Autographs mean different things to different people. For some, they are reminders of chance encounters with childhood heroes, or of hours spent waiting to meet – even if only for a couple of seconds – a favorite athlete or entertainer. They also can be prized possessions, treasured gifts or shrewd investments.
They also can be fake.
Buy, Value or Appraise Your Sports Autographs and Memorabilia
Bid or buy sports memorabilia for sale, value your item, or request a free appraisal to sell your collection.
How to Tell a Fake Sports Autograph
The validity of an autograph sometimes is beyond doubt. Watch the person sign in person and the authenticity is iron-clad. When showing the autograph, especially to a potential buyer, an accompanying photo or video of the signing definitely goes a long way toward strengthening the provenance. If those options aren’t available, buying autographs with paperwork from leading authenticators increases the chance that the autograph is genuine.
Sports autographs are a big business, which unfortunately means there are those out there who will present something for sale that is not what the seller claims. If you buy or receive an autographed item, look it up to compare it against verified signatures by the same person. If it clearly doesn’t match verified autographs from the same person, the answer is disappointing but clear. However, some fakes are very good, even to someone with a discerning eye. They can be written – well – by other people including agents, equipment managers, team office personnel or sometimes printed with a stamp. The first step always is to take any autograph you did not personally witness being signed to an expert for authentication.
Especially in regard to sports autographs, there are certain indicators that an untrained eye can spot which can raise red flags that merit more thorough investigation:
- Check the location of an autograph in relation to a baseball’s stitches. If a signature creeps into the stitches, chances are good that it was stamped or done with an autopen. Pens do not sign smoothly over stitches, especially if the stitches are raised to a significant height and/or in stark contrast to the surface of the ball, and even if they could, it is highly unlikely that anyone would sign that way.
- An autograph on a ball from any sport – baseball, football, basketball, etc. – often will be on an official or regulation ball. Yes, there are times when athletes and coaches sign replica or commemorative balls, but most real balls are stamped somehow, either with the logo of the manufacturer (Wilson, Spalding, etc.), a specific model of the ball or even the name of an athlete who has commercially endorsed it. One easy way to identify a stamped signature is the absence of a manufacturer’s mark. Almost no baseballs have been made without a maker’s mark, and discerning between regulation and retail balls is a distraction, since the only significant difference is the fact that regulation and retail balls have the maker’s mark that stamped balls lack. Beyond that, the only difference, in terms of authentication, is that unsigned regulation or retail balls from decades ago are difficult to find; therefore, many forgeries of now-dead players appear on non-official balls.
- Another indicator is the color of ink used on any autograph. Not all balls written in black ink are stamped, but almost all stamped balls are written in black ink.
- Stamped balls usually are team balls, rather than those carrying single autographs. But team balls that are not stamped are less likely to be fakes than single-signed balls, because it is tougher to fake the signatures of an entire team, or group of players, than to mimic a single autograph.
All of these are not meant to discourage autograph collectors; on the contrary, this is intended to help collectors acquire what they think they are getting when they plunk down their money. More than anything, unless you personally watch someone sign before handing an item directly to you, it always is best to get it appraised by an expert.
Written by: Steve Lansdale
I have a variety of special items. Mostly boxing and baseball. Two of my most interesting pieces include an catcher’s chest guard which states: “THOU SHALT NOT STEAL” and signed by Bill Dickey. Another extra special piece is a very old punching bag given to me personally by Clint Davidson (a former world boxing champion) bequeathed to me upon his death by his wife. Signatures that he personally obtained over many years on it include: Jersey Joe Walcott; Max Baer; Buddy Baer; Gene Tunny, Henry Armstrong; Suger Ray Robinson and many others. Jake LaMata; Archie Moore; Sandy Saddler; Willie Pep; Harold Johnson; Gene Fulmer; James Braddock; Billy Conn; Carmen Basilio; Jess Willard; Jack Dempsey; Luis Firpo; Tony Zale and two others I cannot identify.
Hello Mr. Witzer,
Thank you for your comments. If you are interested in learning more about your item please submit a free auction evaluation at: https://www.ha.com/c/acquisitions.zx?target=auctionevaluation&type=kk-fb-cs-freeeval-070714 or you can email images to bid@ha.com.
