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.

[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.

[RichardSimon]

Originally Posted by drcy

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.

[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"

[David Atkatz]

Originally Posted by Mr. Zipper

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