How to Price Autographed Sports Memorabilia

Pricing

• 1

  Many factors will affect the price of the sports memorabilia. These include:
  *The popularity and talent of the athlete
  *How easy it is to find the article, or its rarity on the open market
  *The amount of time that has passed since the autograph was secured
  *The article's use in an actual game, particularly one of significance (such as the Super Bowl or World Series).

• 2

  Consult price guides to get an idea what your item might be worth. Some sources might produce a ballpark figure (no pun intended), while others might have a price listed for your particular item. Price guides include Beckett (beckett.com) and collect sports.com. Also, consult a manager/owner of a local card shop, as these people often have years of experience and can aid in pricing your item. Securing several appraisals will give you more of a foundation with which to work, though it might cost you a bit more.

• 3

  Consider the condition of your article because that will affect the price. For cards, bent corners or fading can lower the price. For balls and bats not used in a game, scrapes, stains or other noticeable blemishes may lower value.

• 4

  Secure an appraisal from a certified, respected memorabilia expert if you want to be sure you have accurately priced an item. Also, eHow.com's Games &Toys Editor suggests taking rare or potentially pricey items to an auction house to secure the highest return on investment.