Greetings Mr. Witzer,
I have an autographed baseball signed by Mickey Mantle. I also have a color Polaroid photograph of the Mick and myself posing together during a touring of locations for his book signing of his book called “The Mick” in 1986. I was assigned to be his security escort in Houston, Texas at the then Foley’s Department Store. I had the signature on the baseball verified as authentic at a Sports Memorabilia Show. At that time was told the signature was genuine but since it was on a Rawlings “Little League Base Ball” the value would only become only of sentimental valuable to me and a monetary value would not be much more than maybe $200.00 – $300.00 dollars if at all. Can you advise if the assessment I’ve provided to me from the person authenticating the signature on the ball is correct or would there be any other value to the ball?
That assessment is correct, we would estimate your Mantle signed ball at the same value.
I have a ball signed by Joe D and Mickey M and Lefty G. All were gotten by myself at different times in my life. Would that ball be worth much to someone? I also have balls signed by 50’s and 60’s Dodgers and Reds and White Sox teams when they came through Macon on the way north after spring training.
Thank you for your message. If you are interested in selling or learning more about your items, please email front and back images to bid@HA.com. A Specialist will review and contact you to discuss.
I have numerous baseballs signed by former presidents of the US. Some signed during their presidency some before or after. I have no pictures/videos of the signings but they all were handed to each of them by myself or friends. I also have a couple of Vice Presidents as well. What is the best way to authenticate these?
Ron,
We would like to get more information about your baseball along with Photos. If you are interested in learning more about your item, selling, or would like to receive a free auction evaluation, please:
– Submit a free auction evaluation: https://www.ha.com/c/acquisitions.zx?target=auctionevaluation&type=social-cs-Facebookfreeeval-092517
– Reply with your email address and one of our sports experts will follow up with you.
Is there any value in bobbleheads? I have a Johnny Damon Red Sox Bobblehead, which is usually unremarkable and unvaluable, I know…. except that it has an error, whereas he is wearing Yaz’s number 8 instead of his own number 18. Any value? I have the retail packaging, although it is sliced open on edge.
Linda,
Thanks for reaching out and sharing. Depending on the rarity and age of the bobblehead there is value. If you would like an expert to take a look, please feel free to submit an online evaluation at: https://www.ha.com/c/acquisitions.zx?target=auctionevaluation&type=social-cs-Facebookfreeeval-092517
I have 38 autographed baseballs signed by Yankee players of the 90’s. All have certificates of authenticity. How can I get an idea of their value?
Bruce,
To see how much your item is worth, visit https://www.ha.com/c/acquisitions.zx?target=auctionevaluation&type=social-cs-hablogfreeeval-092517 . You can also call us at 1-800-872-6467.
I am trying to get my son a signed baseball by his favorite team. I’ll take your advice and make sure that the ball is stamped with the manufacturer’s verification. Then I’ll take it to a professional to make sure it is the real deal.
Chris, Thank you for your comment! We hope you are able to find that baseball!
Sharpie autograph pens can be described in a nutshell as having a boldness that can be seen from afar. These pens/markers never cease to amaze me with what they can do, whether it’s doodling, autographing baseballs, or scribbling on any surface. As a result, they are appropriately referred to as multipurpose pens.
My husband has 5X7 photos that were hand outs at the Cleveland Indians games in Cleveland, OH from the early 50s in mint condition. These pictures are of managers & players, Satchel Page included. Would these have any value other than sentimental value.
This is one that I think should be directed to the Sports group. Send your question along with pictures and your contact information to Sports@ha.com.
I have a Indianapolis Colts Superbowl team signed pennant that comes with two COAs, unfortunately, one is from GIA who are not the most trusted in the game and the other I have never heard from. Any advice?
Hello, reach out to our sports group at Sports@ha.com with your question. If you include pictures and contact information, they should give you advise on the item. Thanks for reaching out!
I have a promotional poster for The Rolling Stones album “Stripped” signed by all (4) members AND a partial fanzine page with a photo of my late friend, John Lee Hooker and Keith Richards., signed by both men.
These are priceless to me, especially since I witnessed the signings backstage at the personal invitation of drummer Charlie Watts, whom I also knew well.
At issue is the fact that both items have been professionally laminated after the fact to preserve the autographs from fading. The laminate is 100% clear and colorless. Does it negate the value of the items? I’d hate to think so.
A specialist would need to tell you more about your item. You can email pictures, a description and your contact information to Music@ha.com. What a great story! Chris W. – Client Data Specialist, Heritage Auctions, 1-800-872-6467.
I have a couple signed baseballs I believe one is signed by New York Yankee player. I would like to get them authenticated. Any help pointing me in the right direction
Thank-You
Hello. Heritage doesn’t authenticate signatures, but we may have someone who can point you in the right direction. You can send pictures and your contact information to Sports@ha.com. A specialist will contact you back as soon possible. Thanks for reaching out to Heritage!