Most Popular Types of Autographed Sports Memorabilia

Autographed sports memorabilia has always been among the most popular of all types of entertainment collectibles, but some types of sports memorabilia are more popular than others. If you’re just starting to collect memorabilia – or are just wondering if your favorite sports collectibles are on the most popular list – here’s a rundown of some of the most sought-after types of sports autographs.

Trading Cards

Signed or unsigned, sports trading cards have always been popular sports collectibles – but of course, autographed cards bring much higher value than unsigned cards. Since 1990, manufacturers have often inserted player-signed cards into collectible packs, so there are quite a few of them floating around. The condition of the card, its relative rarity and the popularity of the player will all play a part in determining the value of any particular trading card.

Autographed Balls

Game-used balls are also high on the list of the most popular autographed sports memorabilia. Surprisingly, balls signed by a single player are more valuable than those signed by several players, with a few notable exceptions, such as a championship game ball signed by every member of the winning team. Many athletes also sign balls – or, in the case of hockey memorabilia, hockey pucks – that haven’t ever seen game play. Those non-game balls will be worth less, but are easier to get. Always look for authentication of both the sports autograph and the game-use status of any piece of sports memorabilia.

Game Jerseys

Game jerseys have exploded in popularity as collectibles sports memorabilia in the past decade. Game-worn jerseys are popular football memorabilia, basketball memorabilia and hockey memorabilia. Again, there’s a difference in value between game-worn jerseys and autographed jerseys that were not worn on the court or on the field. Look for sweat stains, wear and tear or other signs of proof that the shirt was actually worn in a game before plunking down a bonus for a game-worn piece of autographed sports memorabilia.

Game-Used Equipment

Balls aren’t the only popular items in the world of sports and entertainment collectibles. Virtually any piece of equipment used in a game or in a practice can have some value to a sports collector. That includes such things as signed tee flags from golf tournaments or referee flags used in a football game.

If you’re considering the purchase of autographed sports memorabilia, make sure that you’re buying from a trusted buyer or ask for a certificate of authenticity from a certified third party authenticator. Collecting sports memorabilia is fun – but getting cheated is no fun for anyone.