GEM-MT 10: Gem Mint. A ASM Gem Mint 10 autograph is a virtually perfect autograph. Attributes include bold writing with the absence of skipping or retracing by the original signer or otherwise. In addition, the autograph must be strong and clear for that particular signer. For example, if a genuine Mickey Mantle autograph is bold but seems rushed or slightly uncharacteristic in formation (though genuine) it may not receive a Gem Mint 10 grade. A ASM Gem Mint 10 autograph must not only be aesthetically beautiful in terms of placement but it must also be representative of the common/traditional autograph patterns of that person.

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MINT 9: Mint. A ASM Mint 9 is a superb condition autograph that exhibits only one of the following minor flaws: A very light skip (almost unrecognizable to the naked eye), a slight acceptable variance in boldness of the autograph (still very bold and clearly readable - even at arms length - but perhaps not quite as bold as an autograph that would qualify for a ASM Gem Mint 10) or a some other aesthetic issue such as undesirable location if the location of the autograph hinders the eye appeal of the autograph, slightly, in some way.

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NM-MT 8: Near Mint-Mint. A ASM NM-MT 8 is a super high-end autograph that may appear to qualify as a Mint 9 at first glance but upon closer inspection, the autograph may exhibit one or more of the following: A slightly more noticeable skip in the autograph (though still very minor in nature) slightly inferior boldness of the autograph or very slight fading (the autograph must still be completely legible and intact), or some other aesthetic issue such as undesirable location if the location of the autograph hinders the eye appeal of the autograph, slightly, in some way. For example, a very light bleed on one of the letters may be acceptable if minor or some very minor unevenness to the signature if the uneven nature of the autograph is limited to a small area - no greater than approximately 20% of the signature. A very light retrace, by the original signer, may be acceptable.

 

NM 7: Near Mint. A ASM Near Mint 7 is a very strong autograph that may suffer from one or more of the following: The signature, while still entirely visible to the naked eye, may exhibit some minor degree of even fading to the entire signature. A minor blemish or the existence of wear on the actual autograph may be acceptable within the NM 7 grade. Slightly more significant skipping or bleeding may be present, however, still insignificant to the overall presentation. Any other aesthetic flaw that may hinder the eye appeal may be allowable. For example, an autograph that extends more noticeably into an undesirable area of a photo such as a darkened background. In addition, a very slight retrace, by the original signer, may be acceptable.

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EX-MT 6: Excellent-Mint. A ASM EX-MT 6 is a very presentable autograph that may suffer from one or more of the following: The signature, though entirely legible to the naked eye, may exhibit some degree of even fading to the entire signature - more so than would be acceptable for a ASM NM 7. A minor blemish to one of more of the letters may be acceptable if the balance of the autograph is considerably strong for the grade. Slightly more advanced degrees of skipping or bleeding may be present in comparison to the allowable tolerance for a ASM NM 7. In addition, a very slight retrace, by the original signer, may be acceptable. 

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EX 5: Excellent. With ASM EX 5 autographs; aging is becoming evident. The autograph, by this stage, has lost the luster of a bold autograph but it can still be deciphered with the naked eye. Smudging in a limited area of the autograph may be present along with more advanced stages of fading or skipping with possible blemishes in a few minor areas. The presentation of a ASM EX 5 autograph is still clear but the defects hinder the overall presentation.

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VG-EX 4: Very Good-Excellent. A ASM VG-EX 4 autograph is a still presentable autograph but it may exhibit the following: More noticeable fading or skipping that affects the overall legibility of the autograph. The autograph may still be entirely legible but the overall boldness has been compromised. In addition, minor blemishes in a larger area of the autograph may be present along with some skips and fading that affect the overall presentation.

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VG 3: Very Good. A ASM VG 3 autograph is still legible but the overall presentation has been greatly compromised. The autograph may exhibit more advanced stages of skipping or fading that affects the overall legibility of the autograph. In addition, the autograph may exhibit noticeable skips or fading in a larger area of the autograph. The overall boldness has been greatly compromised and the autograph may be less aesthetically pleasing to the eye.

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GD 2: Good. A ASM GD 2 autograph is still legible but the overall presentation is poor. The autograph may exhibit advanced stages of skipping or fading that affects the overall legibility of the autograph. In addition, the autograph may exhibit noticeable skips or fading in a large area of the autograph. The overall boldness is greatly compromised and the autograph may be less aesthetically pleasing to the eye.

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PR 1: Poor. A ASM PR 1 autograph is a low-grade autograph that is barely legible. The autograph may exhibit advanced stages of skipping or fading that affects the overall legibility of the autograph. In addition, the autograph may exhibit noticeable skips or fading in a large area of the autograph. The overall boldness is greatly compromised and the autograph may be less aesthetically pleasing to the eye.

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A major part of the grading scale is the aesthetic appeal of the autograph. The location, boldness, and overall appearance of the autograph are all factors that are taken into consideration when assigning a grade. The condition and legibility of the autograph are also important factors that are considered when determining the grade.

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