Autographed cards have been steadily growing in popularity in recent years. Once just a child’s novelty, signed trading cards, particularly vintage and key examples, have become a legitimate hobby category that is enjoyed by many high-end collectors. For more than…
Tag: Autographs
PSA’s Top Auction Prices Realized in 2018
With a big assist coming from the late, great Mickey Mantle, Professional Sports Authenticator (www.PSAcard.com) is happy to report that it once again certified tens of thousands of sports cards and autographs in 2018 including 10 of the most…
Holiday Gift Ideas for the Collector
Oh the holidays… That time of year when our love for one another and generosity of spirit are often frustrated by the challenge of finding a proper gift for the collectors in our lives. Let’s face it, if your are…
First Day Cover: Baseball’s Remarkable Delivery
A very special baseball-related item was up for auction last week. It’s a piece that boasts the signatures of 11 members of Major League Baseball’s inaugural Hall of Fame class, in addition to the autograph of MLB’s very first…
Inscriptions Can Turn Autographed Cards into Historical Markers
There was a time in our hobby when inscriptions on autographs were much different than they are now. First of all, they were not represented by an additional charge at autograph signings. Second, they typically came in the form…
PSA’s Kevin Keating Appears on Episode of ‘American Pickers’
Kevin Keating is PSA’s principal autograph authenticator. He evaluates and inspects thousands of autographs every year on behalf of PSA and routinely offers his services on the road. Recently, Keating was invited to appear on an episode of “American…
Autograph Collecting 101
When it comes to acquiring athletes’ signatures, there are plenty of ways to go about the pursuit. After several decades of collecting autographs, I’ve discovered that honesty and politeness can go a long way. By honesty, I mean ask…
Gridiron Glory: The Lost Art of Signing
Throughout 30 years of covering, researching and writing about this great hobby, I’ve discovered one indisputable truth. The level of penmanship practiced by professional athletes has waned considerably. Is the habit of signing one’s name a lost art? Maybe…
PSA Announces New Office Opening in Tokyo
PSA is pleased to announce the opening of a satellite office in Tokyo, Japan this month. After researching, visiting and gauging the viability of the Japanese market, PSA officials determined that now presents the right time to make its…
Perfect Penmanship: Recognizing Six Quality Autographs
There have been countless lists compiled surrounding baseball autographs. Many of them have to do with the highest prices realized at auctions, while others focus on the popularity of the players themselves. But what I’d like to do with…