I’ve been holding on to this hat forever!! Finally got the opportunity to get it signed NBA legend Alex English.. Courtesy of Powers Sports!
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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Overall rating: 4.9 / 5 from 4942 reviews.
Again, PSM did a great job!
Nice autograph by Roger Clemens himself. Thank you Matt Powers and his team for this signing event.
Nice autograph by Cal Ripken Jr. Thank you Matt Powers and his team for this signing event.
Nice autograph. Thank you Matt Powers and his team for this signing event.
Another perfect autograph on my 3000 hit baseball. Always a great experience! Thanks again.
I've had this card since the age of 12. Never had the opportunity until now to get his RC signed. Thanks Matt for making this happen!!
Once again, Matt and his team delivered a smooth, professional experience in obtaining a Dustin Pedroia autograph (with authentication) to a book already containing a number of Red Sox greats’ signatures. I recommend Powers Spirts Memorabilia highly.
Great experience. Card was just as described. Excited to have this added to the collection.
Frank Thomas 1990 Topps Signed Baseball Rookie Card #414B Auto Graded Beckett 10
The COA was placed exactly where I wanted it and it turned out great. Always an easy experience.
An excellent experience with the team. The ball turned out perfectly. Easy to ship the ball in and it returned after signing without an issue.
Great place to do business with. Thank you!
Fernando Tatis Jr 2019 Topps Baseball Rookie Card RC #410 Graded PSA 9 MINT
😍 such a nice autograph! Thank you!
Thank you for another awesome autograph!
Mr. Powers delivered on my request for this Cal Ripken jr. autograph. It was a nice size clean and perfect signature better than I expected. Mr. Powers team is quick to respond with any concerns you may have and keeps you posted on your item. I will absolutely be getting more signatures through them to finish my collection. I highly recommend Powers Sports to anyone that has any doubts. I use to do send ins with Steiner sports until he sold, to me Powers picked up where they left off and I couldnt be happier. Thank you
Great experience as usual! I’ll definitely be getting more autographs in the future!!
As good as it gets
Smooth transaction
The process was smooth and easy as always.
Awesome!
The color match ink auto looks great! Thanks!
A fantastic addition to the set. Bosh's autograph really pops on this one. Thanks!
This might be the only autograph of this card that has his whole auto on it. Great addition to the collection!
The COA wasn't close to where I asked for it to be placed. I'm not sure how this was missed but it was a bummer when I saw that.
This came back amazing! The autograph was very clean! Thanks!
This completes my set of sketch cards. It's been fun doing this.
This was just the COA. Thanks!
It's awesome to get this one back! Another added to the Collection.
Great job by Powers Sports once again! They were able to secure a great signature from Andy Reid on my trading card, using the exact type pen and the exact location that I requested. Accuracy and quality are their top priority!
I submitted 2 cards to get them signed by Patrick Ewing himself. Thanks Matt Powers and his team for this signing event.
Nice addition of Barry Bonds to my PC!
Great card and great place to do business with. Thank you!
Ronald Acuna Jr 2018 Topps Living Baseball Rookie Card RC #19 Graded PSA 10
Loved it all.
Great experience as usual, highly recommend Powers
Great job by Matt and his team as usual
Matt and his team did it again. Highly recommend Powers to anyone looking for high end autographs
Matt and his team always do their best for their clients. Couldn’t be happier
Awesome experience as usual, I love my Jagr autograph!
Awesome experience as usual!
Great experience! I had never gotten any autographs through a signing like this before and I had a number of questions. Someone called me right back & couldn’t have been nicer. The customer service was outstanding every step of the way & I couldn’t be happier with the Reggie Jackson autographed ticket.
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