NBC News has aired a lengthy investigative story on a collection of baseball memorabilia purchased as an investment now believed to be fake. A retired New Jersey firefighter, the late Charles Kerr bought items advertised as signed by Babe Ruth, Joe DiMaggio, Willie Mays, Derek Jeter and other greats. Now his family believes he was swindled for over $100,000 by a dealer … [Read more...] about NBC News Story: Family Says Dealer Sold Them Large Amount of Bogus Autographs
authentication advice
SGC to Open Uniform Authentication Division
SGC will open a new game-worn uniform authentication division next month. Long-time authenticator and researcher Dave Grob has left MEARS and joined SGC to help spearhead the new effort. A long-time collector and known as a meticulous researcher, Grob is a leading authority on vintage baseball uniforms and has written hundreds of articles on game-worn uniforms and … [Read more...] about SGC to Open Uniform Authentication Division
Quick Opinion Service for eBay Autographs Now More Visible
For the last 16 years, PSA/DNA has offered its Quick Opinion Service for autographed items on eBay, but now the process will be easier—and more visible. Collectors who are hesitant about purchasing an autographed item because of forgery concerns can get a PSA/DNA authenticator's opinion before clicking the “Add to cart,” “Place bid,” “Make Offer” or “Buy It Now” … [Read more...] about Quick Opinion Service for eBay Autographs Now More Visible
8 Collecting Tips To Help You Avoid Being Ripped Off
Other than losing a collection of cards or having a prized collection stolen, it may be a collector's worst nightmare. Each year, collectors are duped over and over by purchasing fake or altered cards. With improved printing capabilities and other technologies, it is easier than ever to create authentic-looking forged and altered vintage cards. While no 100% foolproof … [Read more...] about 8 Collecting Tips To Help You Avoid Being Ripped Off
Not Always Cardboard: Unusual Materials Used to Make Trading Cards
By tradition, trading cards have been made out of rectangular cardstock. In fact, the dictionary definition of card usually is a rectangular piece of cardstock or heavy paper. However, card companies have at times stretched or radically broken the trading card rules and issued cards, or at least card-related collectibles, using unusual materials and/or different … [Read more...] about Not Always Cardboard: Unusual Materials Used to Make Trading Cards
Vintage Sports Memorabilia Q and A
The following are answers to assorted questions from the proverbial mail bag. QUESTION: I've heard that collectors sometimes soak old cards in water in order to remove album paper and glue from the backs. Won't the water dissolve off or smear the printing ink? ANSWER: I'm not giving advice whether or not you should or shouldn't soak cards, but I can tell you that old card … [Read more...] about Vintage Sports Memorabilia Q and A