Grading an autograph?

[mschwade]

I saw a Babe Ruth PSA Gem Mint 10 cut selling in an auction ending this weekend. Babe Ruth signed a lot and is generally in the 2500-3500 range. The Gem Mint 10 signature is currently at $5500 (wowsers) and we haven't even hit the final day yet. Does having it graded a 10 really add *THAT* much value? I bought a PSA Babe Ruth that was already slabbed and graded a 7 six years ago. Would it command more than the average if it's graded a 7? What would the dropoff be from say a 10 to 9? I just think $5500 is a huge number to pay for a Babe Ruth cut when there is plenty of his signatures out there and I'm assuming that the difference in eye appeal is not that great from a 10 to an 8. I've never had my autographs I'm selling graded, but based on this, I'm wondering if it might be worth it now.

Thanks,
Matt

[packs]

I don't know if the "10" factors into the price. Eye appeal is going to be the big decider and if you found a "7" and a "10" that looked similar I think you'd see a similar price.

[mschwade]

Originally Posted by packs

I don't know if the "10" factors into the price. Eye appeal is going to be the big decider and if you found a "7" and a "10" that looked similar I think you'd see a similar price.

I can tell you right now that I'd be shocked if my 7 came near $5K. I love my Ruth, but I'd be unfairly biased if I said it's worth $5k.

[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.