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New to Collecting Sports Autographs and Memorabilia - 5 Easy Tips to Make it a Success

July 12, 2018 2 min read

New to collecting sports memorabilia autographs?  Here are 5 quick tips to help make your collection a success.

 

#1 – Stick to buying autographs that are 1st person authenticated.  What I mean by that is buy autographs direct from the companies who conducted the signing themselves.  A few good ones to consider…

 Major League Baseball Authentication

Major League Baseball authentication

TRISTAR

Steiner Sports (numerical #s in database only)

Upper Deck Authentication (check to make sure # is in database before purchasing)

Fanatics Authentic

Panini Authentic

JSA, PSA, or Beckett witness

While JSA, PSA, and Beckett also do 3rd party authenticating (giving their opinion as to whether an autograph they did not witness is authentic or not), stick to the Witness certificate of authenticities (COA).  This is where a representative from that company was present for the signing and witnessed your item being signed.  You can tell which COA is a witness certificate by reading the COA card the item comes with. 

 

Willie Mays Autographed Baseball Sports Memorabilia#2 – Buy only small things, such as 8x10 photos, mini helmets and baseballs.  These are much easier to display and are typically the cheaper items.  That way in case you make a mistake on an item, it is smaller and cheaper and won’t hurt as bad in the long run.  Jerseys tend to be more expensive as you will need to have them framed.  Save those for the superstar athletes once you figure out which athletes and teams you are really interested in. 

 

#3 – Don’t overpay for framing.  Just get basic framing done.  For example, Hobby Lobby has frames for $15-$20 for 8x10s.   As you get more experienced buying and start acquiring more expensive pieces, then you can upgrade to some fancy framing such as suede matting and custom plaques.

 Sports Memorabilia Framing

#4 – Store your sports memorabilia collectibles in a room temperature room and avoid direct sunlight.  The best area is a basement with no windows and consistent temperature.  Sunlight is the enemy for sports autographs, especially direct sunlight.  Always frame and put your autographs behind UV protective glass.  This will help ensure your collectibles last.

#5 – Find a sports memorabilia dealer you trust to buy autographs from and develop a relationship with them.  One that will teach you about the hobby, not just sell you things.  Not only will you feel more comfortable about what you are buying, but you will also become more educated and make the best decisions for you.  Plus, if you have any questions you know who to go to.

 

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After procrastinating for a year on getting Miggy’s signature, I finally got it done. Another awesome addition to the rookie case. Thanks, Matt!

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The autographs turned out better than I could have imagined. Was a pleasant experience from sending to receiving back the items. You have a customer for life.

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Power Sports was very helpful. They will answer any questions throughout the process of getting your Autograph. And they packed very well when they ship it back to you.

Mike Vrabel Autograph Signing

Customer photo review of Mike Vrabel Autograph Signing

Another great looking signature added to my team signed helmet. It is great to get notifications throughout the process and using UPS is great to protect my items.

Mike Vrabel Autograph Signing

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Nice autograph signed by former NY Mets great. Thanks Matt Powers and his team for this signing event.

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I’ve been holding on to this hat forever!! Finally got the opportunity to get it signed NBA legend Alex English.. Courtesy of Powers Sports!

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Everything went smooth from ordering the autograph to receiving my item promptly and Natalie was very helpful and responsive with the questions I had.

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Nice autograph by Roger Clemens himself. Thank you Matt Powers and his team for this signing event.

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Nice autograph by Cal Ripken Jr. Thank you Matt Powers and his team for this signing event.

Cal Ripken Jr Autograph Signing

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Another perfect autograph on my 3000 hit baseball. Always a great experience! Thanks again.

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Customer photo review of Cal Ripken Jr Autograph Signing

I've had this card since the age of 12. Never had the opportunity until now to get his RC signed. Thanks Matt for making this happen!!

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Customer photo review of Dustin Pedroia Autograph Signing

Once again, Matt and his team delivered a smooth, professional experience in obtaining a Dustin Pedroia autograph (with authentication) to a book already containing a number of Red Sox greats’ signatures. I recommend Powers Spirts Memorabilia highly.

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Customer photo review of Alonzo Mourning Autograph Signing

The COA was placed exactly where I wanted it and it turned out great. Always an easy experience.

Alonzo Mourning Autograph Signing

Customer photo review of Alonzo Mourning Autograph Signing

An excellent experience with the team. The ball turned out perfectly. Easy to ship the ball in and it returned after signing without an issue.

Alonzo Mourning Autograph Signing

Customer photo review of Cal Ripken Jr Autograph Signing

Mr. Powers delivered on my request for this Cal Ripken jr. autograph. It was a nice size clean and perfect signature better than I expected. Mr. Powers team is quick to respond with any concerns you may have and keeps you posted on your item. I will absolutely be getting more signatures through them to finish my collection. I highly recommend Powers Sports to anyone that has any doubts. I use to do send ins with Steiner sports until he sold, to me Powers picked up where they left off and I couldnt be happier. Thank you

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Customer photo review of Cal Ripken Jr Autograph Signing

Great experience as usual! I’ll definitely be getting more autographs in the future!!

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A fantastic addition to the set. Bosh's autograph really pops on this one. Thanks!

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This might be the only autograph of this card that has his whole auto on it. Great addition to the collection!

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Customer photo review of Tayshaun Prince Autograph Signing

The COA wasn't close to where I asked for it to be placed. I'm not sure how this was missed but it was a bummer when I saw that.

Tayshaun Prince Autograph Signing



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