Should I get this Babe Ruth autograph graded?

[Fuddjcal]

Originally Posted by JoeyF1981

I agree. The number grade is subjective but looking at it id say either a 9 or 10

I'd give it a six....on a good day

[keithsky]

That grading is a joke. Just like when PSA grades a baseball a 9 or 10 and baseballs always tone over the years and now the money you pay to have a 9 or 10 ball tones to a 4 or 5 you can't sell it for that now your screwed by paying back then for a 9 or 10 and now take a hit on it and lose money cause it's toned and not worth nothing. PSA makes there money and you lose. I have looked at baseballs that are sealed in PSA cube that have showed a 10 and it is toned so bad it would be a 3 if they submitted it, now what do you do. You have a ball that is nowhere worth it was as a 10

[Big Dave]

Sure, go ahead and send it back in for a grade. If it makes you feel better about the autograph, that is all that matters. It's just money, and that is what they are there for, to seperate you from your money.

[Augy44]

Thanks for all the suggestions. Looks like it's pretty much a unanimous decision here as far as what should be done. The reason why I was asking was because as of right now I do not plan to sell the signature, but researching some of the past Ruth autographs that have sold at auction, the higher the grade usually reflects a higher premium realized. I understand that the grade is subjective and to each person it may be valued differently, but was just curious what all of you thought on this one just incase I decided to sell. I refuse to pay the $300 authentication fee that PSA charges for Ruth, which was the reason why I purchased this one already authenticated and I don't think it was much more to have it graded. That is also what the original seller suggested as well, as he wished he would have had it graded himself at the time of authentication.

[mschwade]

Originally Posted by Augy44

Thanks for all the suggestions. Looks like it's pretty much a unanimous decision here as far as what should be done. The reason why I was asking was because as of right now I do not plan to sell the signature, but researching some of the past Ruth autographs that have sold at auction, the higher the grade usually reflects a higher premium realized. I understand that the grade is subjective and to each person it may be valued differently, but was just curious what all of you thought on this one just incase I decided to sell. I refuse to pay the $300 authentication fee that PSA charges for Ruth, which was the reason why I purchased this one already authenticated and I don't think it was much more to have it graded. That is also what the original seller suggested as well, as he wished he would have had it graded himself at the time of authentication.

It's a beauty, Congrats!!

[Augy44]

Originally Posted by mschwade

It's a beauty, Congrats!!

Thanks man, I am very happy with it!

[Mr. Zipper]

I can understand coin and comic book grading because valuation in these hobbies is truly grade driven, plus there is a huge risk of undisclosed restoration.

However, with autographs, it is authentic or it is not, and "grade" should be obvious. If it is faded or smeared it is less desirable than a bold signature. Pretty simple. My sense is only the most slavish really give a whit if a grading company says it is a 7 versus an 8, etc.

I suspect the end game of the grading component is to eventually build online competitive "registries" like they have with graded comics and coins. Users can build sets and get assigned points based of the grade of their items. The users with the highest scores get bragging rights.

I can see it now:

My 27 Yankees set are all 8 or better and I get a "badge" for set of the year!



The registry building is just another way to create an online community of loyal brand ambassadors who all play in the company-provided playground. I don't care for it, but it is pretty savvy marketing.

Maybe it won't take off with autographs, but it certainly has with coins and comics.

[RichardSimon]

Originally Posted by Mr. Zipper

I suspect the end game of the grading component is to eventually build online competitive "registries" like they have with graded comics and coins. Users can build sets and get assigned points based of the grade of their items. The users with the highest scores get bragging rights.

And the registry set guys with the biggest ---- get bragging rights too. What a comical farce this is. Sorry, if I offend any 54 members but to most of those who do not participate in this marketing ploy of PSA, well we just usually laugh and feel the same way that Zipper does.
I collect for the (diminished) joy of owning something that might be interesting or historical. Not to have my name on a website that says mine is the best and all the rest of you cannot measure up to me. Most of us quit that type of thing years ago.
I truly hope this registry crap does not get started with autographs.

[bgar3]

As sad as i was to see that there was even a question about "grading" the nice autograph, i have been heartened and delighted to read the responses.