You probably have been collecting sports memorabilia for years. But can you still recall why you got into this habit in the first place? Most people would answer that they just love sports. Or they are die-hard fans of a certain team or player.
Either way, sports memorabilia can actually be valuable investments. And we will take you through some reasons why you should switch from being a casual collector to a more serious investor.
Reasons Why Sports Memorabilia is a Good Investment
Who would have thought that the items you display in your room or office could one day be worth a lot of money? But it is true. Why is that? Let’s take a look at a few reasons:
The Market is Ever-Growing
The sports memorabilia industry has been around for more than a century now. And it is only getting bigger. In the United States alone, the industry is now worth an estimated $5 billion!
This expansion is being driven by the increasing popularity of sports. In the past, only a handful of countries were into competitive sports. But now, almost every country has some form of organized sports.
Stability and Long-Term Investment Potential
Sports memorabilia can be a stable investment because it is not subject to the volatility of the stock market. The value of your collection will not go up and down with the whims of the market. Rather, it will slowly and steadily appreciate over time.
Can Appreciate in Value
The value of most sports memorabilia usually appreciates over time. This is because there is a limited supply of certain items, and as demand for them increases, so does their value. For example, a signed baseball from Babe Ruth is only going to become more valuable as time goes on.
Hedge Against Inflation
Sports memorabilia can also be a hedge against inflation. As the cost of living goes up, the value of your collection will likely go up as well. This is because the prices of collectibles are often tied to the inflation rate.
Source of Passive Income
Sports memorabilia can also serve as a source of passive income. If you have a valuable collection, you can loan it out to museums or galleries for exhibitions. You can also sell pieces of your collection to other collectors or investors at a good price.
What Sports Memorabilia You Should Collect and Invest In
But if it’s only been a month or two since you started collecting sports memorabilia, you might be wondering what pieces you should get. That’s all right, and you are not alone. Many people have the same question when they start out. And your long search and wait are finally over.
Here are the best sports memorabilia you cannot afford to miss:
Baseballs
You can never go wrong with signed baseballs. They are some of the most popular and most valuable items in the sports memorabilia industry. A signed baseball from Babe Ruth, for example, is worth tens of thousands of dollars.
To get the most value out of your signed baseball, make sure that it is authenticated by a reputable third party. This will ensure that the signature is genuine and not fake.
Jerseys
Another great item to collect and invest in are jerseys. Like signed baseballs, they can also be quite valuable, especially if they are autographed by popular players, such as LeBron James, Cristiano Ronaldo, or Lionel Messi.
But, it is never easy to find an authentic signed jersey. That is why it is important that you only buy from sellers or stores known for trusted collection sports memorabilia near me Trussville, AL. You should also try to get a certificate of authenticity (COA) whenever possible.
Bats
Do you already have baseballs and jerseys in your collection? Well, why not add bats to the mix? Bats are also great collectibles, and they can be quite valuable, especially if they are used by players, including Derek Jeter, Mickey Mantle, and Stan Musial.
But since bats are a unique item, they can be quite difficult to find. You might have to search high and low to finally find one that you want. But that will not be the case with trusted collection sports memorabilia near me Trussville, AL. You just have to prepare your pocket because they can be quite expensive.
Rings
No collection is complete without rings. They are the ultimate symbol of success in sports, and they can be worth a lot of money, especially if they are from winning teams in leagues, including the Super Bowl, the World Series, or the NBA Finals.
But you have to be careful when buying rings because there are a lot of fake ones on the market. That is why you should only buy from reputable sellers or stores when you search for trusted collection sports memorabilia near me Trussville, AL.
How to Know If a Sports Memorabilia is Authentic or Not
Now that you know some of the best sports memorabilia to collect and invest in, you might be wondering how you can tell if they are authentic or not. Here are a few tips that you can follow:
Check for a Certificate of Authenticity
The first thing you should do is check if the item comes with a certificate of authenticity. This document can usually be found on the seller or store’s website. If you cannot find it there, you can always ask the seller or store for it.
Do Your Research
If you are not sure about the authenticity of an item, it is always best to do your research first. There are a lot of online forums and groups dedicated to sports memorabilia where you can ask for advice from other collectors.
Check the Item Yourself
When you finally have the item in your hands, take a close look at it to see if there are any obvious signs that it is fake. For example, if you are looking at a baseball, check to see if the stitching is even and if the signature is genuine.
Get It Appraised
Let’s say you have already checked for a certificate of authenticity or have done your homework, and you still feel unsure about the item. In that case, the best thing you can do is to get it appraised by qualified pros.
This will give you a better idea of its value and will also help you determine if it is indeed 100% authentic.
Take Your Time
Investing in sports memorabilia can be quite tricky, but that does not mean that you should rush into it. Take your time to find the right item and to make sure that it is indeed authentic. After all, you would not want to waste your money on a fake item.
These are just some of the things you need to know about collecting sports memorabilia. If you are planning to start your own collection, be sure to keep these tips in mind. And if you are ever in doubt, always remember that you can always ask for help from experts or other collectors.
How to Take Good Care of Your Sports Memorabilia
Now that you know how to start your own collection and how to spot fake memorabilia, it is time to learn how to take good care of your items. Here are a few tips that you should follow:
Keep Them in a Safe Place
The first thing you need to do is to find a safe place to keep your sports memorabilia. Ideally, you should keep them in a cool and dry place where they will be protected from dust, sunlight, and moisture.
Do Not Display Them in Direct Sunlight
If you want to display your sports memorabilia, make sure to do it in a place where they will not be exposed to direct sunlight. The sun’s rays can damage the items and affect their value.
Use the Right Cleaning Products
When cleaning your sports memorabilia, be sure to use the right products. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials as they can damage the items. Instead, opt for gentle and mild cleaning products.
Handle Them With Care
When handling your sports memorabilia, be sure to do it with care. Avoid dropping or banging them as this can damage the items. Also, refrain from touching the items too much as the oils from your skin can damage them.
Store Them Properly
When not in use, be sure to store your sports memorabilia properly. Ideally, you should keep them in acid-free boxes or sleeves. This will protect them from humidity and other elements that can damage them.
Contact War Bama for All Your Sports Memorabilia Needs!
Looking for a trusted collection sports memorabilia near me Trussville, AL? There is no need to search further than War Bama! We are your one-stop shop for all things sports. We have a wide selection of premium quality options that you can choose from, so you are sure to find the right item for your collection.
We also offer appraisal services to help you determine the value of your sports memorabilia. And if you ever need help or advice, remember that our team of experts is just a phone call away!
Contact us at 205-558-8123 today for more information.
