The thrill of collecting trading cards is multi-faceted. You’re excited to land the cards, but now the trick is to preserve them, preferably in pristine condition. Having been around this great hobby for three decades, I’ve noticed a few things…
Autographs
Want a breakdown of the various signature styles of Mickey Mantle throughout his career, or a profile on some of the scarcest autographs in the hobby? Here’s where you would start.
Collecting While Stuck at Home | Write TTM Letters
In this new, limited blog series, “20 Ways to Collect While Stuck at Home,” we offer ideas for enjoying your collection at times when a standard hobby experience is not possible. Illness, financial constraints, or any number of factors might temporarily keep collectors from participating…
Collecting While Stuck at Home | How Sunlight Damages Your Cards
In this new, limited blog series, “20 Ways to Collect While Stuck at Home,” we offer ideas for enjoying your collection at times when a standard hobby experience is not possible. Illness, financial constraints, or any number of factors might…
PSA and KCBS-2 Examine Influx of Kobe Bryant Autographs
PSA Authenticator Reveals Telltale Signs The tragic death of L.A. Lakers legend Kobe Bryant on January 26, 2020, shocked and saddened the nation and fans across the globe. The 41-year-old star’s unexpected passing also set off a wave of fraudulent…
Nobody Authenticates Super Bowl Rings Quite Like PSA’s TJ Kaye
TJ Kaye is a veteran of sports authentication. His job is to certify championship rings, trophies and awards for PSA. With Super Bowl LIV (54) looming around the corner, this time of year gets busy for Kaye. It’s a…
Bidding on Rare Abraham Lincoln Signed Portrait Photo Closes January 16
Note: This entry was updated on January 17, 2020. Authentic Abraham Lincoln autographs are hard to find. And when one surfaces, it can often fetch a steep price at auction. These can vary from an Abraham Lincoln autographed letter…
Displaying Your Card Collection
In the collectibles community, there’s no greater joy than pulling a coveted card from a pack. Try and visualize unearthing Michael Jordan’s #57 rookie card from a previously uncracked wax pack of 1986 Fleer Basketball. Or what about snagging…
The Importance Behind Third-Party Authentication and Grading
One of the toughest decisions any collector faces is when to part ways with all or some of his collection. It’s often based on finances – or lack thereof – and brings with it an emotional toll. It could…
Authenticating a Babe Ruth Game-Used Bat Attributed to His 500th Home Run
On Sunday, August 11, 1929, the New York Yankees visited Cleveland’s League Park to take on the Indians. Babe Ruth, batting cleanup, led off the second inning of a scoreless game. On the first pitch he saw from Willis…
Jose Altuve: Houston’s ‘Little Big Man’ Continues His Hobby Surge
Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve stands just five feet, six inches tall. He tips the scales at 165 pounds, soaking wet. But his impact on Major League Baseball games, namely postseason contests since 2017, cannot be overstated. He…