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What Are Inscriptions and Personalizations at an Autograph Signing?
Learn what inscriptions and personalizations are, how they work at autograph signings, and what counts as an inscription when submitting your memorabilia.
When participating in an autograph signing, you may have the option to add an inscription or personalization to your item.
Many collectors know they want something beyond just the athlete's signature, but they're often unsure what qualifies as an inscription and how they're priced.
Understanding the difference before placing your order can help ensure your memorabilia is completed exactly the way you want.
What Is an Inscription?
An inscription is anything an athlete writes in addition to their autograph.
It could be:
- A career accomplishment
- A championship reference
- A Hall of Fame year
- A nickname
- A short phrase
- A jersey number (if it's not part of the athlete's standard signature)
Anything written beyond the autograph itself is considered an inscription.
Examples of Inscriptions
Common inscriptions include:
- 7x Super Bowl Champ
- HOF 2005
- MVP 1986
- ROY 2014
- Chiefs Kingdom
- Fly Eagles Fly
- Go Blue
These additions help make memorabilia more unique and personal.
Each Statistic Counts as One Inscription
One of the most common misconceptions is combining multiple accomplishments into one inscription.
Each individual statistic or accomplishment is considered a separate inscription.
For example:
✅ One inscription
- HOF 2005
✅ One inscription
- MVP 1986
❌ Two inscriptions
- HOF 2005
- MVP 1986
Even though they're written together, each accomplishment is priced separately.
What About Short Sayings?
Many athletes allow short phrases.
Generally, a custom saying of three words or fewer counts as one inscription.
Examples include:
- Chiefs Kingdom
- Go Tigers
- Fly Eagles
However, combining a saying with another inscription still counts as multiple inscriptions.
For example:
- Chiefs Kingdom
- MVP 1986
This would be considered two inscriptions.
What Is a Personalization?
A personalization is when the athlete signs the item specifically to someone.
Examples include:
- To Matt
- To Sarah
- To Matt Powers
As long as the personalization is three words or fewer, it is generally considered one inscription.
Longer Messages Require Multiple Inscriptions
If your requested message exceeds three words, additional inscription charges may apply.
For example:
Three words
- To Matt Powers
Typically counts as one inscription.
Six words
- To My Best Friend Matt
Typically counts as two inscriptions.
Always review the signing details, as inscription policies vary by athlete.
Every Athlete Has Different Rules
Not every athlete offers unlimited inscription options.
Some athletes:
- Only offer specific approved inscriptions.
- Limit collectors to one inscription per item.
- Do not allow inscriptions on certain memorabilia, such as trading cards or mini helmets.
- Decline personalizations entirely.
Always read the signing description before placing your order to understand what is available.
Label Your Item Clearly
If you're sending your own memorabilia to an autograph signing, proper labeling is extremely important.
Don't simply write:
❌ "Inscription Here"
Instead, write the exact inscription you want the athlete to add.
For example:
Autograph: Silver Sharpie
Inscription: HOF 2005
When preparing your item, ask yourself:
If someone had never seen this item before, would they know exactly what to do?
The clearer your instructions are, the smoother the signing process will be.
What About Jersey Numbers?
Collectors often ask whether a jersey number counts as an inscription.
The answer depends on the athlete.
If the jersey number is already part of the athlete's normal autograph, no additional inscription is required.
However, if the athlete does not normally include their jersey number and you want to guarantee it's added, it is typically treated as a paid inscription.
Witness Authentication and Inscriptions
If you're also purchasing witness authentication, be sure to leave enough room on your memorabilia for:
- The autograph.
- The inscription.
- The authentication sticker or hologram.
Planning your layout ahead of time helps ensure everything fits cleanly on the item.
Inscriptions at Powers Sports Memorabilia
Most of our autograph signings offer inscription options, but the available choices depend on the athlete and their representative.
When placing your order:
- Select the number of inscriptions you need.
- Review the signing description for any restrictions.
- Clearly write your requested inscription on your item if you're sending in your own memorabilia.
- Mark where you'd like both the autograph and inscription to appear.
Following these steps helps ensure your memorabilia is completed exactly as requested.
Final Thoughts
Inscriptions and personalizations are a great way to make your memorabilia even more meaningful.
Whether you're adding a Hall of Fame year, a championship accomplishment, a favorite phrase, or a personal dedication, understanding how inscriptions are counted and priced helps avoid surprises on signing day.
When in doubt, read the signing description carefully and provide clear instructions with your memorabilia.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an inscription at an autograph signing?
An inscription is anything an athlete writes in addition to their signature, such as a Hall of Fame year, championship accomplishment, jersey number, or short phrase.
What is a personalization?
A personalization is when the athlete addresses the item to a specific person, such as "To Matt" or "To Sarah."
How many words count as one inscription?
Generally, a custom phrase or personalization of three words or fewer counts as one inscription, but policies vary by athlete.
Does each statistic count as a separate inscription?
Yes. Each career accomplishment or statistic is typically considered its own inscription.
Are inscriptions available for every athlete?
No. Some athletes limit the number or type of inscriptions they will write, while others may not offer inscriptions on certain items.
Do jersey numbers count as inscriptions?
If the athlete does not normally include their jersey number as part of their signature and you want to guarantee it's added, it is typically considered a paid inscription.
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Nice autograph by Roger Clemens himself. Thank you Matt Powers and his team for this signing event.
Nice autograph by Cal Ripken Jr. Thank you Matt Powers and his team for this signing event.
Nice autograph. Thank you Matt Powers and his team for this signing event.
Another perfect autograph on my 3000 hit baseball. Always a great experience! Thanks again.
I've had this card since the age of 12. Never had the opportunity until now to get his RC signed. Thanks Matt for making this happen!!
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Frank Thomas 1990 Topps Signed Baseball Rookie Card #414B Auto Graded Beckett 10
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An excellent experience with the team. The ball turned out perfectly. Easy to ship the ball in and it returned after signing without an issue.
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Fernando Tatis Jr 2019 Topps Baseball Rookie Card RC #410 Graded PSA 9 MINT
😍 such a nice autograph! Thank you!
Thank you for another awesome autograph!
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
Great experience as usual! I’ll definitely be getting more autographs in the future!!
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Smooth transaction
The process was smooth and easy as always.
Awesome!
The color match ink auto looks great! Thanks!
A fantastic addition to the set. Bosh's autograph really pops on this one. Thanks!
This might be the only autograph of this card that has his whole auto on it. Great addition to the collection!
The COA wasn't close to where I asked for it to be placed. I'm not sure how this was missed but it was a bummer when I saw that.
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This was just the COA. Thanks!
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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!
I submitted 2 cards to get them signed by Patrick Ewing himself. Thanks Matt Powers and his team for this signing event.
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Ronald Acuna Jr 2018 Topps Living Baseball Rookie Card RC #19 Graded PSA 10
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Great experience as usual, highly recommend Powers
Great job by Matt and his team as usual
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Awesome experience as usual!
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