Grading an autograph?

[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.

[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

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.