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Authenticity is Everything
PSA Autograph Grading - Legit or Gimmick? Adds value or insignificant?
I have a Marlon Brando Autograph that graded a Gem Mint 10 - This is what PSA states regarding their Autograph Grading Service:
The Overall Approach
As a general reminder, the basis of autograph grading really comes down to the degree of strength and weakness within the signature, with an emphasis on eye-appeal and presentation.
GEM-MT 10: Gem Mint. A PSA Gem Mint 10 autograph is a virtually perfect autograph. Attributes include bold writing with the absence of skipping or retracing by the original signer or otherwise. In addition, the autograph must be strong and clear for that particular signer. For example, if a genuine Mickey Mantle autograph is bold but seems rushed or slightly uncharacteristic in formation (though genuine) it may not receive a Gem Mint 10 grade. A PSA Gem Mint 10 autograph must not only be aesthetically beautiful in terms of placement but it must also be representative of the common/traditional autograph patterns of that person.
Tags: Brando, Marlon, PSA, authentication, autograph, grading
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Bruce Juice on
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This messy, rushed, poor contrast Dylan signature graded a "PSA 10" with their cert. so the whole thing is a joke or someone got paid off.
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Permalink Reply by Dane on
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I'm surprised that a signature with two gaps (on the "Dylan") would grade a 10. The rush/contrast issues are more about appearance than technical grade, I think.
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Permalink Reply by Null on
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I do think the signature visibility/location on the item should factor into the "grade"... I would not even want this Dylan autograph, as it is barely visible. Clearly the grade is based on boldness of the signature alone, regardless of actual visibility.
These are all simply opinions of whoever had it in front of them. In cards, it's common practice for someone to get a graded card back, disagree with the grade, crack it open, resubmit, and end up with a different grade...
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Permalink Reply by Pete Bendu on
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I consider Steve Grad a friend. We both collect Star Wars autographs, and both go after the true rarities in the field. We have had our ins and outs thru the years but we do have a mutual respect for one another....at least I think we do.
This piece is available at the shop I work in, authenticated by JSA as they are local, and the owners prefer to have high end items come with the proper paperwork.
Steve has mentioned that it should go out to PSA DNA for grading as he believes it would indeed get a 10.
Will an extra $400 expenditure sell this piece? I didn't think it would, and it remains unsold.
What do you grading guys think?
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Permalink Reply by Mike Shepherd on
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It depends on who is purchasing it. An experienced autograph collector would simply purchase it at face value, particularly if they were purchasing it for their own private collection.
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Permalink Reply by Steve Zarelli on
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Almost unbelievable how Ruth carefully spaced his name on either side of his right leg.
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Permalink Reply by David S on
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Just need to find a Leo or John Walsh or price it accordingly...what is the asking price? is it an 8x10 or smaller?
no doubt that piece will sell for a hefty sum, it's a very bold Ruth autograph...i think the personalization will knock it down some (unless Leo & John are famous or sports related that i don't know about), but there should still be plenty of interest in it.
Imagine spending $10,000+ on that and the first thing people say when they see it isn't "Wow, that's an amazing Babe Ruth autograph"...it's "Who are Leo and John Walsh?" LOL.
Maybe call John Walsh from America's Most Wanted, perhaps he'll pay top $ for it!!
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In my opinion, a dedication with plenty of writing adds value with a signer like Ruth. The more writing, the more confidence I'd have in the item.
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Agreed, there are very few autographs I would buy with an inscription that was NOT "To Ryan", but Ruth is definitely on that list where it would not bother me at all. Same with Gehrig, Jackie Robinson, etc...
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I couldn't agree more.
I am always amazed how the "no personalization" mentality has pervaded the hobby. I can understand it for common signers who do mass commercial signings, but for vintage?
Would anyone ever think to turn down an Abraham Lincoln or Teddy Roosevelt because there was a dedication? The higher the risk and the more valuable, the more writing I want. Ruth, Cobb, Gehrig, Bogart, Elvis, Lennon, Robinson, Kennedy, Grant, Reagan... give me MORE writing!!
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It's a personal choice, no doubt. Some people like balls, some like photos, some like checks...Some people like HOF inscriptions, some like Rookie year sigs...some like game used balls, some like them shiny white...
For me (again, my personal opinion), I would only want it personalized if it was something UNIQUE. With someone like Ruth, there are many autographs out there, I would prefer to own one that is not personalized (and in fact, I do). If it were Rube Foster or Pud Galvin, that's another story. Or if it was a more common autograph (like Mickey Mantle), but on a unique medium, i would be interested if personalized.
Totally agree that more writing helps determine authenticity (and most forgers don't personalize items), but again my opinion about 'personalizations' is solely for my personal collection.
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