The importance of having reputable authentication for your basketball autographs can’t be overstated, nor can tips for how to keep them looking good and free from damage. Here’s some insight on creating a collection built for the long haul.
Authentication
When buying autographed basketball memorabilia, it’s best to purchase something that’s been professionally authenticated or carries a commitment from the promoter of a private autograph signing. Most collectors trust firms like PSA/DNA, James Spence Authentication, Beckett, or SGC. Tri-Star and Steiner Sports are two others that have regular signing sessions with athletes and provide letters or holograms verifying authenticity.
Upper Deck has exclusive contracts with Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Ben Simmons, among others, so items carrying their authentication should be visible in their database. Lakers legend Kobe Bryant has an exclusive with Panini America and Golden State Warriors scoring machine Steph Curry has a deal with Steiner.
That’s not to say there aren’t good autographs in the market that don’t carry those types of pedigree as players do sign for fans or at special events but don’t be afraid to ask questions of the seller and verify what you’re buying is real. Read the description carefully and study the seller’s history.
Once you buy, be sure to keep the authentication in a safe place and don’t forget where you put it if it is not attached to the item. If and when you sell, you’ll probably need it.
Protecting Your Signed Basketball Memorabilia
If you own autographed basketball memorabilia (or any collectibles, for that matter), it’s important to take steps that will preserve the item. Autographs can fade. Dirt and dust can take their toll. If you’re going to pay a good price for authentic memorabilia, take a few simple steps to keep it looking good.
Here are a few basic things to do:
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- Store your autographs in a protective case. A signed college or NBA jersey, whether game-used or not should be put inside a nice display case or at least put on a hangar and out of the light. Trading cards should be put into holders and signed basketballs should take up residence inside a ball holder.
- Be aware of the amount of sunlight entering the room. Over a short period of time, autographed memorabilia that is stored in a room that gets a lot of sun will fade or start looking “tanned” in the area where the sun was hitting them directly. Store items out of direct sunlight. If you have memorabilia that would otherwise be impacted by light entering a room, close your blinds or curtains.
- It’s Ok to bring your items out of storage or out of their cases on occasion but be sure to return them promptly and don’t let someone with dirty, sweaty hands touch them.
Tips for Authentication
When sending your own autographed items in to be authenticated, watch for monthly specials conducted by the companies to save a little money. You’ll likely mail them in but the authenticators do make regular appearances at card/autograph shows and sometimes in local card shops or at other events. Check their websites for more information.
Don’t be too afraid to ship your items. These companies conduct most of their business this way and will treat your items with care, then get them back to you in good order.
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