I had a Charizard card signed by the artist at a small convention—no JSA witness, just a quick autograph. It was later stolen. I filed a claim for a “signed Charizard” valued at $1,500, but the adjuster offered only the value of a raw (unsigned) Charizard—about $200—because I didn’t have a Certificate of Authenticity (COA)
Key Takeaways
- The “Graffiti” Rule: Without a third-party COA (PSA/DNA, JSA, Beckett), insurers view a signature as “damage” or “ink on card.” They will not pay the premium for the autograph.
- Burden of Proof: You must prove the signature is genuine to claim the added value.
- Green Label vs. Red Label: For signed cards, a “Qualified” grade (Green label, ignoring writing) is worth less than a “Authentic Auto” slab (Red label).
- Listing Signed Items: When insuring, list it as “Signed Card – JSA Cert #123.” If it’s uncertified, get it authenticated ASAP.
The “Why” (Subjective Value)
Anyone can scribble on a card. Insurance pays market value for verified items.
“Valuation is based on like kind and quality.”
A scribbled card is not “like kind” to a PSA/DNA certified card.
The Investigation: The Autograph Premium
I looked at how to insure IP (In-Person) autos.
1. Uncertified Auto
- Value: Base card price. Sometimes less because it’s “marked.”
2. Photo Proof
- Value: If you have a photo of the artist signing it, the adjuster might accept it, but it’s a fight.
3. Slabbing it (PSA/DNA)
- Value: Full market price for signed cards.
- Cost: ~$50 to grade/auth.
- ROI: Increases insurance payout potential by 500-1000%.
Comparison Table
| Item | Insurable Value |
| Raw Charizard | $200 |
| Signed (No Cert) | $200 (or less) |
| Signed (PSA/DNA) | $1,500 |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Get a Witness: At conventions, pay the $10 for the JSA witness to stand there. They stick a sticker on it immediately.
- Slab It: Send all signed raw cards to PSA or Beckett for “Auto Authentication.”
- Update Inventory: Change the description in your insurance portal from “Charizard” to “Charizard (Signed/Auth).”
FAQ
Does the grade of the auto matter?
Yes. A “10” auto is worth significantly more than a smudged one. Insurance covers the specific grade if documented.
[IMAGE: Side by side of a raw signed card and a PSA/DNA encapsulated signed card]