People who are unfamiliar with sports cards in the 21st century usually ask the question, "Do you still get a piece of bubblegum when you open a pack?" Some policies will also provide a limit of automatic coverage for newly acquired memorabilia.ROCHESTER, Mich. Look for a policy that provides worldwide coverage so your items are protected at your home, in transit, and while in storage. To protect your collectibles from damage, theft, or loss, consider purchasing a valuable articles insurance policy from a company that understands your passion and provides “all-risk” coverage. Keep your items away from direct sunlight and fluorescent lighting so they don’t fade and maintain constant temperature and humidity levels.
#AUTOGRAPH SPORTS COLLECTOR PROFESSIONAL#
If you are framing a piece, use a professional framer who specializes in sports collectibles and uses acid-free materials. Acrylic cases are popular because they are cheaper than glass, less likely to break, and offer the added benefit of UV protection. To make sure your sports memorabilia stays in good condition, protect it by placing each piece in a quality display case or frame. Also, make sure each piece is reviewed by a reputable authentication service. And it will allow you to see more clearly what you have and what you might need to fill in the gaps in your collection. That will allow you to more easily get the collection appraised for insurance purposes. Keep an inventory of all of your sports memorabilia, including pertinent details such as name, manufacturer, condition, year made, dealer, and value. Have your collection graded and appraised For example, if your sports hero charges $250 US to sign a helmet, and you see a signed helmet for $200 US, you know it’s a fake. They often charge for their signature, so if you can find out how much they charge, you’ll have a better idea of what is authentic and what’s not. Many athletes will sign contracts with memorabilia retailers, to autograph products that can be sold only through that company.
To protect yourself from fraud, learn about the habits of the specific athletes you’re interested in. Even if you are collecting as an investment, make sure you’re buying pieces that you have a passion for or a connection to – in case they don’t end up being worth more than you paid for them.Īn estimated $500,000 US is lost each year due to fraudulent sales of sports memorabilia. Many collectors buy items simply for the love of having those special pieces in their possession. Not every piece of sports memorabilia will go up in value over time. Make sure you love it, because it might not appreciate in value Most collectors will tell you there are no short cuts to putting together a collection you love and that’s worth substantial money. Not every piece you want for your collection will be available right now, so have some patience and be willing to wait a few months (or even years) for the right item to surface. Make sure the dealer you buy from has a money-back guarantee or the items are certified by independent, respected authorities like Professional Sports Authenticators (PSA/DNA) or James Spence Authentication (JSA). You may be able to find treasures at yard sales, flea markets, or antique stores, but make sure you know what you’re buying before you buy. Serious collectors can help you find the most trustworthy dealers who sell authentic sports memorabilia. One of the most important things you’ll need is a reputable dealer you can trust. That’s a good way to gather insights, connect with other collectors, and talk to people who share your passion and can help you build a collection of your own, the right way. If you’re new to collecting sports memorabilia, you may want to join a forum or blog dedicated to collecting these types of items. Join a sports memorabilia forum, or sports blog dedicated to collecting Check out the Beckett’s Price Guide and compare their prices to other industry pricing guides to get a price range for the piece you want.
#AUTOGRAPH SPORTS COLLECTOR HOW TO#
Look at auction records, hobby publications, and collecting forums on the internet for information about the item, how much it typically costs, and how to spot fraud. Having a budget will help you narrow your search after all, there’s no need to look at signed Wayne Gretzky gear if you’re working with limited funds.īefore making any purchases, research the items you’re considering buying. Instead of trying to collect everything you can get your hands on, you may want to focus your efforts on one particular sport, team, athlete or type of item.ĭetermine a budget for yourself, keeping in mind that you’ll need frames or display cases as well as the items themselves. Sports memorabilia can include photos, trading cards, jerseys, helmets, balls, bats, and other sports equipment that is directly associated with an athlete, team, sporting event, or sporting venue.