Autograph cards- Is condition that important?

Fabfrank

I've been working on the NFL HOF Autograph set for the last 6 months. HOF Auto set
Click the link to check it out.
While working on this set I realized that, especially with the older players, I would have to be less condition conscience and more concerned with just getting the autograph card.
I also am building SP Authentic Football Sign of the Times, Scripts for Success, Mark of a Legend autograph sets as well as the Rc autograph cards that are in the regular set. I basically look for PSA 9 or better for my modern sets, but lately have been receiving too many 8's on the autograph cards. Obviously I'm not happy, but started thinking. The average card out of a pack is a 9, sometimes a 10. With an autograph card (especially a card signed, not sticker graph) has been handled at least one additional time before being put into a pack. With that in mind, I'm thinking of adjusting my base grade for autograph cards to PSA 8 rather than 9.
I would like to hear other opinions on this. I've always felt that "sig on card" graphs should get get an additional premium in high grade (PSA 9 or 10) than a PSA 8. But have we been undervaluing the value of the PSA 8 card? I normally don't put autograph 8's into my modern set, but have started to.
How do other modern card autograph collectors feel about this?

halosfan

FabFrank,

I've been working on a few autographed sets and a few game used sets. It all depends on the issue on what percentage of high grades you will receive back. I've had no issues accepting 8s on a number of sets. Since I cannot bust case after case financially to put the set together myself I rely on the pack busters on eBay to do that for me. And I can't justify buying the same auto card repeatedly to submit to finally get a 9 or a 10.

I'm rather pleased with the auto sets I'm building in the 8 to 10 range. Below that I'll look for an upgrade.

As for the old timers in the HOF sets I'd be willing to go a bit lower for those individuals not having manufacturer issued auto cards.

Not sure I agree with this statement though for these types of cards -- The average card out of a pack is a 9. That has not been my experience.

tkd7

Frank,
You've got a great collection. I like that you have added scans to your registry. I don't think you should be worried at all about condition, unless you want. Many vintage autographed cards that I've seen are just deemed "authentic". Usually, a high grade is a bonus.

I think it just depends on what goals you want to set for yourself.

Fabfrank

Thanks for the responses so far.
Halosfan- I agree with you as far as busting product for autographs. I break a case of SP Authentic football every year and maybe another 1/2 case of loose boxes. After that I buy the singles I need on Ebay.


Not sure I agree with this statement though for these types of cards -- The average card out of a pack is a 9. That has not been my experience.
That's what brought me to rethinking my stance that the modern autograph card should be at least a 9. So many coming out of packs where more 8's than 9's and in some cases 7's. I have to attribute this to the fact that the autograph process entails more handling of the card.

Tkd7- With the competitive nature of the Registry, it's just natural to want to get the highest graded card. Especially with the 75 Fleer Immortal Roll and 77 Touchdown Kings, condition becomes a secondary issue. I was very happy when any of my 75 Fleer's came back a PSA 6 or higher. Ironically PSA has decided that a PSA/DNA card dubbed AUTHENTIC, with no grade, will be considered a PSA 3, for Registry purposes.

gregm13

For my HOF autograph set, my goal is PSA 8+ for certified auto'd cards, PSA 6+ for 1975 Immortal Role and 1977 Touchdown Club and PSA 3+ for anything else. More than anything else, my number 1 concern is that the autograph is legible, bold and not smeared.

Regards,

Greg M.

wufdude

<< <i>More than anything else, my number 1 concern is that the autograph is legible, bold and not smeared. >>



I agree with this statement. Condition of the card matters none to me. In fact, several of the autographed cards in my Baseball HOF Autograph set Baseball HOF Auto Set are PSA 1s but these are cards that I got TTM when I was young and have extra special value to me. I have also started trying to get a variety of cards (years, manufacturers) for my autographed registry sets. Not quite the "type set" that ullr indicated he was trying but I like looking at my set and seeing a lot of different types of cards. I've got quite a few 2004 UD Legends in my football set and I'm slowly trying to pick up older autos to replace them.

FavreFan1971

Hi guys,

For those collecting the HOF Auto's I have a perfect (PSA 9) in my eyes 1972 reprint of Ted Hendricks from the Topps Archives set from 2002. It is certified so you know it is good. If anyone is interested let me know. PM here. I will send a scan if you are interested.