Thoughts on IP signed FW cards

[sparty07]

Take for instance Nick Schmaltz who did not sign his Future Watch cards. Does getting an IP signature on the card help or hurt the value?

[pwskelly]

I think it hurts the value for the most part, unless its something you plan on getting authenticated. With so many certified autos out there now, collectors would rather just purchase the genuine article rather than getting an IP that someone claims is legit.

That said, there is an exception to this rule. I do think it helps the value of players who rarely sign or for whom there are limited auto cards. When I think of players like Jacques Plante and Ken Dryden, it's extremely rare to see any certified autos of them floating around so there is a huge market for IP autos of those guys.

[Drewk86a]

I think it seriously hurts the value. Look around ebay and you will see IP signed cards selling for pennies on the dollar compared to the original unsigned versions. Many collectors see IP signatures as an alteration which has permanently "defaced" the card.

I personally like IP autos, but I would not offer up a high-end card or a RC for an IP auto.

[Leafsman]

I think it hurts the value.

I made a trade once and the other person included extra cards. They were cards supposedly signed by Patrick Sharp and Patrick Kane. I have no way of knowing if the signatures were actually from these players.

I occasionally get inquiries about these cards. I tell people that they are available but I caution them that I cannot verify that the signatures are authentic. They thank me for my honesty and move on.

Unless it can be authenticated, in-person autographs are really only valid to the person who got it.

[pwskelly]

Unless it can be authenticated, in-person autographs are really only valid to the person who got it.

This sums up IP autos quite nicely. Get it if you want it, but don't be fooled into thinking you will increase the value of your cards.

[creasecollector]

It would hurt the value unless authenticated, but even then the market may be smaller because some may prefer a certified alternative.

However, if you're looking to add to a PC, then picking up different IP Auto'd cards can be really fun too.

[dafoefan34]

If I were to have a card like a Nick Schmaltz Future Watch signed in person, I'd make sure to have 3-4 spare unsigned copies so I wouldn't regret my decision if he ever blew up.

[pwaldo]

Hockey collectors are weird (actually all the 4 major sport collectors are different to a bit of a degree) in that they still see IP autograph cards as seriously hurting the card's value. While that was the case with all the sports years ago they now have changed their tune. In baseball for instance IP autograph cards can go for a lot of money even when no authentication is present. I've seen stuff from rookies this season on eBay go for $100+ IP autograph card that was just a little squiggle autograph where the card would normally only go for a couple of bucks. It just really hasn't taken off in hockey yet though.

[Leafsman]

Hockey collectors are weird (actually all the 4 major sport collectors are different to a bit of a degree) in that they still see IP autograph cards as seriously hurting the card's value. While that was the case with all the sports years ago they now have changed their tune. In baseball for instance IP autograph cards can go for a lot of money even when no authentication is present. I've seen stuff from rookies this season on eBay go for $100+ IP autograph card that was just a little squiggle autograph where the card would normally only go for a couple of bucks. It just really hasn't taken off in hockey yet though.

I don't care much for ebay so that has no bearing on me. If an autograph is not authenticated, I don't want it.

[30ranfordfan]

IP Autos are a funny thing.... I will try and keep my comments as general as possible.

Do they hurt or help the value? I think it depends on what the card is.

In the case of a Nick Schmaltz Future Watch - we're talking about a card that is limited to 999 copies, and can be had for $1-$5 online (plus s/h). This is not a big money card. If you were to get it signed - nobody that's building that set will want it. IMO, nobody that collects Blackhawk rookie cards, or Future Watch Rookie cards, or any kind of collection where that Nick Schmaltz card might fit is going to want it.

Collect Blackhawks autographs? If Schmaltz didn't have singed cards from other sets I think the autograph would help its appeal to some.

The mass quantities in which player autographs are available from Upper Deck (or other companies) makes In Person autograph a tough sell. As others have mentioned - they are not authenticated.... so when I can buy something with his signature, that has Upper Deck's COA of it... and it (often) costs less than $10 - Your IP auto doesn't hold much value.... and decreases the collectibility of it, for someone that was looking for that particular card.

It might increase the value in some circles - but I think for cards in general, there is more of a market for the unaltered version.

I've got a couple of FW cards that have been signed TTM by the players. Mark Fayne & Brandon Davidson (off the top of my head. Maybe I have another??). These guys have never signed for a card company, and I want a signature for my collection..... so that's the only way to do it. I pad a buck or two to get the cards in the first place, and then the cost of a couple of stamps to get them signed. While I'm not looking to move them - I'd be surprised if I could get more than $5 (or so) for either... since they're not big names.

Big name players (like Dryden) that don't sign for card companies? Sure, they're worth decent cash.