What Is the Future for Manufactured Memorabilia

Published Originally by Sports Collectors Daily on Monday, July 18, 2011.

Steiner Sports says it has sold $3 million worth of Derek Jeter memorabilia since last Saturday, when the 37-year-old Yankee captain reached the 3,000 hit mark.  Hitting a homer--and having superfan Christian Lopez give it back no doubt helped push the feel good story forward and compelled many to plunk down $700 for a signed baseball and $600-800 for an autographed photo.

There's little doubt others went the eBay route, choosing to save a few bucks in buying something made earlier on the secondary market.

Yankee fans have coveted Derek Jeter autographs for years, but the milestone puts him in a unique position as the only Yankee to reach 3,000.

But what's the role of player achievement items--created in the moment and often priced at a high level--in relation to game-used items or one-of-a-kind pieces?  Would you rather have an $800 Jeter signed photo or put the money toward a Ty Cobb autograph or one-of-a-kind vintage photograph?