Powers Sports Memorabilia Autograph Blog

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.

What pen should you use for an autographed helmet? Learn our favorite pens, colors and tip sizes for mini helmets, full-size helmets and inscriptions.

Barry Bonds’ memorabilia market may finally be heating up. With new Topps autographs generating collector interest, limited supplies of quality signed memorabilia, and the possibility of a future Hall of Fame induction, could one of baseball’s greatest—and most controversial—players still be undervalued?

What is the best pen for getting a sports card autographed? From blue Sharpies to Posca, DecoColor, Molotow and fine-tip Staedtler pens, the right choice depends on the card, signing space, inscriptions and your final goal. Learn which autograph pens we use at Powers Sports Memorabilia and how to prep glossy cards like Panini Prizm and Topps Chrome for cleaner signatures.

Why do autograph signings get canceled after collectors have already sent in their items? From travel delays and injuries to job changes, medical issues, scheduling problems, and even money disputes, there are plenty of reasons a signing may fall apart. Here is what really happens behind the scenes and why some signings eventually have to be canceled.

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