8 Wonders of the Autograph World

[brunswickreeves]

Below are some incredible autographed items (mostly cards). Perhaps the 8 wonders of the autograph world? Which is your favorite? If ‘other’, which is that? Also post your own favorite signed cards or memorabilia.

[BillyCoxDodgers3B]

For something to qualify, shouldn't it at least be authentic? I wouldn't touch that Joe Jackson with a 10 foot pole. There were other problematic autographs in that photo album as well.

[BillyCoxDodgers3B]

I had the opportunity to buy an even nicer example of that Ruth card nearly 20 years ago for $10K. The sad part is that I had the cash in my pocket and didn't do it.

[brunswickreeves]

Originally Posted by BillyCoxDodgers3B

For something to qualify, shouldn't it at least be authentic? I wouldn't touch that Joe Jackson with a 10 foot pole. There were other problematic autographs in that photo album as well.

For arguments sake, let’s assume the Jackson and Gibson items successfully authenticate. Or if there’s a better example, please don’t hesitate to post.

[Rhotchkiss]

Originally Posted by BillyCoxDodgers3B

For something to qualify, shouldn't it at least be authentic? I wouldn't touch that Joe Jackson with a 10 foot pole. There were other problematic autographs in that photo album as well.

+1. A Joe Jackson signed anything would be #1, because he couldn't write!!! I highly doubt the authenticity of that auto.

Nevertheless, I voted Jackson because anything hand written by him is super rare and valuable. Josh Gibson is a very close second.

[brianp-beme]

I'm not an autograph collector, but I do appreciate extraordinary penmanship. This 1933 Goudey of Willie Kamm is tops in my book.

Brian (defaced Kamm not mine)

[refz]

My vote is for the 33 Goudey Lajoie. I remember reading the article in the 1990s when Halper owned it and just going wow…

[Casey2296]

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Joe Jackson would be #1 but of the examples posted I'd go with that Monster Cobb T206.
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[BillyCoxDodgers3B]

Originally Posted by refz

My vote is for the 33 Goudey Lajoie. I remember reading the article in the 1990s when Halper owned it and just going wow…

That is an absolutely wonderful vote! Yes, talk about incredible. My jaw dropped when I first saw it all those years ago.

[BillyCoxDodgers3B]

Originally Posted by Rhotchkiss

+1. A Joe Jackson signed anything would be #1, because he couldn't write!!! I highly doubt the authenticity of that auto.

Nevertheless, I voted Jackson because anything hand written by him is super rare and valuable. Josh Gibson is a very close second.

I know I'm just screaming at clouds again, but it's pathetic that the autographs of two illiterates, Joe Jackson and Geronimo, are so much more beautiful than any current athlete or celebrity. Hockey player Eddie Shack was also illiterate but had a gorgeous autograph.

Fun fact for those not in the know: Geronimo actually printed his autograph much like the Japanese in that he did it vertically! He would start with the G, but tilted 90 degrees to the right of how we would form it and worked his way downward.

[BobbyStrawberry]

They're all great, but assuming it's the real deal, the Gibson is the easy winner for me.

[T206Collector]

I’ll take the Green signed Cobb over the Red, though they came from the same original collection.

[egri]

Surprised there's no love for 1941 Play Ball yet. The last of the great prewar sets, and the year of the streak and .406, my vote would be for a pair of period signed Ted Williams and Joe DiMaggio cards from that set. Maybe even a trio, with Jimmie Foxx added; his last major issue and his last good year.

[Schlesinj]

I just love his signature, but he signed a lot.

I would go with Gibson from that list.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[bleeckerstreetcards]

this is the better submission for josh gibson. dual signed rookie. pop 1 w/ or w/o an auto.

i'd also note there is a signed 1948 Leaf Jackie Robinson with a card grade of PSA 7.5... though I have never seen a photo of it. That in my opinion is the granddaddy of all autographed cards in the hobby, assuming the autograph isn't completely faded on it.

fun poll!

[ThomasL]

Well that Jackson is not real so there's that...

[Brent G.]

Originally Posted by bleeckerstreetcards

this is the better submission for josh gibson. dual signed rookie. pop 1 w/ or w/o an auto.

i'd also note there is a signed 1948 Leaf Jackie Robinson with a card grade of PSA 7.5... though I have never seen a photo of it. That in my opinion is the granddaddy of all autographed cards in the hobby, assuming the autograph isn't completely faded on it.

fun poll!

This is #1.

[Casey2296]

Originally Posted by T206Collector

I’ll take the Green signed Cobb over the Red, though they came from the same original collection.

Nice Paul, thanks for posting.

[Republicaninmass]

Funny people choose "grade" over rarity. I guess it is a wonder how they survived so long in good shape, but any auto, more so in person autos, I've treasured. Tis what makes a a market and kudos to the OP for starting the thread.

