Thoughts on non licensed autograph cards? IP, TTM, signings etc

Celtics18 · 05-20-2021, 11:05 AM

Hi all, wanted to bring up the topic of signed vintage cards. I have discussed the topic with many recently and opinions seem to differ quite a bit. I personally am a fan of them when they have no licensed autos from their playing days. Something about the player holding their card and signing it seems similar to an on card auto of a modern player. Many argued its defacing the card and should hurt values.

What do you think? Do these carry a premium? Or, a discount?

JrFinest · 05-20-2021, 07:55 PM

I think that the DNA market has improved and keeps growing. I personally like HOF DNA signed rookies. I have a few nice examples (Frank Robinson, Rickey Henderson ,etc)

I'm really picky on what I buy however and compare to known signature examples. Sure it's a risk on being authentic..... but basically every card is a risk these days with trimmers running amok.

Pricing keeps going higher. I think its one spot in the hobby with room for growth.

ToppsFB · 05-20-2021, 08:10 PM

I would never buy one.

However I am very into the certified auto cards Topps put in their packs. I feel other than in person, those are the most legit if you are a buyer.

peanuts · 05-22-2021, 07:01 PM

Ultimately, do your research. I'm quite a fan of them, but I pick and choose – sometimes you have to trust your own gut, even there's a JSA/DNA next to it! Short of a Queen Victoria auto, there will almost always be another opportunity to get whomever you're trying to add to the collection. Patience and research is key here, as well as trying to build a bit of buffer into your purchase price, in case you get a forgery (this is especially true if buying raw IP autos).

I think that as people become more comfortable with authentication of old signatures, the market for these could really pick up. It adds another element to collecting and the hunt is superbly fun! It also adds even further exclusivity to already rare cards, which is a boost to value.

Chicosbailbonds · 05-23-2021, 03:09 PM

I would rather have one on them over a sticker auto. I'm pretty close to a signed 84 donruss set, and the chase is harder for some no names over the stars.

sportzking · 05-23-2021, 08:41 PM

I think for a personal collection it's fine. May be hard to resell but I do see some collectors buying them without a problem. Personally I wouldn't buy them, who's to know if they are real even with a DNA cert.

05-20-2021, 11:05 AM	#1
Celtics18 Member Join Date: Dec 2020 Location: Boston, MA Posts: 521	Thoughts on non licensed autograph cards? IP, TTM, signings etc Hi all, wanted to bring up the topic of signed vintage cards. I have discussed the topic with many recently and opinions seem to differ quite a bit. I personally am a fan of them when they have no licensed autos from their playing days. Something about the player holding their card and signing it seems similar to an on card auto of a modern player. Many argued its defacing the card and should hurt values. What do you think? Do these carry a premium? Or, a discount? __________________ Always Buying Vintage Rookies and High End Kawhi Leonard (Gold, 1/1s, Rookies, Autos)! Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, George Mikan, Pete Maravich, Julius Erving, Lew Alcindor (Kareem), Bird/Magic, Jordan, Jerry West, Bob Cousy IG: SashaPCards

05-22-2021, 07:01 PM	#4
peanuts Member Join Date: Dec 2020 Location: New Hampshire Posts: 463 peanuts252 peanuts252	Ultimately, do your research. I'm quite a fan of them, but I pick and choose – sometimes you have to trust your own gut, even there's a JSA/DNA next to it! Short of a Queen Victoria auto, there will almost always be another opportunity to get whomever you're trying to add to the collection. Patience and research is key here, as well as trying to build a bit of buffer into your purchase price, in case you get a forgery (this is especially true if buying raw IP autos). I think that as people become more comfortable with authentication of old signatures, the market for these could really pick up. It adds another element to collecting and the hunt is superbly fun! It also adds even further exclusivity to already rare cards, which is a boost to value. __________________ PCs: Signed 1956 Topps, T206 Off-backs, 2016 Cubs, vintage F1 (pre-1986). IG: @wheelsAndDiamonds Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/144327523@N07/albums/72177720304892671

05-20-2021, 07:55 PM	#2
JrFinest Member Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: Ohio Posts: 3,117 jrfinest_cards	I think that the DNA market has improved and keeps growing. I personally like HOF DNA signed rookies. I have a few nice examples (Frank Robinson, Rickey Henderson ,etc) I'm really picky on what I buy however and compare to known signature examples. Sure it's a risk on being authentic..... but basically every card is a risk these days with trimmers running amok. Pricing keeps going higher. I think its one spot in the hobby with room for growth.

05-20-2021, 08:10 PM	#3
ToppsFB Member Join Date: Oct 2019 Location: Castle Rock, CO Posts: 244	I would never buy one. However I am very into the certified auto cards Topps put in their packs. I feel other than in person, those are the most legit if you are a buyer.

05-23-2021, 03:09 PM	#5
Chicosbailbonds Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Posts: 1,754	I would rather have one on them over a sticker auto. I'm pretty close to a signed 84 donruss set, and the chase is harder for some no names over the stars.

05-23-2021, 08:41 PM	#6
sportzking Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Earth :) Posts: 1,220	I think for a personal collection it's fine. May be hard to resell but I do see some collectors buying them without a problem. Personally I wouldn't buy them, who's to know if they are real even with a DNA cert.