Authenticating Your Game-Used Memorabilia
Collecting game-used memorabilia can be a lot of fun. Whether you’re a serious collector or just a casual fan, owning an item that was actually used in a major sporting event can be an incredibly rewarding experience. But before you buy any piece of memorabilia, it’s important to make sure it is authentic. Here are some tips for ensuring that your game-used memorabilia is the real deal.
Certificates of Authenticity
One way to guarantee that your game-used memorabilia is authentic is to purchase it from a dealer who offers a COA or LOA. An authenticity certificate is basically a document that states that the item in question was actually used in a particular game or event and has been verified as genuine by the dealer. This type of certificate provides buyers with peace of mind and allows them to easily prove the provenance of their items.
Product Tags/Stamps and Matching Serial Numbers
Some manufacturers tag their products with unique tags or serial numbers which can be used to match the item with its original source. For example, many modern game-used Major League Baseball jerseys and bats have unique hologram stamps and serial numbers which can be used to verify their authenticity. It’s also worth noting that some manufacturers also tag/stamp specific details about the product (such as the player’s name, team name etc.) onto their items as well. This information can be useful when trying to determine if an item is genuine or not.
Some subtle tagging differences are keys to look for as well. For example, when looking at the bottom of the manufacturer's tag inside a modern MLB jersey, team issued jerseys have a four digit number starting with 0, while store-bought jerseys will have a four digit number starting with 5. A small difference you may not know to look for can save you from a misinformed purchase!
Photo-Matching and Proof of Use
Maybe the best way to ensure that your game-used memorabilia is legitimate is to fine proof in photos and game footage. This could include photographs, videos, newspaper articles, or other types of documentation which shows that the item was indeed used in a particular game or event. If you are unable to acquire this type of proof then it may be wise to consider another piece instead as there’s no guarantee that what you are buying is genuine without corroboration from other sources.
Authenticating game-used memorabilia may seem intimidating at first but it doesn’t have to be! By taking advantage of authentication certificates, matching serial numbers and product stamps, or finding proof of use from in-game footage, sports collectors can rest assured knowing they have purchased an item with genuine historical value for their collection — one which will remain cherished for years to come!