grading autographed cards

[Archive]

Posted By: Tom Boblitt

of a huge collection I bought last fall. While not an expert, I've seen a LOT of autographs of HOFers and have had some nice bats and balls over the years. I felt the Ott was a good signature albeit in pencil on the front of the card. Was clean and had the characteristics of an Ott signature. My friend collects autographed cards and has 30-40 Goudeys and wanted the card. Sold it to him for a decent price and he attempted to get it graded by GAI who would not grade the card. I assume due to authenticity concerns. He then gave it to PSA/DNA and it was graded and encapsulated as authentic. Looks GREAT.

I think from what I've seen in print or heard that the cards for PSA/DNA are sent to Spence in PA, authenticated and then sent back to CA for encapsulation. That's a slow process but it makes sense because if the signature can't be authenticated, it's basically no better than someone altering a card with color or pen/pencil, so it really shouldn't be encapsulated either.

From what I've seen PSA/DNA does a good job. I didn't relate the GAI info to downgrade them, just to give the story. I think GAI does a nice job in grading cards. I think they may be trying to expand a little rapidly and move QUICKLY into other areas.....waxpacks.....cigarette packs.....waxboxes.....T3's......rackpacks.....aut ographs that might cause some 'growing pains' that PSA experiences on the vintage cards ends with bad things being encapsulated or other things rejected.

JMO..........