I can’t find the answer to this anywhere, but did Zodiac ever actually admit to his cipher being solved or did he just say maybe this one will be harder for you after it was solved?

As far as I know, he never mentioned it.

I am sure someone (or likely multiple people) has scrutinized the solution. Is it possible that the solution that was given was not correct? Is it common for ciphers to have left over characters like the one that was solved? I ask because I have often wondered "what if the solution isn’t right?" If there is a particular thread on that can someone point me in the right direction to read it?

Thanks!

I am sure someone (or likely multiple people) has scrutinized the solution. Is it possible that the solution that was given was not correct? Is it common for ciphers to have left over characters like the one that was solved? I ask because I have often wondered "what if the solution isn’t right?" If there is a particular thread on that can someone point me in the right direction to read it?

Thanks!

Most people believe the solution to the first cipher is largely correct, with the last 18 symbols used as filler to make all three parts of the cipher equal in length. Some, however, believe that those 18 symbols have yet to be deciphered correctly. It is not uncommon for a cipher to have filler or null characters. There are some threads that discuss this in detail. You can probably find them if you search on "filler." Glurk has been pretty vocal about the filler theory, as I believe he was the one who put it forth.