Loading
Speak or text an autograph expert now: 816-868-2310 Contact Us Online

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.

 

Leave a comment

Comments will be approved before showing up.





Customer Reviews

Overall rating: 4.9 / 5 from 4906 reviews.

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

Cal Ripken Jr Autograph Signing

Customer photo review of Cal Ripken Jr Autograph Signing

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

Cal Ripken Jr Autograph Signing

Customer photo review of Chris Bosh Autograph Signing

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

Chris Bosh Autograph Signing

Customer photo review of Larry Bird Autograph Signing

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

Larry Bird Autograph Signing

Customer photo review of Andy Reid Autograph Signing

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!

Andy Reid Autograph Signing

Customer photo review of Patrick Ewing Autograph Signing

I submitted 2 cards to get them signed by Patrick Ewing himself. Thanks Matt Powers and his team for this signing event.

Patrick Ewing Autograph Signing

Customer photo review of Reggie Jackson Autograph Signing

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.

Reggie Jackson Autograph Signing

Customer photo review of Wade Boggs Autograph Signing

Nice to have a trading card signed by Wade Boggs in his Yankees uniform. Thanks Matt Powers and his team for this signing event.

Wade Boggs Autograph Signing

Customer photo review of Manny Ramirez Autograph Signing

Nice to have my Rookie Card signed by Manny Ramirez himself. Thanks Matt Powers and his team for this signing event.

Manny Ramirez Autograph Signing

Customer photo review of Julius Erving Autograph Signing

Nice to have an autograph from Dr. J himself. Thanks Matt Powers and his team for this signing event.

Julius Erving Autograph Signing

Customer photo review of Ricky Williams Autograph Signing

Great experience once again! From start to finish Powers Sports Memorabilia hit it out of the park on my Ricky Williams Newpapers.

Ricky Williams Autograph Signing

Customer photo review of Kevin McHale Autograph Signing

I waited a long time for this one especially being a huge fan of the Showtime era Lakers. Kevin Mchale was a thorn in my side but I have the utmost respect for him and the Celtics.. A great addition to my growing collection..

Kevin McHale Autograph Signing

Customer photo review of Earl Campbell Autograph Signing

The Hall of Fame ticket!! Earl Campbell thanks to the team at PSM!! Keep up the good work!!

Earl Campbell Autograph Signing



0

Your Cart

Your cart is empty.