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What Are Sports Card Autograph Grades?
What Are Sports Card Autograph Grades?
When you submit a signed sports card to PSA, Beckett, SGC, or CGC, you may have the option to receive both a card grade and an autograph grade.
Many collectors don't realize these are two completely different grades.
The card grade evaluates the physical condition of the card itself, while the autograph grade evaluates the quality of the signature written on the card.
Here's how sports card autograph grades work.
What Is an Autograph Grade?
An autograph grade measures the quality and appearance of the signature—not the condition of the card.
When grading an autograph, companies evaluate how well the signature was applied to the card.
A beautiful, bold signature generally receives a higher grade than one with imperfections.
What Do Grading Companies Look For?
When grading an autograph, PSA, Beckett, SGC, and CGC are looking for a clean, attractive signature.
Some of the factors they consider include:
- A bold, dark signature
- No skips in the ink
- No smudges
- No streaking
- No blotches or ink pooling
- No fading
- The autograph stays within the designated signing area and does not run off the edge of the card
An autograph that checks all of these boxes will often receive an Autograph Grade of 10.
What Causes a Lower Autograph Grade?
Several issues can reduce an autograph grade, including:
- Faded ink
- Marker skips
- Smudging
- Streaking
- Ink blotches
- The signature touching or running off the edge of the card
- Weak or uneven pen pressure
These issues don't necessarily make the autograph less authentic—they simply affect its appearance.
Card Grade vs. Autograph Grade
One of the biggest points of confusion is the difference between the card grade and the autograph grade.
For example, you might have:
- Card Grade: NM 7
- Autograph Grade: Auto 10
This means the card itself received a Near Mint 7, while the autograph received a perfect 10.
The two grades are completely independent of one another.
How Is the Autograph Grade Displayed?
Each grading company displays autograph grades slightly differently.
For example, PSA typically labels the autograph grade as:
AUTO 10
That designation refers to the signature only, not the condition of the card.
Other grading companies use similar labeling to distinguish between the card grade and the autograph grade.
Does an Autograph Grade Also Authenticate the Signature?
Yes.
When PSA, Beckett, SGC, or CGC assign an autograph grade, they first authenticate the autograph.
A company will not assign an autograph grade without first determining, in its opinion, that the signature is genuine.
Authentication always comes before grading.
Remember: Autograph Authentication Is Still an Opinion
It's important to understand that when you submit a previously signed card for autograph authentication, the grading company is providing its professional opinion.
Experts compare the signature to known authentic examples by evaluating characteristics such as:
- Size
- Slant
- Speed
- Pen pressure
- Overall writing characteristics
While these companies employ experienced authenticators, no opinion-based authentication process is perfect.
That's why collectors should always buy from reputable sellers and do their own research in addition to relying on third-party authentication.
Should You Get the Autograph Graded?
If the autograph is especially bold and attractive, an autograph grade can enhance the presentation of the card.
However, if the signature has noticeable flaws—such as fading, smudging, or skips—you may choose to authenticate the autograph without requesting an autograph grade.
Many collectors simply prefer knowing the autograph is authentic without drawing attention to imperfections in the signature.
Final Thoughts
Sports card autograph grades evaluate the quality of the signature—not the condition of the card itself.
Understanding the difference between card grades and autograph grades can help you better interpret graded slabs and make more informed buying decisions.
Whether you choose to add an autograph grade or not, the most important step is making sure the autograph has been authenticated by a trusted grading company.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a sports card autograph grade?
An autograph grade measures the quality of the signature on a sports card rather than the condition of the card itself.
What is a perfect autograph grade?
A perfect autograph grade is typically an Auto 10, indicating a bold, clean signature with no noticeable flaws.
Does an autograph grade mean the card is a 10?
No. The autograph grade and card grade are separate. A card can receive a lower card grade while the autograph receives a perfect 10.
Does grading an autograph also authenticate it?
Yes. Before assigning an autograph grade, PSA, Beckett, SGC, and CGC first authenticate the signature.
Should I always have my autograph graded?
Not necessarily. If the signature has fading, skips, or smudges, some collectors choose authentication only without requesting an autograph grade.
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