Grading an autograph?

[packs]

Well you're only focused on the grade though. What I'm saying is that the grade I think comes secondary to serious collectors. If your 7 looks just like the signature graded a 10, regardless of the grade I think the price would be similar. But if your signature doesn't look as nice, it would make sense that it would sell for less, even without the 7 attached to it.

[David Atkatz]

Originally Posted by packs

Well you're only focused on the grade though. What I'm saying is that the grade I think comes secondary to serious collectors. If your 7 looks just like the signature graded a 10, regardless of the grade I think the price would be similar. But if your signature doesn't look as nice, it would make sense that it would sell for less, even without the 7 attached to it.

+1

Just a single data point: I think most would agree I'm a "serious collector." I don't give a damn about PSA or JSA grades, and would never have an item of mine graded. (Or authenticated, for that matter.)

[travrosty]

Some people chase the number and in doing so, they can overpay if they want. yes, a nice dark ruth signature will garner more money, but some people see that number '10' and they get crazy with their pocketbook just because of it.

[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.

[tazdmb]

Oh, and to add what others have stated-I stand by the old line that someone once said here-I don't care if it is authentic, as long as it is real.

[David Atkatz]

Originally Posted by tazdmb

Oh, and to add what others have stated-I stand by the old line that someone once said here-I don't care if it is authentic, as long as it is real.

+1

[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:

[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.