Babe Ruth Autograph question

Yankeehero74

What's a fair price for a Babe Ruth Signed Cut PSA 9? Would you consider his autograph to be a good "investment" piece?

fkw

Even though its a so called 'PSA-9', its been altered... ie cut from its original form/item

IMO, a cut sig is the lowest of all autographs, and Ruth sig is very very common for his Era.

thenavarro

I don't know about a typical price for a graded cut, but from what I've seen, typical slabbed cuts of Ruth go from $2000 to $3500 depending on many factors. I sold a slabbed pencil cut Ruth for $2300 several months back. (paid $1050 or so unslabbed a couple months before)

FKW is correct that Ruth is a very common autograph, but what was not typed is that it is a very, very, in demand autograph. Just because am item is rare or scarce doesn't mean it will have a demand any greater then it's supply. The flip side of that, is just because something is common, it doesn't mean that it won't be highly coveted or in demand. Ruth autographs are common, however, they are very coveted and the price reflects that FACT.

Since I've been collecting, Ruth autographs have continued to be on a gradual upswing, irregardless of the medium (cut, document, photo, ball, etc.). Don't be discouraged from collecting what you like, because someone else calls "cuts" the lowest of all autographs. Generally, a cut is the lowest priced of similar conditioned items, BUT, there is a huge market for cuts. Not everyone can afford a Ruth signed contract, or a gem mint signed ball. However, with a little work and saving, a ton of people can afford a cut signature of a legend, an icon, an American hero.

All that being said, I personally would not pay a premium for a number grade on a slabbed autograph. Condition of autographs can be judged clearly by the beholder. Just because an autograph is in a 9 slab, doesn't mean that it will always remain in that condition. If not stored or displayed properly, your 9 can become a 5 in a very short time, but would still reside in a 9 holder.

If you can teach yourself to authenticate Ruth (or have friends you trust to do it for you) you can pick up an unslabbed bargain if you are diligent, have it slabbed yourself, and instantly enhance the value or marketability tremendously.

good luck on whatever you decide

mike