Grading Vintage Autographs - How Do High Grades Affect Values?

canjond

While I have a few encapsulated signatures which are graded, how do high grades affect the value of a signature? Case in point, I recently acquired the Jackie Robinson signed GPC below. The postcard has, without question, one of the nicest Robinson signatures I've ever seen. The GPC, itself, is postmarked 1957 and addressed to a Brooklyn address. I don't think it's unrealistic to think this signature could grade a 10. I think you'd be hard pressed to find a better GPC out there. So, my question is, would grading the signature affect its value (ie, make it worth more (and hence, justify grading it) if the signature does grade out a 10?

thenavarro

Beautiful card. Not sure about your grading question, but had to comment on the piece, very nice.

Mike

jmmiller777

Very nice, are you wanting an authentication certification or a number grade cert? I would certainly have it encapsulated if possible, it is a beauty.

canjond

Thanks for the compliments guys.

As for the question regarding authentication or grade cert, I was actually referring to the grading, i.e., when the signature is authenticated and then also assigned a number grade. In terms of authentication, I'm not worried about the signature being genuine - it unquestionably is. But I do understand the point that having Richard Simon, PSA, JSA or the like authenticate the autograph could make it an easier sell for those that want/demand 3rd party authentication.

CrazyMind2017

Autograph grades on any item other than a baseball will not affect value all that much, although it can help a little.

Working off the assumption that this item will easily pass authentication 100 times out of 100, any collector can see the quality of the signature with or without a number grade assigned by PSA/DNA. Once it's authenticated, it's guaranteed to get a grade of either 9 or 10, which will only relate to the signature itself. The number has absolutely nothing to do with the condition of the rest of the item.

I would definitely encapsulate with a blue flip rather than have an ordinary authentication that requires DNA swabbing. This particular signature is so clean, crisp, and dark that requesting a number grade can only enhance the value, but it won't enhance it by much compared to merely having it authenticated and encapsulated.

HoneyBadger

Crazy Mind is right even though it doesn't make sense. A more legible, richer signature should be worth much more but most of the time it's not.

YogiBerraFan

That auto would most likely grade a 9 (small shot at a 10) and yes the grade will increase the value.

MooseDog

I agree that the autograph grade would increase value. That has a shot at a 10. Now that there is a HOF autograph registry I think that you'll soon see a spike in high grade autographs.

Mefer

I am not entirely sure the verdict is completely yet in on autograph grading. However, since grading is so prevalent in all facets of the sports collectible hobby, I believe it will catch on. To that end, I am working on a set of autographs from all members of the 1930 Athletics. My set is up on the registry and I am getting all of my autographs graded for that set. The minimal additional cost is worth it in my view for what I am working on.

In the end, I think you should treat it like grading cards. Will you grade a 2009 Topps common card? No. Will you grade a 1933 Goudey common card? Quite possibly. Will you grade a 1933 Goudey Babe Ruth? Yes, definitely. With that logic in mind, and if I was the owner of a Jackie Robinson autograph, I would have it graded.

Matt

Mefer

Oh, if I were to guess on the grade, I would say it would receive a 9. There looks to be some slight pen smuding in the loop of the "J." That does not detract from it being a "mint" autograph but it might be just enough of a tick to keep it from a 10. In any event, it is a blazing signature. No doubt about it.

CrazyMind2017

<< <i>Crazy Mind is right even though it doesn't make sense. A more legible, richer signature should be worth much more but most of the time it's not. >>



I wasn't suggesting that a duller signature should be or actually is worth as much as a dark, rich signature, only that a number grade is not necessary for even the most novice collector to tell the difference.

This signature is a very solid 9 with a real shot at getting a 10. If OP were to have it encapsulated as authentic without a number grade and a collector who only is interested in signatures with a number grade wanted to buy it, this potential buyer would have to know that he could always very easily send the already authenticated slab to PSA to get a number grade added to the flip. That is why the increase in value for having a number grade on this particular autograph will be nominal. However, getting it authenticated and encapsulated with a blue flip is very important and will unquestionably add to the monetary value.

There is no reason not to ask for a number grade in this case, since it's so obvious that the grade will be high, assuming it passes authentication.

canjond

Thanks everyone. This is actually really helpful information. I appreciate your opinions.

VegasBaby

<< <i>That auto would most likely grade a 9 (small shot at a 10) and yes the grade will increase the value. >>



I would have to agree with this poster, if you slab that auto with a Mint 9 grade, it would definitely increase the value over having it slabbed with no grade. If it comes back a 10, then you've got a home run on your hands as I've never seen Gem Mint 10 Robinson auto. I've seen 9s go for between $1000-$1300, so I think a 10 would be around $2000 or maybe more due to the rarity.

PowderedH2O

Yep. There are HOF autograph collectors on the PSA/DNA registry that would be happy to pay you a premium for a 9 or 10 that would display well in their collections and bump up their scores.