My high grade Ruth Single comes with provenance from the family of the original owner and was one of several high grade baseballs he had personally acquired from a young age until he passed. He was from an affluent family with access throughout his life and the ball(s) were in his possession until he passed. So I definitely err on the side of provenance where I can. Did I pay slightly more for that vs a "mystery" single signed Ruth single? probably a little but the little bit more I paid would come back in multiples should I decide to sell so I am ok with the added element of authenticity.
I will say, I feel this rule applies MORE with autographs than it does with cards unless the cards are part of a very prominent find or collection.
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