Powers Sports Memorabilia Autograph Blog

Is sports memorabilia a good investment? Discover what can influence collectible values, why authentication matters, and why collecting for enjoyment should come first.

New to collecting? Learn which sports memorabilia beginners should buy, how to stay within your budget, why authentication matters, and how to build a collection you'll love.

Discover what characteristics make sports memorabilia more likely to hold its value, from legendary athletes and game-used items to authentication and rarity.

Does putting an authentication sticker on the back of your sports card hurt its grade? Learn why witness authentication stickers don't prevent a PSA 10.

Are all one-of-one sports cards valuable? Discover how rarity, player popularity, rookie status, premium brands, autographs, and game-used patches determine a 1-of-1 card's value.

Wondering what a PSA 10 means? Learn how PSA grades sports cards, what Gem Mint 10 standards include, and why a PSA 10 isn't always a perfect card.

Wondering which grading company is best? Compare PSA, Beckett, SGC, and CGC to learn which offers the best resale value, turnaround times, pricing, and authentication.

Should you buy raw or graded sports cards? Learn the advantages of each, the risks of buying raw cards, and why many collectors prefer professionally graded cards.

Wondering what a game-used patch card is? Learn the difference between game-used, player-worn, and non-game-used patch cards, and discover why game-used memorabilia is often worth significantly more.

Fake PSA slabs can use copied certification numbers, counterfeit labels or tampered holders. Learn how to inspect the card, slab and label before purchasing.

Learn how to spot a fake 1986 Fleer Michael Jordan rookie card #57 by examining its logo, printing, colors, small details, grading slab and certification number.

Wondering what a debut patch card is? Learn how MLB Debut Patch cards use the actual patch from a player's first Major League game, why they're one-of-one, and why they've become some of the most sought-after modern baseball cards.