Need Advice: Open PSA10 for Eric Chavez Sig on rookie?

[SiegeX]

Hello all, I hope this is the right forum to post this. I am in possession of Eric Chavez's 1997 Bowman Chrome International Refractor rookie card with a PSA 10 grade. As far as I know, this is as good as it gets for Eric Chavez. I have the unique opportunity to get some face time with Eric and I'm wondering if its worth cracking the PSA case and have him sign this card?

I was thinking on resubmitting this to JSA/BGS but I'm wondering if the risk/reward was worth it. Does a sig on the best of the best rookie add enough value to cover a potential decrease in score due to BGS's standards being higher?

I also have an ungraded 1998 1of1 Masterpiece of Eric Chavez that I am also deciding if it should be signed. If so, are their certain pen types, pen colors and placements of the signature that tend to get the highest return?

Thank you all for your advice, much appreciated.

[fyretiger]

In my personal opinion, I wouldn't have him sign either card. I'd get an official league baseball (usually about $15) and have him sign it on the sweet spot with a blue or black ball-point pen. In-person autos on cards aren't very valuable and if I'm looking at a rookie card, in my opinion, it lowers its value. The only way an in-person auto can increase a cards value is if it is like a base card and the value is already next to nothing. Please note that this is just my opinion. People can go in circles debating about this.

And if it's a PSA 10, I think you shouldn't ever break that open. BGS might give it a lower grade, but it's still pretty respectable. And what are the chances that you might damage the card in breaking it out? I don't think it's worth it.

Anyway, I hope this helped. Good luck with whatever you decide.

[Truecardoholics]

I wouldn't break the graded card open either. You can get plenty of other Chavez cards cheaply and have him sign one (or several) of them.

[SiegeX]

In-person autos on cards aren't very valuable and if I'm looking at a rookie card, in my opinion, it lowers its value. The only way an in-person auto can increase a cards value is if it is like a base card and the value is already next to nothing.

I'm pretty naieve when it comes to baseball card value, I mostly collect CCG's. In that respect, I too find it a shame when a valuable pristine card is defaced with the signature of the artist. However, I thought in the sports world this might be different because players have a more celebrity status than an artist.

I'm glad to have gotten your guys' opinion, I will keep these cards as is.

Thanks

P.S.

How does one put a value on a 1 of 1? Does beckett even list these?

[fyretiger]

I'm pretty naieve when it comes to baseball card value, I mostly collect CCG's. In that respect, I too find it a shame when a valuable pristine card is defaced with the signature of the artist. However, I thought in the sports world this might be different because players have a more celebrity status than an artist.

I'm glad to have gotten your guys' opinion, I will keep these cards as is.

Thanks

P.S.

How does one put a value on a 1 of 1? Does beckett even list these?

No problem!

Beckett doesn't list these (unless several 1 of 1's were produced of an almost identical card, like in Moments & Milestones). The best way to put a cash value on your card is to check eBay and if you're looking for a book value, you can pretty much double the cash value. Unfortunately, 1 of 1's aren't worth nearly as much as you would expect unless it's an autograph or game used memorabilia card.

Hope that helps too!

[SiegeX]

Unfortunately, 1 of 1's aren't worth nearly as much as you would expect unless it's an autograph or game used memorabilia card.

Well in that regard, you still think I shouldn't have this 1 of 1 signed and then authenticate + graded? Is it only autographs from the manf that really only up the value?

[Truecardoholics]

If you have the 1 of 1 signed in person you will ruin any value it has. On a card like that most collectors only want a cert. auto on the card.

[fyretiger]

Well in that regard, you still think I shouldn't have this 1 of 1 signed and then authenticate + graded? Is it only autographs from the manf that really only up the value?

They aren't worth much, but still more than your typical base card. It would still be better to keep that one clean and unsigned. Looking at eBay, your 1 of 1 might be worth around $10. If you really want him to sign a card, I would go on eBay and look at some designs that you might like and find a few cheap base cards. If you come back here with some in mind, you could probably find someone who has it and is willing to send it to you for an SASE. I could look through my stash if you want and I'd be willing to send all the ones I find to you for free. I only have recent cards though.

Hope that helps!

[SiegeX]

If you have the 1 of 1 signed in person you will ruin any value it has. On a card like that most collectors only want a cert. auto on the card.

Ahh, I see. And anything short of it being certified by the card company is pretty much a loosing scenario, not even a picture of him signing it, etc?

To come clean, Eric is actually my cousin, but I don't get to see him very often. I have never had him sign any of my cards before, in fact, I don't think he even knows I have a collection with probably one of the best specimens of his rookie cards there is. However, this Easter we are having a family get-together so I thought that might be a good opportunity to make his cards a bit more special, but I don't want to devalue them in the process.

fyretiger, that is very kind of you to offer me some cards for free especially considering this being my first post; what a great community you guys have! However, I'll probably end up having him sign one of the many bowman chrome rookies I have.

You guys have been very helpful and kind.

[fyretiger]

Ahh, I see. And anything short of it being certified by the card company is pretty much a loosing scenario, not even a picture of him signing it, etc?

To come clean, Eric is actually my cousin, but I don't get to see him very often. I have never had him sign any of my cards before, in fact, I don't think he even knows I have a collection with probably one of the best specimens of his rookie cards there is. However, this Easter we are having a family get-together so I thought that might be a good opportunity to make his cards a bit more special, but I don't want to devalue them in the process.

fyretiger, that is very kind of you to offer me some cards for free especially considering this being my first post; what a great community you guys have! However, I'll probably end up having him sign one of the many bowman chrome rookies I have.

You guys have been very helpful and kind.

Wow that's pretty cool. I wish I was related to a baseball player =)

If you change your mind, I'd be more than happy to send them to ya. Happy to help!