Autographed Memorabilia: How to Spot a Fake

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Most sports fans who want a piece of their favorite team or player have heard the discouraging figure-50% fake. So how can you tell the real sports autographs from the frauds?

When seeking out autographed sports memorabilia, it doesn't hurt to pay attention to the item the athlete signed. This is especially true of vintage signatures. Unfortunately, even cheap signatures from mildly promising rookies are now suspect. Materials and technology have made it so easy to produce items in quantity and slap a sports autograph on them that even a baseball valued at $6 in the buyer's guide could turn a profit if the forger sells enough.

At least with vintage signatures, you can be on your guard. Some companies make reproductions, which were never intended to be represented as authentic. Unscrupulous forgers will often use these items for their sports autographs. If a baseball feels suspiciously light for the 1950's or if it's a synthetic game used jersey from the 60's, you should stay away.

Second, are fantasy items. A good example are jerseys from the Negro leagues, or other disbanded ball clubs. These sports memorabilia are extremely scarce and are being reproduced in colors and styles that never truly existed. If that Dodgers cap says "BROOKLYN" in a modern font, it's certainly not authentic, no matter whose signature is on it. You can always Steiner products and Upper Deck.