How to Select Autographed Sports Cards

One of the purposes of collecting sports cards is to obtain autographs from your favorite athletes. Sports cards with autographs are viewed as cherished mementos as well as a long term financial investment. New collectors who want to add autographed sports cards to their collections need to know who to select authentic items.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Computer with Internet capability
• Updated card pricing guide

Identify Autographed Sports Cards

1. Read online materials on identifying and collecting autographed sports cards. Websites like GoSportsCards.com feature introductory resources on how to find the best autographed sports memorabilia for your money (see Resources below).
2. Consult card pricing guides found at dealers and book stores. These guides will often feature a sampling of updated prices for autographed sports cards in various conditions. Collectors can use these guides to establish a general budget for their sports card purchases.
3. Obtain autographs from your favorite athletes personally. Athletes often provide autographs for a fee at sports conventions and autograph signings in their local community. Many teams also have a fan day where select members of the team sign autographs for fans.
4. Gain certification and a document of appraisal for autographed goods you receive on your own. There are professional appraisal organizations that can assess your autograph for authenticity while providing a grade for the signed card. Certification in purchasing and selling cards is vital as it is difficult to prove the voracity of an individual's claim.
5. Ask autographed card dealers and individual sellers questions to put your mind at ease. Initial questions should determine how the autograph was obtained and the transaction history of the card. Collectors should also seek any certificates of authenticity and information on product returns.
6. Select a sport or a particular athlete that holds your long term interest. The cost of autographed sports cards can be prohibitive for collectors who only think about cards as a financial investment. Collectors who pursue their favorite team or sport can enjoy their hobby while ensuring a potential financial return in the future.

Tips & Warnings

• Never purchase an autographed sports card without viewing it personally. There are many people who claim to have autographed goods online or in print advertisements. Collectors should request a meeting with the seller or an overwhelming amount of evidence to demonstrate an authentic autograph.