1940 PB herbshberger d 8/3/1940. Comes to mind as one thought to be impossible

[CardPadre]

Jesus, who’s the Daddy Warbucks that had the funds for a signed T206 Cobb but then cheaped out for the “Trading Card” slab. Embarrassing.

[Hankphenom]

Originally Posted by CardPadre

Jesus, who’s the Daddy Warbucks that had the funds for a signed T206 Cobb but then cheaped out for the “Trading Card” slab. Embarrassing.

Does this mean they actually charge more for identifying this as a T-206? That's nuts if so!

[CardPadre]

Originally Posted by Hankphenom

Does this mean they actually charge more for identifying this as a T-206? That's nuts if so!

Yeah, you’re only paying $150 for authenticating and encapsulating a Cobb autograph on a “trading card”.

If you authenticate both the card and autograph, then you’re paying based on the declared value which probably means at least a $6500 grading fee.

[Hankphenom]

Originally Posted by CardPadre

Yeah, you’re only paying $150 for authenticating and encapsulating a Cobb autograph on a “trading card”. If you authenticate both the card and autograph, then you’re paying based on the declared value which probably means at least a $6500 grading fee.

As I said, that's nuts! But for that money I'm with the owner, I'm going for "Trading Card."

[CardPadre]

Originally Posted by Hankphenom

As I said, that's nuts! But for that money I'm with the owner, I'm going for "Trading Card."

Lol, come on. For a normal person who could probably get their personal "grail card" with a budget of $6500, I get it.

But if you have a Cobb signed T206, you are not normal, don't cheap out!

[Bill77]

Originally Posted by brianp-beme

I'm not an autograph collector, but I do appreciate extraordinary penmanship. This 1933 Goudey of Willie Kamm is tops in my book.

Brian (defaced Kamm not mine)

That Willie Kamm is one of my all-time favorite autographed cards, wish it was mine. My favorite autographed card in my collection is my 41 Dolph Camilli.

[T206Collector]

Originally Posted by CardPadre

Lol, come on. For a normal person who could probably get their personal "grail card" with a budget of $6500, I get it.

But if you have a Cobb signed T206, you are not normal, don't cheap out!

Prior to being in a PSA holder, the last public sale of this card was in 2002, when it sold as Lot 664a at Hunt Auctions for $3,800 ($4,180 w/ juice). It came with a full LOA from PSA. See pic below.

I would guess Heritage was going to have to pay that bill when they accepted the consignment in the winter of 2019-20 auction, and they opted for the cheap slab. I assume if they thought it would improve the value substantially they would have paid the extra fee.

[CardPadre]

Originally Posted by T206Collector

Prior to being in a PSA holder, the last public sale of this card was in 2002, when it sold as Lot 664a at Hunt Auctions for $3,800 ($4,180 w/ juice). It came with a full LOA from PSA. See pic below.

I would guess Heritage was going to have to pay that bill when they accepted the consignment in the winter of 2019-20 auction, and they opted for the cheap slab. I assume if they thought it would improve the value substantially they would have paid the extra fee.

And imagine how much cheaper it was to do the full authentication back then.

I think it’s a bad call and absolutely embarrassing to be so cheap on such a substantial item. Especially now that it’s known (to me) that it went through a major auction house like HA.

Here is a comparison…of course it’s not quite apples to apples with the Covid boom happening. But interesting enough to look at.

[MVSNYC]

"Also post your own favorite signed cards or memorabilia."


Some great examples above!

Here's 2 signed items from my collection. (The Jeter Bat is Game-Used from his Rookie Season).

[T206Collector]

Originally Posted by CardPadre

I think it’s a bad call and absolutely embarrassing to be so cheap on such a substantial item. Especially now that it’s known (to me) that it went through a major auction house like HA.

I don't disagree with that. I just think the consignor wasn't fronting that bill.

[sbfinley]

Originally Posted by bleeckerstreetcards

this is the better submission for josh gibson. dual signed rookie. pop 1 w/ or w/o an auto.

This is the correct answer. This card is IMO the most important single card in the hobby today.

1. His only “playing days issue.”
2. The only “set” released in the United States featuring American Negro Leaguers in their state side uniforms.
3. It’s the only known copy.
4. It’s double signed with an impossibly difficult signature.
5. It originated from the estate of another Negro League legend.

Kendrick’s Wagner is the most important card to the hobby as we know it, but the Harrison’s Gibson is the most important card on so many levels within the hobby.

[Hankphenom]

Originally Posted by CardPadre

And imagine how much cheaper it was to do the full authentication back then. I think it’s a bad call and absolutely embarrassing to be so cheap on such a substantial item. Especially now that it’s known (to me) that it went through a major auction house like HA. Here is a comparison…of course it’s not quite apples to apples with the Covid boom happening. But interesting enough to look at.

Of course, with that differential, it's a no-brainer. Might not that difference be attributed to the grade disparity, though?

[CardPadre]

Originally Posted by Hankphenom

Of course, with that differential, it's a no-brainer. Might not that difference be attributed to the grade disparity, though?

