeve.
Estimated Value
$400 - $700 (Uncertified); $800 - $1,200+ (Certified by PSA/DNA or JSA).
Comparison to Known Examples
Very consistent with street-signed items from the 2014-2016 'Rock or Bust' tour and subsequent book signings. The scale and tilt match verified examples perfectly.
Authentication Tips
Look for the sharp, needle-like peaks in the middle of the signature. Genuine Angus signatures show high speed and lack of hesitation. Forgeries often appear 'drawn' or too slow, lacking the characteristic sharp tail at the end.
Certification Recommendation
PSA/DNA or JSA (James Spence Authentication). These are the industry leaders for music memorabilia; certification can double the market value.
Red Flags
No significant red flags observed. The ink flow is natural, and there are no signs of 'shakiness' associated with tracing.
Provenance Notes
Valuable documentation would include a photo of Angus signing or a COA from a reputable dealer known for in-person (IP) collecting in major cities like New York or London.
Historical Context
'Back in Black' is the second best-selling album of all time. An autograph on this specific title carries immense historical weight, symbolizing the band's comeback following the death of Bon Scott.
Market Trends
AC/DC memorabilia remains highly stable. As the band reaches the end of their touring years, demand for signatures from original members like Angus continues to appreciate.
Investment Potential
Excellent. As one of the greatest guitarists in history and the face of the band, a clean Angus signature on their most famous album is a 'Blue Chip' rock collectible.
Similar Autographs
Brian Johnson (vocals), Phil Rudd (drums), or late founding member Malcolm Young (extremely rare). Fans of Hard Rock also collect Jimmy Page or Eddie Van Halen.
Display & Preservation
Frame in a UV-protective acrylic 'LP Frame'. Keep away from direct sunlight to prevent the matte black cover from fading to grey and the white ink from yellowing.
Interesting Facts
Angus Young famously rarely signs in his schoolboy outfit unless it's a promotional event; most signatures found on the market are 'In-Person' signatures obtained at hotels or airports.