Powers Sports Memorabilia Autograph Blog

An autograph signing may seem like something you can always catch next time, but that is not always the case. Athletes stop signing, rules change, certain items become restricted, and opportunities disappear. Learn why collectors should take advantage of the right signing when the athlete, item, and price make sense.

What is the best pen for getting a jersey signed? Learn which Sharpies and paint pens work best on sewn-on and screen-printed jersey numbers, which colors we recommend, and the one color you should never use on fabric.

Before studying the signature, study the item. Learn how dating memorabilia, checking logos, tags, materials, and the signer’s timeline can help you spot questionable autographs and avoid common mistakes.

Silver Sharpies may seem like a natural choice for autographs, but there are usually much better options. Learn which sports memorabilia items can handle a silver Sharpie, when you should use a silver paint pen instead, and the one surprising item where a silver Sharpie may actually be your best choice.

Ever see us post an autograph signing and wonder how you missed it? Some signings are never publicly announced. Here’s why certain autograph signings stay private, how VIP signings work, and why athletes or autograph agents sometimes limit who can participate.

Will an authentication sticker on the back of an autographed sports card hurt its PSA grade? Based on our firsthand experience, we’ve received numerous PSA 10 card grades and 10 autograph grades with authentication stickers attached. Learn when we recommend witnessed authentication, when you might skip it, and why you should never try to remove a sticker once it’s applied.

What are professional athletes really like at private autograph signings? After years in the sports memorabilia business, Matt Powers shares 10 of his favorite athletes to work with—including Stephen Curry, Barry Sanders, Reggie Jackson, Willie Mays and more—and some unforgettable stories from behind the scenes.

Getting a Funko Pop signed? The pen you choose can make a huge difference. Learn why we recommend paint pens over Sharpies, which DecoColor and POSCA options work best, what tip size to use, and how to protect your autograph after the signing.

Not all game-used memorabilia is created equal. Learn why the specific game, memorable moment, provenance, and photo matching behind an item can make a huge difference when deciding what to add to your collection.

What pen should you use to get a basketball autographed? We break down the best pens and colors for authentic NBA basketballs, replicas, NCAA basketballs and white-panel balls, including when to use a silver DecoColor paint pen, black Pentel N50 or Sharpie.

Not every football should be signed with the same pen. Learn which autograph pens we recommend for authentic leather footballs and white panel footballs, including silver DecoColor paint pens, the Pentel N50, and Sharpies—plus tips for drying, handling, and shipping signed footballs.

What’s the difference between a Hobby Box, Blaster Box, Mega Box, or Hanger? This beginner-friendly guide explains the most common types of sports card boxes, what you can typically expect inside each one, and examples from popular products like Topps Chrome and Panini Prizm.