Definitive Guide
The AP Grading Scale
Objective metrics for signature condition.
Authentication verifies the author; grading determines the quality. The Autograph Passport (AP) 10-point scale is the industry's most rigorous, utilizing both human expertise and digital contrast analysis.
| Grade | Designation | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| AP-10 | Pristine | Flawless contrast. Bold stroke. No skips, fading, or smudging. Perfect placement not obscuring key subject matter. |
| AP-8/9 | Excellent | Strong signature with perhaps one microscopic skip or very slight contrast reduction due to medium texture. |
| AP-5/7 | Very Good | Solid signature but may exhibit light fading, minor smudging, or sub-optimal placement (e.g., dark ink on a dark background). |
| AP-1/4 | Poor / Fair | Significant fading (requires angle viewing), major smudges, clipped signatures, or severe ink bleeding. |
Core Grading Factors
- Contrast: How well does the ink stand out against the background? Silver sharpie on a black photo scores higher than blue ballpoint on a dark jersey.
- Flow & Completeness: Did the pen skip? Did the signer rush and drop half the letters? A full name scores higher than a rushed initial.
- Placement: Is it signed across the subject's face? A well-placed signature in a "dead space" is aesthetically superior.
Use our Value Estimator to see how grade impacts market price.