getting a card autographed

yanyak5 · July 3, 2010 11:54PM

My dad and I are going to the National Sportscard convention in baltimore and Jim Brown will be there. My dad Is lucky enough to have his rookie card. Would it be wise to get his autograph on the rookie card or will this deplete the value of the card? He has a few other jim brown cards, so sentiment would not be an issue here. Would it deface the card and diminsh the value of the rookie?

thanks
Thad

DonnieD · July 4, 2010 12:47AM

I think there are two schools of thought about that. People who are strictly card collectors will possibly value the unsigned card more, but many other collectors would value the signed card more. I personally would fall into the second camp in that I would definitely prefer the signed card. Within the past couple of years, autographed rookie cards have been increasing in popularity like never before, so I think the "old school" mentality of an autograph diminishing a card's value is held by the extreme minority.

jay0791 · July 4, 2010 1:31AM

To better answer the question. Any mark including an auto...significantly lowers the value of the card itself.
Any mark itself lowers the card 2 grades alone...as it gets a MK negative qualifier.

The other end of the coin.
Many people collect autographed cards. Many specialize in just rookie cards.
They have value. However, if the card to be signed is of exceptional high quality...it is worth far more than
any possible autograph addition. So do not do it!!!!!!!!!

Most that get card signed get an ex grade or below for the card itself. Note: not a beater!!!!!!!

If you do get a card signed have a new writting instrument - not one possible worn out.
Since Jim Browns RC is black (most autos are in black except baseballs) you might look at other J Brown cards that are signed to see
what you like and looks the best.
Sharpie makes a special silver sharpie many use for footballs or darker backgrounds.

Value of the signed card is determined by how nice the signature is. If valve matters....do not have anything extra added like ....to john, best wishes, ect.
On baseballs or footballs extras like 7 no-hitters, HOF 1971, #5, and similar credentials the player had all add to the value.
However on a card I think it might clutter the signatuire up...so I wouldn't do it

Hope this helps and good luck

otwcards · July 4, 2010 2:23AM

<< <i>To better answer the question. Any mark including an auto...significantly lowers the value of the card itself.
Any mark itself lowers the card 2 grades alone...as it gets a MK negative qualifier. >>

Actually, given that PSA, via PSA/DNA will grade the card and certify the autograph, the autographed card will be graded with NO consequence to the MK aspect of the autograph. I have several high grade autograph cards where the card is graded PSA 9 and 10 EVEN with the autograph on the card. No penalties are assigned for the signature.

Depending upon the buyer, an autographed card, especially a rookie, may have significantly increased value over a similar condition unsigned card in excess of the anticipated expense incurred in obtaining the autograph.

eagles33 · July 4, 2010 7:09AM

Years ago I would have said no to the auto on the card, but now since you can it slabbed and have the auto authenticated and the card graded I think its safe to get the auto on the card

yanyak5 · July 4, 2010 11:03PM

Hey guys thanks for the insight. A lot to think about here...

WinPitcher · July 5, 2010 12:25AM

I'm still against the idea of having a card that is worth more than the auto autographed.

I'd prefer a lower valued card.

But a few guys here make an interesting point regarding the autographing of a valuable card.

Hopefully PSA/DNA agrees that it is legit.

Steve

gregm13 · July 5, 2010 12:55AM

For vintage cards that I get signed, I prefer cards in the EXish range (approx PSA 4 to PSA 6) because such cards typically are relatively cheap, have good eye appeal but aren't of a high enough grade where the autograph would detract from the overall value. For many of the vintage cards, the value of a PSA 7+ is multiples of a PSA 4 to 6....so I would prefer to buy the cheaper mid grade card and save the higher grade cards for unsigned card collections. JMHO.

Rgs,

Greg M.

jay0791 · July 5, 2010 2:38AM

Since Greg is a veteran auto collector...his advice (and I agree) shoild be well taken.

To avoid any confusion...Scott is also right.
There are 2 psa subs: PSA card and PSA/DNA
If it has an auto you will be subbing psa/dna and yes they will grade the auto and card.
Regular PSA card grades will be affected by any mark.

thenavarro · July 5, 2010 2:48AM

Here's my Jim Brown rookie that is autographed so you can see what they look like signed. Despite the dark background of the card, as you can see there is a light area that Brown can sign in which makes it have nice contrast.

As to whether or not to get it autographed, there are many varied opinions on that and some good arguments on each side, but it basically boils down to do whatever makes you and your dad the happiest. If I have time later, I might chime in with my argument as to why I believe in general that signed rookies will be woth a LOT more in the future then the same card unsigned, but you've got to realize that I'm a bit biased in my opinion as well as I only collect them signed.

Mike

schr1st · July 5, 2010 6:40AM

My opinion: if you think it is in really great shape (IE: an 8 or a 9), then don't get it signed and just get it graded by PSA. If it's any lower, then I'd say get it signed. Then again, I collect autographed cards, so I'm biased.

WinPitcher · July 5, 2010 10:00AM

Good point Sean, it could be the rookie as long as the card is low grade.

Steve

getting a card autographed

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