Question about "Authentic, Auto 10" grades

[Peter_Spaeth]

Originally Posted by bk400

Apologies in advance if this is a stupid question.

I have been looking at some PSA-graded, autographed cards. The cards are graded "Authentic, Auto 10". I understand that this means that the autograph is graded as a 10, while the card is Authentic.

Does this definitionally mean that the card has been altered? Or could it be the case that the submitter only asked for "authentication" of the card without a numerical grade? If the latter, why would someone do that instead of just getting a numerical grade?

Thanks.

I see tons of cards like this that don't look altered to me. And far fewer dual graded ones. I think people just don't want to spend the extra money for a number grade if the value of the card is mostly in the autograph.