Authenticity of Powers Sports Memorabilia

Authenticity of Powers Sports Memorabilia

When collectors ask, “How do I know this autograph is real?” that is one of the most important questions in the memorabilia hobby. At Powers Sports Memorabilia, we take authenticity seriously because every signed item in your collection should be genuine, verifiable, and supported by trusted authentication.

Authenticity is the foundation of the collectibles market. Because forged memorabilia exists, it is important for collectors to understand how autographs are verified and authenticated. Authentic memorabilia typically includes a tamper-proof hologram that links the item to a legitimate signing or verification process. Paper certificates of authenticity are no longer used, everything is digital now.

What Does “Authentic” Mean?

In sports and celebrity memorabilia, authentic means the signature was signed directly by the athlete or personality it is attributed to. It is not copied, mechanically reproduced, or forged.

Authentication confirms that the autograph was signed by the person listed and helps protect both the integrity of the item and collector confidence.

How Autographs Are Authenticated

When Powers Sports Memorabilia sells an autographed item, it falls into one of the following categories:

• The item was signed during a private or public autograph signing coordinated by Powers Sports Memorabilia, or
• The item was authenticated by a trusted third-party authentication company

Professional authenticators verify signatures using expert analysis and comparison to known examples. They evaluate details such as signature style, pen pressure, ink flow, letter formation, and placement.

We work with respected third-party authentication companies, including:

• PSA/DNA
• James Spence Authentication (JSA)
• Beckett Authentication Services

These companies place a unique authentication hologram or sticker directly on the item. This verification number can be checked in the authenticator’s online database.

We also often offer Photo Proof, which allows collectors to purchase a photo of the athlete signing their specific item. To see examples of Photo Proof from past signings, visit our Instagram page, where we regularly share signing photos and behind-the-scenes content.

What You Should Expect With Every Authentic Item

With an authentic autographed item, collectors can expect:

• A unique authentication sticker or hologram when applicable
• A clear description of the signed item and signing event
• Contact or verification information for the authentication company in many cases

A proper Certificate of Authenticity (COA) typically includes:

• The name of the authentication company
• A unique serial number or hologram number
• A description of the item that was signed
• Verification or database information for confirmation

These details help ensure the COA itself is legitimate and traceable.