In-person autographs
The most reliable autograph is the in-person (IP) autograph, signed by the celebrity in the presence of the collector. Authentic in-person signatures can be valuable. If you can’t get one yourself, look for sellers who back up their IP autographs with a respected certificate of authenticity (COA) or a money-back guarantee.
Vintage autographed memorabilia
The most treasured autographed sports items are photos, bats, and balls 35 years or older. Prior to the 1970s, most collectors gathered autographs on 3” x 5” index cards, autograph albums, government postcards, and other publications, or gathered many signatures on a single ball. You’ll find a variety of vintage sports autographs on eBay.
Explore Game-Used Memorabilia
An item is game-used if it’s been hit, kicked, punched, worn, or thrown in an official game by an athlete (apparel is sometimes identified as “game-worn”). These pieces of memorabilia are attractive to collectors for their sheer historic and nostalgic value. A clean, mint-condition autographed bat that’s never actually been used is one thing, but a bat that’s pitted, scarred, and possibly cracked from the hands of an athlete carries another kind of evocative glory.
Complete apparel or equipment: Get the entire set of balls, bats, jerseys, helmets, gloves, and shoes. These are usually pricey. Look for sweat stains, authentic wear and tear, and proof of game use.
Swatches: Swatches of game-used apparel or pieces of equipment, usually attached to playing cards, are designed for collectors who can’t afford the full item.
Some items identified as game-worn are from practice games or league photo shoots. Ask about specific details. If it’s a card, check the back for an authentication copy that should detail how the apparel was used. If it’s a full piece of apparel or equipment, inquire about proof of authenticity. Buy from sellers or secondary vendors with a reputation for carrying authentic memorabilia.
Evaluate Authenticity of Sports Autographs
Look for memorabilia that have been examined and declared genuine by a respected third-party expert. Authenticated items should be certified with a Certificate of Authentication (COA). Recognized sports memorabilia authenticators include: PSA/DNA Authentication Services, Global Authentication Inc., Mounted Memories, Steiner Sports, Upper Deck Authenticated, Tri-Star Productions, and Online Authentics
Find sports autographs with COAs
In order to list in the Authenticator Pre-Certified section on eBay, a seller must have a seller Feedback score of 25 or higher, offer proof of authentication from a recognized sports memorabilia authenticator, display clear scans of the item and proof of authentication, and include an Authenticator Pre-Certified section in the listing that shows required item information, as well as a copy of the Certificate of Authentication.
Sellers who decide not to obtain a COA (usually for financial reasons) or who do not have a high enough Feedback rating to sell in Authenticator Pre-Certified, list their original autographs in Autographs-Original.
About non-original sports autographs
Sports celebrities get so many requests for autographs that they sometimes mass produces their signatures using other signers or machines. Here are a few types of non-original autographs:
Autopen signature: An autopen is a machine that copies a signature and reproduces it very accurately. Personalized autographs are usually not autopenned.
Secretarials, ghost signings, and clubhouse signatures: These terms are used to describe forgeries signed by someone other than the athlete.
Preprints: A reproduction of a signed photo. Unlike original autographs, preprints will not show the signature obviously on top of the photo gloss
Stamped autograph: A rubber-stamped autograph is easy to spot. Look for tiny irregularities, smudges, and light areas
Follow these expert sports autograph collecting tips
Here are a few additional tips that will help you be a safe and savvy collector:
Research the history of sports autographs: Your knowledge of dates, names, manufacturers, brands, trends, and even types of wood and fabric will help you make wise purchases.
Check the item description and pictures: Know your favorite athletes’ signature style, which can change over time. Start a file of reference autographs, so you can compare signatures. Keep in mind that ballpoint pens first appeared in the U.S. in 1945, and black permanent markers were not used before 1964. Email sellers with questions: From where did the item originate? Where and when was the item signed?
Look for sellers who are members of the Universal Autograph Collector Club (UACC): The UACC holds members accountable to a strict code of ethics. Buy from sellers who have references and a good return policy.
Educate yourself thoroughly on prices: Know what an item is worth before you bid. Avoid “too good to be true” deals that could be bogus.
Buy the best sports autographs you can afford: Focus on high-quality items that are likely to increase in value over time.
Remember: eBay does not review any listings for quality or authenticity. It is up to you to research the item you are interested in and obtain any information about its authenticity before you place a bid or buy.
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