Autographed Cards

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Posted By: William Brumbach

I think that it varies and depends on a case by case basis. In the last two or three years I have started collecting autographed cards. I am over the half-way mark on a signed 1953 Topps set and also like to pick up '50, '53' and '55 Bowman as well as the occasional '52 Topps.

Most signed cards are of lower grade, rarely do you see something like a PSA 8 signed Warren Spahn or the like. Most signed vintage cards that are slabbed top out at about a 5 or so depending upon the set. Most often the value of a signed card is based upon the death of the player relative to the issue of the card than anything else. For instance, my 1953 Topps set needs a Howie Fox autograph. Not even worthy of mention to the even most ardent Phillies or Reds fan, Howie Fox has become a minor obsession for me. He owned his own bar in Texas and in 1955 he was stabbed to death in an altercation at his place. So there is a two year window that he had to sign a 1953 Topps card and as such an authentic signed copy will probably push the $500 mark when it comes up for sale. For me it is fascinating, for others it's sheer folly, like so many aspects of this hobby.

So, a high grade 1952 Topps Mantle signed might bring less in sale than an unsigned copy. There is a signed '52 Mantle in the current Masto auction in addition to the REA that has just began. I don't know how much an unsigned copy would sell for versus the signed ones currently available but they are worth keeping an eye on if anyone is interested in price discrepancies.

PSA and I think GAI do assign grades to signed cards in addition to the authentication level, it is at the behest of the submitter whether or not to authenticate with or without a grade. My impression with the sets in the Edwards auction is that a select group were authenticated specifically for the sake of the auction.

It all comes down to style and preference. I am going to make a run at the '53 Robinson and Paige cards, and am happy that they were separated out from the rest of the set. And in my opinion the signed Mayo Plug Duffy is down right gorgeous, but others might scoff at the whole idea.

To each their own I guess.

Not sure if I answered your question though...