For serious collectors, understanding the value of sports memorabilia is essential. An appraisal can protect you from selling valuable items for far less than their true worth. Conversely, an appraisal can prevent overpaying for items of little value.
Here are some resources for getting your sports memorabilia appraised:
1. **All Authentic Sports Memorabilia:** This company employs professionals who provide references and offer immediate appraisals.
2. **Vintage Sports Memorabilia Appraisals:** Specializing in vintage items (pre-1980), this service maintains a sports artifacts library. Email inquiries, limited to two items, are preferred.
3. **Krause Standard Catalog of Sports Memorabilia Price Guide:** This catalog provides pricing information for a wide range of sports collectibles.
4. **Robert Connelly:** An appraiser and member of the American Society of Appraisers and honored by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, Connelly conducts appraisal clinics.
5. **American Legends:** Established in 1992, American Legends provides paid appraisal services.
6. **Sports Memorabilia Appraisal Expert Witness:** This service offers background information and an 800 number, lending credibility to their appraisal business.
Beyond resale value, appraisals are crucial for insurance purposes. Insurance companies often require documented proof of value before insuring sports memorabilia. The Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice is recognized in courts and accepted by banks, insurers, auction houses, and the IRS.
Avoid relying solely on local sports shops for appraisals. For high-value items, consider obtaining multiple opinions to ensure accuracy and gain peace of mind. Values fluctuate, so seek updated appraisals before selling. Items associated with retired players often hold their value better due to their unchanging status.
Selling to the right buyer is also key. Dealers may not always offer the listed price. Beware of forgeries and misrepresented items. Sweat stains don’t automatically authenticate a jersey; anyone can fake that. Look for smudged autographs, worn edges on cards, and other signs of tampering. A trained appraiser will be able to identify these details.
Card grading offers some assurance of authenticity. Graded cards are sealed to prevent card switching, a dishonest practice. An appraiser should be familiar with graded cards and their values.
Counterfeit items are prevalent. A seemingly great deal can be a scam. One collector’s daughter learned this the hard way when a box of cards contained only one authentic card, the one displayed on the box. An appraisal can reveal a worthless collection before money is wasted.