Wrong-Way Rautins? Knicks Rookie Guard Creates Inadvertent Autograph Variations

The bold color combinations gracing Andy Rautins' autographed Rookie Cards in 2010-11 Classics Basketball easily place them among the most aesthetically striking cards on the checklist. But a few of the New York Knicks guard's RCs have no doubt caused many collectors breaking the product this week to do a double take.

The bold color combinations gracing Andy Rautins’ autographed Rookie Cards in 2010-11 Classics Basketball easily place them among the most aesthetically striking cards on the checklist. But a few of the New York Knicks guard’s RCs have no doubt caused many collectors breaking the product this week to do a double take.

You’re not alone. Many of us inside Panini America HQ had the same reaction when the cards arrived late last month.

It seems Rautins autographed a small percentage of his 699 RCs diagonally across the card-front photo instead of in the designated light-colored signing area near the bottom of the card. The inadvertent “wrong-way” variation is glaring when compared to its “right-signed” counterpart, but it could catch a few impatient pack-busters by surprise.

For what it’s worth, early secondary market activity suggests a slight premium is being placed on the “right-signed” version. Consider this heads-up as a Friday morning CSA (collector service announcement).

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5 Replies to “Wrong-Way Rautins? Knicks Rookie Guard Creates Inadvertent Autograph Variations”

  1. I’m guessing Rautins isnt used to signing his own cards yet. I prefer the diagonally-signed version as it’s proof of a real rookie card with it’s own rookie mistake.

  2. I kinda like the “wrong-way” auto… It gives it a TTM or live auto look, while keeping the “Panini certified” markings to allay any doubt to the auto’s authenticity. Apparently, I must be in the minority if the “right-way” auto’s are bringing in a premium, however slight.

  3. While on the topic of Classics, can you confirm Tracy whether or not the RC parallels #’D /250, /100, /25, and 1/1 exist?? On your website as well as on Beckett they are in the checklist. I have yet to see any of these parallels for any of the RC’s, but have seen plenty for the vets and legends.

    1. Good question. I just got this from our basketball product development team:

      “They are mistakenly on the checklist. The non-autographed rookie parallels are not in the program.”

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