How to Buy Autographed Footballs

Your collection of football memorabilia is not complete until you find the right autographed football. You can buy an autographed football from your favorite player or get a group autograph from a successful team. The key is finding a trustworthy and experienced source.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Select an era of college or professional football before you decide which autographed balls to buy. The value of a ball signed by a Heisman Trophy winner may be higher than a professional ball depending on the era, player and team. This choice can help define your collection of autographed footballs in the future.

2. Examine the legibility of an autograph before purchase. Collectors with a legitimate autograph from current and former players will maintain their footballs for clear viewing by potential buyers.

3. Gather information and anecdotes on certain autographs from local collectors and experienced autograph seekers. You can assess the true value of a certain autograph and steer clear of autographed footballs that are marked up beyond their worth.

4. Look through online auctions on a regular basis to find the Internet market for autographed footballs. There are plenty of auction websites devoted to sports memorabilia and autographed items in particular available.

5. Give your memorabilia funds to a good cause when you buy an autographed football at a charity auction. Local charities often partner with colleges, NFL teams and collectors to auction off valuable items for the benefit of the charity.

6. Create a storage space for autographed footballs when you begin to accumulate a significant number of them. You can clear out space on your desk, bookshelf or entertainment center to show off your latest investment. Higher-end display systems feature a glass case, reflective surface and display lights for better viewing.

7. Pursue autographs from team members of the original signer to increase the value of your football. Your autographed football may feature the MVP of a Super Bowl or a veteran player in his last performance. Most teams host reunions of past teams to commemorate their achievements and allow fans to get valuable autographs.

Tips & Warnings

• Request a history of an autographed football from the collector before you make a purchase. Buy footballs that have been autographed following an important game or have at least seen action in an NFL game.
• New footballs that were signed by a player are valuable, but will not have the historical value.

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on 4/28/2008 Check out a reputable vendor like www.number1sports.com.