Grading an autograph?

[David Atkatz]

Originally Posted by tazdmb

I think the other issue, especially with more modern signatures (like Mantle) is that something will grade a 10, and then fade to 9-8 over time. However, it is still "rated" a 10.

Fade to a 9? How much fading is that? At what point did that 10 become a 9? Grading is completely subjective--and thus is bullshit.

And any serious autograph collector will tell you, it's the item that determines value, not the strength of the writing. Content, content, content.

[Klrdds]

Originally Posted by David Atkatz

Fade to a 9? How much fading is that? At what point did that 10 become a 9? Grading is completely subjective--and thus is bullshit.

And any serious autograph collector will tell you, it's the item that determines value, not the strength of the writing. Content, content, content.

I agree 100% .
The signature itself is the value and the strength of signature for the most part is only important in a few cases.
Value is the item type and CONTENT , if applicable.
This grading is a marketing ploy and another way the grading companies are interfering with the autograph market to line their pockets. If the grading companies have any value it should only be to determine authenticity. And their ability to do that is questionable also!!!

[packs]

I don't believe in autograph grading but I do happen to own a 10 for what that's worth:

[Klrdds]

Originally Posted by packs

I don't believe in autograph grading but I do happen to own a 10 for what that's worth:

Do not want to be a smart ass but why is that a 10?
Does anyone know why?
Other than PSA saying it is .

[David Atkatz]

Isn't that enough?

[packs]

Haha I have no idea to be honest with you. To me it looks like any other sharpie signature without an obvious flaw, like a smear or fading. That was the point I was trying to make. I bought it because it was strong and looked good. The "10" could say anything and I'd have paid the same price.

[Klrdds]

Originally Posted by David Atkatz

Isn't that enough?

I forgot PSA is the great and infallible judger of all...they may start issuing LOAs on humans and grading us also . Who knows maybe they will slab us also!

[mschwade]

Thanks guys and I agree on the content piece! Thanks!

[Stampsfan]

Originally Posted by Klrdds

Do not want to be a smart ass but why is that a 10?
Does anyone know why?
Other than PSA saying it is .

Because it looks nothing like the printed signature on the card itself...

[Mr. Zipper]

Originally Posted by David Atkatz

Fade to a 9? How much fading is that? At what point did that 10 become a 9? Grading is completely subjective--and thus is bullshit.

Agree. I've seen supposed "10s" that were dark and bold, but terribly sloppy examples. Is that more desirable than a textbook perfect exemplar that has a tiny amount of fading and graded an 8?

Just a marketing ploy for registry mind slaves in my opinion.

[mschwade]

$6500 before BP.... SMH.