Common Historical Forgeries

Understanding the specific habits of known historical forgers.

Joseph Cosey (1887–1950s)

Cosey specialized in early American historical figures (Lincoln, Franklin, Poe). His work is dangerous because he used period-accurate paper and mixed his own iron gall ink.

The Tell: Cosey's handwriting, while mimicking the style, often shows less pen pressure variation than the original. His Lincoln signatures often lack the sharp, angular energy of authentic examples, appearing more "drawn" than "written."

Mark Hofmann (1954–Present)

Hofmann was a master of chemical aging, primarily forging Mormon historical documents but also works by Emily Dickinson and Daniel Boone.

The Tell: Hofmann used an artificial aging technique involving ammonia and ozone. Under high magnification, the ink on Hofmann documents often shows microscopic "alligatoring" or cracking that natural aging does not produce.