Whiy is an autograph on a card worth 10X

[Santo10Fan]

Originally Posted by mrmopar

Mantle signed a lot of stuff, but how many folks had him sign various vintage cards. Even fewer probably risked the mighty 52 Topps. Makes that card extremely expensive either way, but extremely rare signed.

I have always looked at it this way, if I am going to get a card signed, it's not going to be a reprint or a Pacific/Swell legends card, it is going to be the players best card I could afford.

This is an interesting point bc I remember as a child in the 1980's I was specifically told by my dealer uncle that autographs on rookie cards would count against overall condition. I probably should have sought more detail, but he gave me the impression that Mantle signing a 52 Topps would devalue it the same as if I had scribbled on it.

[Bigdaddy]

Originally Posted by Santo10Fan

This is an interesting point bc I remember as a child in the 1980's I was specifically told by my dealer uncle that autographs on rookie cards would count against overall condition. I probably should have sought more detail, but he gave me the impression that Mantle signing a 52 Topps would devalue it the same as if I had scribbled on it.

Yes, an autograph on a vintage card was nothing more than an 'MK' qualifier now.

I remember back in 1986 I went to see Willie Mays at an outdoor show. Free autographs and there was no one in the line to see him. I had taken a book, SI, and a post-career insert card. Ended up also getting a dollar bill signed because he was just sitting there with no one in line. The thought of having him deface one of my playing years cards didn't even cross my mind. Dammit.

[egri]

Originally Posted by Bigdaddy

I remember back in 1986 I went to see Willie Mays at an outdoor show. Free autographs and there was no one in the line to see him. I had taken a book, SI, and a post-career insert card. Ended up also getting a dollar bill signed because he was just sitting there with no one in line. The thought of having him deface one of my playing years cards didn't even cross my mind. Dammit.

Reminds me of a story I've told here before:

The mom of one of my HS track teammates was a professional photographer, and in the 1980s she was hired to cover a show with Ted Williams and Joe DiMaggio. She spent the whole day at arms length from the two of them, making conversation, and at the end of the day they offered to sign as much stuff for her as she would like, for free. She said no, she didn't collect autographs.