Autographed Major League Baseball memorabilia is extremely popular, and Mickey Mantle memorabilia could be the most popular of all. For example, a baseball signed by The Mick, which was Mickey Mantle’s nickname, can be worth as much $500 to $800. Other baseball objects with legitimate autographs include a signed bat that could sell for an estimated $4000 to $6000 and a jersey with an authentic signature that sells for an estimated $6000 to $8000.
An authentic autograph by Mickey Mantle is the stuff of legend. Mantel was one of the most admired major league baseball players of all times. Possessing a bat or ball or cap with his autograph on it is similar to possessing a rare gem stone. Further, is like having a genuine piece of American history in hand because of the tremendous role baseball plays in American society. It could be said that major league baseball players are held in the same regard as royalty, and that these players, such as Mantle, represent the American ideals of sportsmanship, determination and commitment to winning to the rest of the world.
As a result of the extremely high prices demanded by sellers of autographed Mickey Mantle balls, caps and bats, collectors who are experts at identifying authentic autographs suggest that every effort to secure a certificate of authenticity (COA) along with the autographed object be made by the potential buyer of the item. It is important to keep in mind that due to the value of the genuine pieces, the opportunity for fraud are extremely high, and the disappointment of discovering that the bat, ball or cap that cost a large sum of money because it has Mantel’s signature on it is a fake can be devastating to a new collector.
With these difficulties in mind, it might be a good idea for the new or inexperienced collector to learn about affordable sports memorabilia and how to start a collection.
Affordable Sports Memorabilia
Affordable sports memorabilia can be found and purchased by the beginning collector with a little knowledge of the different categories of sports items. A collectable item can be any object directly associated with a specific athlete, athletic team, or sports event. These collectable objects can include football, hockey or baseball sportswear actually worn by athletes. In addition to the actual sportswear, there are autographed baseballs, helmets, footballs, pucks and hockey sticks. Further, signed photos, tickets and golf balls can be added to a beginning collection at affordable prices.
While beginning a sports memorabilia collection can be an exciting activity, make sure not to purchase an object based on emotion alone. When considering a purchase, it is a very good idea to research the object on the Internet. While there are many fake sports items offered for sale, there are many web sites that offer specific information that can help a beginning collector determine if the offered object is genuine. Also, the Internet supplies the collector ample opportunities to cross reference the prices of specific items such as footballs and baseballs.
There are many sources of information about the actual value of sports memorabilia on the Internet, and it should be quite easy to determine if the object being offered for sale is reasonably priced. Keep in mind that if the deal seems too good to be true, it probably is an offer that should be avoided by the savvy collector. If possible, try to purchase the sports item from a reputable source and attempt to obtain a Certificate of Authority (COA).
As always, the safest source to purchase sports memorabilia from is a dealer licensed by sports leagues and associations such as Major League Baseball (MLB), the National Football League (NFL) or the National Basketball Association (NBA).
Sports Collectibles & Memorabilia
A sports collectibles & memorabilia collection can be both fun and profitable for the discerning fan. As a hobby, collecting sports memorabilia can provide many hours of pleasure by allowing the fan to build a physical demonstration of acquired sports knowledge. There are many web sites and Internet forums than can offer fans the opportunity to participle in a group effort to identify the most valuable items. In addition, these online sources and offer the collector the opportunity to interact with others who share the passion and dedication needed to build a strong collection.
Collecting sports memorabilia can be a very rewarding activity, and it is one that can offer the possibility of very positive family activity that can span entire generations. What could be a nicer way to pass along a legacy than an authentic piece of Mickey Mantle Memorabilia such as a signed baseball?