Does Getting An Auto Graded Increase Value if Scoring a 10? Mickey Mantle Auto Photo

[meatloaf]

So I have this very bold and beautiful mickey mantle auto 8x10. This does not scratch my collecting itch, so I am looking to move it at max value. I know there is much experience and advice from this board. I am curious about forum member opinions on getting this photo's auto graded by PSA. Does it have the potential for a 10? If yes, does it potentially max value to have it graded? What about graded and encapsulated? Is there much different in the market price for a 10 grade and no grade? Thank you in advance for your opinions.

http://i.imgur.com/bgmEVkwl.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/hZ1VYSwl.jpg?1

[Klrdds]

In my opinion this is just a Mickey Mantle autographed 8x10 photo no matter what it grades. There is nothing special or unique about this piece. Sorry but that is my opinion.

[drcy]

The condition of the signature speaks for itself. Someone charging you to tell or anyone else the condition is just stealing your money.

[Lordstan]

Auto grading is only a selling point for people who wish to engage in penis measuring. Unfortunately, it is possible you could get more for it if it graded a 10, but how much more and how quickly it would sell, I don't know. I don't think there are many, if any at all, on this board who would pay more for it, but to the less educated who think it means something, perhaps. To quote P.T. Barnum "There's a sucker born every minute."

[meatloaf]

ty you all for the advice. makes my decision easy. stay away from the grading

[earlywynnfan]

IMHO, if it were a baseball, I'd say yes, get it graded. But I don't know if photos bring a premium.

[Lordstan]

i didn't say you shouldn't get it done.

I think items fall into 2 categories.

1) Personal collection items--- I would never send my personal items, regardless of which kind of item, in for grading and would not pay extra for an item that was graded. I would pay more for a higher quality signature, but having a number grade means nothing to me as it's only someone's opinion. I think this really holds especially true for things that can fade like autos. An autographed photo or ball can fade, even under the best of circumstances. So what happens if a ball that was graded a 10 fades in 20yrs? You aren't going to get the same resale price regardless of the label, so why bother? IMHO, the only reason to grade a personal item is the pride/bragging rights of being able to say you have an item graded 10. I don't think it makes the personal enjoyment of the item greater unless the bragging rights are the reason that person collects.

2) Items that will be sold in the short term---To me this would depend on the selling price difference between ungraded and graded. If a certed, but ungraded Mantle 8x10 with a perfect sig sells for $200 and the same certed Mantle 8x10 graded a 10 sells for $400, but the grade cost is only $20, it is certainly financially worth it to do the grading. If the sale price is the same then you are wasting your money.

[David Atkatz]

There are a million of those Mantle Sharpie 8x10s out there, and they're all "10"s. Why would anyone pay a premium for a graded one?

[Lordstan]

There are a million of those Mantle Sharpie 8x10s out there, and they're all "10"s. Why would anyone pay a premium for a graded one?

Famous philosopher P.T. Barnum once said "There's a sucker born every minute."

[Mr. Zipper]

An important first step would be understanding the grading scale and how a grade is determined. I'm not sure if the standards have been published in any detail.

I've seen 10s that were boldly signed, but sloppy, substandard examples of the signature in question. I've seen 10s in areas of poor contrast.

Does a "10" just mean the ink was applied fully with no skipping or pen failure?

In any case, as a collector, an assigned grade is meaningless to me. I have the faculties to determine if an autograph is strong, bold, desirable and in an aesthetically pleasing area. I don't need a third party to make these determinations for me.

[packs]

I would have bought this card regardless of the grade and I don't think I paid a premium because of the grade, but for discussion purposes here is a "10"

http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m294/madjams/Nolan_zpsuznahkzg.jpg

[David Atkatz]

In any case, as a collector, an assigned grade is meaningless to me. I have the faculties to determine if an autograph is strong, bold, desirable and in an aesthetically pleasing area. I don't need a third party to make these determinations for me.+1

[RichardSimon]

The condition of the signature speaks for itself. Someone charging you to tell or anyone else the condition is just stealing your money.

+1

Autograph grades are just another way for the TPA companies to stick their fingers deeper into your wallet and extract your hard earned money. I do not need them to tell me an autograph looks great or an autograph looks terrible. I have eyes.