⚾ Sports Memorabilia Reselling
Reseller Guide
Market Categories
| Category | Price Range | Key Factors |
|---|---|---|
| Autographs | $20-$50,000+ | Player, item signed, authentication |
| Game-Used/Worn | $100-$500,000+ | Player, significance, provenance |
| Vintage Items | $50-$100,000+ | Age, rarity, condition |
| Modern Collectibles | $20-$5,000 | Limited editions, player popularity |
| Trading Cards | $1-$5,000,000+ | See our Trading Cards Guide |
Autographs
What Affects Value
- The Player: HOFers, legends, current superstars command premiums
- Item Signed: Premium items (jersey, bat, helmet) > photos > cards > index cards
- Signature Quality: Bold, clean sigs worth more than faded or rushed
- Inscription: "HOF 20XX" or stats can add 10-50% value
- Authentication: PSA/DNA, JSA, Beckett BAS = required for serious sales
- Deceased Players: Supply fixed forever, prices often rise
Authentication Companies
- PSA/DNA: Most recognized, gold standard for autos
- JSA (James Spence): Highly respected, strong for vintage
- Beckett Authentication (BAS): Trusted, good for cards/photos
- UpperDeck Authenticated (UDA): Direct from player signings
⚠️ Forgery Alert: 50%+ of unauth'd autographs on the market are fake. NEVER buy expensive autographs without authentication. The $50 authentication fee protects a $500+ investment.
Game-Used & Game-Worn
Types of Game-Used Items
- Game-Worn Jersey: Actually worn in a game - highest value
- Team-Issued Jersey: Made for player but may not be worn - lower value
- Game-Used Bat: Used in actual games - check for use marks
- Game-Used Ball: From specific games/moments
- Equipment: Gloves, cleats, helmets, pads
Provenance Matters
- Team LOA: Letter of authenticity from the team
- Photo Matching: Photos showing item in game use
- MLB/NFL Hologram: League authentication programs
- Player/Agent COA: Direct from source
- Auction House Provenance: Heritage, Goldin, etc.
💡 Photo Matching: Serious collectors use high-res game photos to match jersey details (stitching, stains, damage) to items. Photo-matched items can be worth 2-5x more.
Where to Source
- Estate Sales: Often underpriced, check provenance carefully
- Garage Sales: Rare finds, usually common items
- Auctions: Goldin, Heritage, Lelands, Hunt Auctions
- eBay: Wide selection, buyer protections, fees ~13%
- Card Shows: Sports memorabilia dealers, network
- Player Signings: Get items signed directly
- Team Sales: Game-used equipment sales
Where to Sell
| Platform | Fees | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| eBay | ~13% | Most items, large audience |
| Goldin Auctions | 15-20% | High-end, $1,000+ |
| Heritage Auctions | 20%+ | Premium vintage items |
| COMC | Variable | Cards/small items, consignment |
| Facebook Groups | 0% | Direct sales, sport-specific |
| Card Shows | Table fee | Volume, networking |
Red Flags
- Price too good: $50 "authenticated" Michael Jordan jersey = fake
- No authentication: "Trust me" isn't authentication
- COA from unknown company: Many fake auth companies exist
- Seller refuses inspection: Legit sellers welcome scrutiny
- Inconsistent story: Provenance doesn't add up
- Mass-produced look: Real game items show use
What's Hot
- Current Superstars: Ohtani, Mahomes, Curry, Messi
- Rookie Items: Autographs from rookie year
- Championship Gear: Super Bowl, World Series items
- Vintage Pre-War: 1920s-1940s items appreciating
- Deceased HOFers: Fixed supply, increasing demand
💡 Loading Gear...
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.