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!
What Are Sports Memorabilia Authentication Stickers?
If you've ever purchased signed sports memorabilia, you've probably noticed a small hologram sticker attached to the item.
These are known as sports memorabilia authentication stickers, and they're one of the most important parts of the authentication process.
Companies like Beckett Authentication Services (BAS), James Spence Authentication (JSA), and PSA/DNA use these holograms to identify and verify authenticated autographs.
Here's what you should know before buying authenticated memorabilia.
What Is an Authentication Sticker?
An authentication sticker is a tamper-evident hologram placed on a piece of signed sports memorabilia after it has been authenticated.
Each sticker contains a unique certification number that identifies that specific authentication.
Many modern authentication stickers also include a QR code that takes you directly to the authentication company's online verification page.
What Information Is Stored?
When you scan the QR code—or manually enter the certification number—you should be able to verify the authentication online.
Depending on the authentication company and the type of authentication, the database may include:
- Athlete's name
- Type of memorabilia
- Certification number
- Authentication type
- Date of signing (often for witness authentication)
- Sometimes the signing location
Every certification number should correspond to the item being sold.
Why Are Authentication Stickers Important?
Authentication stickers help connect the autograph to the authentication company's online records.
Rather than relying solely on a paper Certificate of Authenticity, collectors can verify the authentication instantly online.
That's one of the reasons modern authentication has become much more reliable than older paper-only systems.
Does an Authentication Sticker Guarantee an Autograph Is Authentic?
No.
This is one of the biggest misconceptions in sports memorabilia collecting.
Just because an item has an authentication sticker does not automatically guarantee that the autograph is genuine.
Unfortunately, counterfeit authentication stickers have been produced for nearly every major authentication company.
Many fake holograms originate overseas and are designed to closely resemble genuine Beckett, JSA, or PSA stickers.
Because of this, collectors should never rely solely on the sticker itself.
Even Online Verification Isn't Foolproof
Verifying the certification number online is an important step—but it still isn't a guarantee.
Some counterfeiters have copied legitimate certification numbers from authentic memorabilia and recreated fake holograms using those same numbers.
That means the certification number may actually appear in the authentication company's online database while the autograph attached to the item is still fake.
This is why experienced collectors always examine both the autograph and the authentication.
The sticker should support the autograph—not replace careful inspection.
Always Examine the Autograph
Before purchasing signed memorabilia, compare the autograph to known authentic examples.
Ask yourself:
- Does the signature look natural?
- Does it match known authentic examples?
- Is the size and slant consistent?
- Does the item itself make sense for that athlete?
The authentication sticker is only one part of the evaluation process.
Why Some Expensive Memorabilia Doesn't Have a Sticker
Occasionally you'll find high-end memorabilia that doesn't have an authentication sticker attached directly to the item.
That isn't necessarily a problem.
For valuable autographs—such as LeBron James, Mickey Mantle, or other premium collectibles—authentication companies may issue a Letter of Authenticity (LOA).
With companies like JSA, collectors often receive:
- A Letter of Authenticity
- A matching authentication sticker
The customer may choose to have that sticker placed directly on the memorabilia or attached to the Letter of Authenticity instead.
Many collectors prefer keeping expensive vintage items free of stickers while maintaining the authentication through the accompanying LOA.
Always Verify Authentication Online
Regardless of which authentication company you use, every certification number should be verified online before purchasing.
Trusted companies like:
- Beckett Authentication Services
- James Spence Authentication (JSA)
- PSA/DNA
all maintain searchable online databases.
If a certification number can't be verified, or the information doesn't match the item you're considering, ask questions before buying.
Final Thoughts
Sports memorabilia authentication stickers are an important part of the authentication process, but they should never be the only reason you trust an autograph.
Always verify the certification number online, examine the autograph itself, and purchase from reputable dealers who stand behind what they sell.
Authentication stickers are valuable tools—but informed collectors know they're just one piece of the authentication process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a sports memorabilia authentication sticker?
It's a tamper-evident hologram applied by an authentication company after an autograph has been authenticated. Each sticker contains a unique certification number.
Can I verify an authentication sticker online?
Yes. Beckett, JSA, and PSA all allow collectors to verify certification numbers through their online databases.
Does an authentication sticker guarantee an autograph is authentic?
No. While authentication stickers are an important security feature, counterfeit stickers and copied certification numbers do exist.
Why doesn't every autograph have a sticker?
Some high-end memorabilia authenticated with a Letter of Authenticity allows the owner to place the matching authentication sticker on the LOA instead of directly on the item.
Should I always scan the QR code?
Yes. Whenever possible, verify the certification number through the authentication company's official website before purchasing.
Can authentication stickers be removed?
Some can, but doing so may damage the sticker or the item. Authentication stickers are intended to remain with the authenticated memorabilia or, in some cases, the accompanying Letter of Authenticity.
Related Guides
- What Is Sports Memorabilia Authentication?
- How to Verify Online Sports Memorabilia Authentication
- What Is Witness Autograph Authentication?
- Certificate of Authenticity vs. Letter of Authenticity
- How to Spot Fake Sports Memorabilia Autographs
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Again, PSM did a great job!
Nice autograph by Roger Clemens himself. Thank you Matt Powers and his team for this signing event.
Nice autograph by Cal Ripken Jr. Thank you Matt Powers and his team for this signing event.
Nice autograph. Thank you Matt Powers and his team for this signing event.
Another perfect autograph on my 3000 hit baseball. Always a great experience! Thanks again.
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!!
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.
Great experience. Card was just as described. Excited to have this added to the collection.
Frank Thomas 1990 Topps Signed Baseball Rookie Card #414B Auto Graded Beckett 10
The COA was placed exactly where I wanted it and it turned out great. Always an easy experience.
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.
Great place to do business with. Thank you!
Fernando Tatis Jr 2019 Topps Baseball Rookie Card RC #410 Graded PSA 9 MINT
😍 such a nice autograph! Thank you!
Thank you for another awesome autograph!
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
Great experience as usual! I’ll definitely be getting more autographs in the future!!
As good as it gets
Smooth transaction
The process was smooth and easy as always.
Awesome!
The color match ink auto looks great! Thanks!
A fantastic addition to the set. Bosh's autograph really pops on this one. Thanks!
This might be the only autograph of this card that has his whole auto on it. Great addition to the collection!
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.
This came back amazing! The autograph was very clean! Thanks!
This completes my set of sketch cards. It's been fun doing this.
This was just the COA. Thanks!
It's awesome to get this one back! Another added to the Collection.
Great job by Powers Sports once again! They were able to secure a great signature from Andy Reid on my trading card, using the exact type pen and the exact location that I requested. Accuracy and quality are their top priority!
I submitted 2 cards to get them signed by Patrick Ewing himself. Thanks Matt Powers and his team for this signing event.
Nice addition of Barry Bonds to my PC!
Great card and great place to do business with. Thank you!
Ronald Acuna Jr 2018 Topps Living Baseball Rookie Card RC #19 Graded PSA 10
Loved it all.
Great experience as usual, highly recommend Powers
Great job by Matt and his team as usual
Matt and his team did it again. Highly recommend Powers to anyone looking for high end autographs
Matt and his team always do their best for their clients. Couldn’t be happier
Awesome experience as usual, I love my Jagr autograph!
Awesome experience as usual!
Great experience! I had never gotten any autographs through a signing like this before and I had a number of questions. Someone called me right back & couldn’t have been nicer. The customer service was outstanding every step of the way & I couldn’t be happier with the Reggie Jackson autographed ticket.
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