Yeah, it's not a true equal comparison. There are variables of condition and time frame of sale. Just thought it was interesting they had two signed green Cobbs up for auction in a relatively short time of 18 months.

[Schlesinj]

Originally Posted by T206Collector

I don't disagree with that. I just think the consignor wasn't fronting that bill.

I assume it was getting passed down net to seller either way.

[BillyCoxDodgers3B]

Originally Posted by sbfinley

This is the correct answer. This card is IMO the most important single card in the hobby today.

1. His only “playing days issue.”
2. The only “set” released in the United States featuring American Negro Leaguers in their state side uniforms.
3. It’s the only known copy.
4. It’s double signed with an impossibly difficult signature.
5. It originated from the estate of another Negro League legend.

Kendrick’s Wagner is the most important card to the hobby as we know it, but the Harrison’s Gibson is the most important card on so many levels within the hobby.

I fall on the side of "a PC is not a card" for that tired debate, but still love this piece. Definitely one of my authenticating highlights. I've mentioned it before, but I was even more impressed with the accompanying Jud Wilson because I'm a stickler for rarity. Jud's autograph availability makes Josh's look like Bob Feller's by comparison! A stretch to be certain, but not really a huge one in the proper context.

[T206Collector]

Originally Posted by Schlesinj

I assume it was getting passed down net to seller either way.

Yeah, I assume as well. So the seller said yes to Trading Card because it was cheaper. The seller already had the full PSA letter from the Hunt Auction, and probably figured it was sufficient. Just guessing at this point.

[BioCRN]

1987 Topps Ricky Wright is my vote because it's pure salt, angst, and very odd pride for a 1987 Topps autograph set collector.

It's everything right and wrong with the hobby in a single seller/purchaser transaction.

[T206Collector]

Might as well get all 3 signed Green Cobbs into the same thread. The third presented here is Jeff Morey’s, last auctioned in 2001. Here’s the catalog page.

Note the superior Gehrig, if we’re going to include a 1933 Gehrig in the discussion.

[Powell]

I vote for the Cobb red since I own it! : )

[T206Collector]

Originally Posted by Powell

I vote for the Cobb red since I own it! : )

This is where it came from...



And when they sold back in August 1995, this is what they went for:

Bat Off ($715)
Bat On ($1,485)
Red ($1,980)
Green ($1,017.50)
T205 ($1,650)
T202, including original Hassan pack and Cobb’s envelope ($2,860).

[collectt205]

So, did Honus ever sign a T206? That would have to be the autographed card in collecting. If not anything Joe Jackson, especially if it was a E-90 autographed.

From the original choices given in this thread I would say the Cobb.

[bleeckerstreetcards]

two of my favorite tough signed cards in the collection

[whammons]

Sharing my Joe Jackson autograph.

[T206Collector]

Originally Posted by whammons

Sharing my Joe Jackson autograph.

Totally incredible!!

[Kawika]

Originally Posted by T206Collector

Note the superior Gehrig, if we’re going to include a 1933 1934 Gehrig in the discussion.

By popular demand. Hard to believe it was 24 years ago that this glorious relic landed in my lap. Available one of these days; keep an eye on the obituaries. Have seen at least three other signed '34 Gehrigs come along since then, a couple of them owned by (perhaps erstwhile) Net54ers. One of the cards has a finer, and nicer in my opinion, signature. Some phenomenal cards in this thread!

[brunswickreeves]

Originally Posted by Kawika

By popular demand. Hard to believe it was 24 years ago that this glorious relic landed in my lap. Available one of these days; keep an eye on the obituaries. Have seen at least three other signed '34 Gehrigs come along since then, a couple of them owned by (perhaps erstwhile) Net54ers. One of the cards has a finer, and nicer in my opinion, signature. Some phenomenal cards in this thread!

This 34 Gehrig is absolute fire. I’d definitely trump it over the 33!

[HexsHeroes]

.
.
. . . and not nearly as vintage, nor as wonderous as some of those shown, I still think an authentic signed 1964 Topps Giant Clemente care is still one to put into a top 15 or 20 list.

[Powell]

Here’s a signed rookie Cobb from my collection. Should this be top 10?

[brunswickreeves]

Originally Posted by Powell

Here’s a signed rookie Cobb from my collection. Should this be top 10?

Mic drop! Wow!

[rats60]

Originally Posted by HexsHeroes

.
.
. . . and not nearly as vintage, nor as wonderous as some of those shown, I still think an authentic signed 1964 Topps Giant Clemente care is still one to put into a top 15 or 20 list.

An authentic signed 1955 Topps RC would be even higher if it exists. In my 50+ years of the hobby I have never seen one.

[BillyCoxDodgers3B]

Originally Posted by rats60

An authentic signed 1955 Topps RC would be even higher if it exists. In my 50+ years of the hobby I have never seen one.

They're out there. I've seen a handful over the years.