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.
|