Autograph Collecting Terms.
ALS - Autographed Letter Signed.
AMOS - Autographed musical quotation.
Autopen - A mechanical device used to sign or trace an autograph.
AQS - Autographed quotation written entirely and signed by the celebrity.
B & W or B/W - Refers to Black and White. Example: B/W 8 x 10 Photo.
C - Indicates Color. C 8 x 10.
Cachet - A cancelled envelope with artwork or photo attached.
COA - Certificate of Authenticity.
Cut - An autograph cut from a letter or a document.
DS - Document signed. Contracts, legal items or any legal document.
Fake - A faked and false autograph.
Forgery - A forged autograph.
FDC - First Day Cover, similar to a cachet except it is cancelled on the day and in the city where the stamp was issued.
FDI - An blank envelope with a cancellation on the day a stamp issued and in the city it was issued, with no cachet.
Ghost Signer - Signed by someone other than the celebrity.
GPC - Government Postcard. Used frequently in the past to obtain autographs through the mail. Sent to the celebrity pre-addressed back to the original sender.
HOF - Hall of Fame.
I or Ins - Inscribed to a person.
IC - Index Card. L/S will indicate it is signed on the lined side.
IP - An autograph obtained in person.
ISP or SPI - Inscribed photo signed. Autograph plus an inscription.
Lobby Scribble - Illegible marks that many consider to be an autograph.
LS - Letter Signed.
Rubber Stamp - A stamped signature.
Salutation - Additional writing to no one in particular.
Secretarial - Signed by a secretary or staff member.
Sig - Signature.
TLS - Typed letter signed.
4to - Refers to an 8 x 10 photo.