Whether you are purchasing a ball, bat, jersey or photograph, you want something that will be a cherished keepsake, not a forgery.

It’s relatively easy for someone looking to rip people off to obtain photos or other memorabilia, and forge stars’ names on them. To you, the signature might look very similar to others you have seen, online or in the collection you may already have.

Outside of getting a star athlete to sign the item in front of you, there’s only one way you can be sure that you are getting the genuine article, and that is with the help of a dependable and reputable dealer or collector.

There is nothing more important when buying sports autographs than authentication. This will determine the value of the article you are looking to buy. An experienced and reputable authenticator will research the autograph you are looking at and see if it matches what the signature should look like. They will utilize exemplars of the player’s signature and examine the characteristics before rendering a decision.

If you don’t know the dealer who has the autograph for sale that you are looking to purchase, put your trust instead in an expert, so that they can determine if your money will be well-spent or wasted on the item you have in mind. A Certificate of Authenticity is really only worth the paper it’s printed on without an organization to back it up and that’s why we have broken down autographs for sale on eBay by sport and by authenticator (see right side of the page).  They are the biggest names in the sports memorabilia when it comes to COAs, so when looking for that special autograph for sale, you can buy with more peace of mind.

Peter Facinelli Signed Twilight 8x10 Photo (PSA/DNA) US $89.00 End Date: Sunday Feb-05-2012 8:51:50 PST Add to watch list

1960-61 Topps BRONCO HORVATH #54 PSA/DNA Auto BRUINS! US $75.00 End Date: Sunday Feb-05-2012 8:52:12 PST Add to watch list

1982 DONRUSS TOM SEAVER AUTOGRAPH PSA/DNA CINN REDS US $44.99 End Date: Sunday Feb-05-2012 8:53:12 PST Add to watch list

Dakota Fanning Signed Twilight Photo-Closeup (PSA/DNA) US $95.00 End Date: Sunday Feb-05-2012 8:53:51 PST Add to watch list

Jolene Blalock Signed Auto'd Topless 8x10 Photo PSA/DNA US $64.99 End Date: Sunday Feb-05-2012 8:54:56 PST Add to watch list

Dakota Fanning Signed Twilight 8x10 Photo (PSA/DNA) US $95.00 End Date: Sunday Feb-05-2012 8:55:30 PST Add to watch list

CAL RIPKEN JR signed Allen Kaye's Sports card PSA DNA US $84.99 End Date: Sunday Feb-05-2012 8:55:39 PST Add to watch list

1961-62 Topps HARRY HOWELL #51 PSA/DNA Auto RANGERS ! US $85.00 End Date: Sunday Feb-05-2012 8:56:02 PST Add to watch list

Hall of Fame baseball stars whose tremendous careers are over are among the most popular of baseball autographs, but there are plenty of excellent players who have not yet been inducted into the Hall of Fame, and these tend to be a bit easier to obtain. Whatever autographs you seek, you need to find a reputable person or company to make sure your autographs are authentic. Much money has been lost on autographs that looked genuine, but were not. That’s why on Diamond Autographs, we feature only autograph listings that have been authenticated by the giants of the sports memorabilia industry such as Upper Deck Authenticated, Steiner Sports and PSA/DNA.

You can find a baseball autograph in older autograph books, those being the books carried by people who “hounded” players for their autographs before and after games in the days before colorful 8×10 photographs, jerseys and baseballs were available to the general public. These old books can be full of authentic autographs, since that was the goal of the books’ owners.

Have a recognized sports autograph authenticator or expert check your baseball autograph book before you purchase it to make sure that all the autographs are genuine. A recognized and reputable dealer can check each baseball autograph to make sure that they are all genuine. You can use quick opinion services offered by PSA/DNA, James Spence and Ace Authentication where for a small fee, they’ll take a look at an autograph online and give you a non-binding but educated opinion on whether it’s genuine.

If you want to get a baseball autograph at a game, it can make your life as a fan even more enjoyable. Be sure you know each player’s name, if you want to try to snag a quick autograph. They know you’ll appreciate their autograph more if you’re a dedicated fan who knows the team.

Keep a pen with you at baseball games to get baseballs signed and a Sharpie marker for things like photos and jerseys. Don’t use a Sharpie for a baseball as the ink will eventually bleed. Players certainly don’t have pens with them when they are going in or out of the locker room. And be courteous. Treat the players like people, not like objects. Say please and thank you.

If you have a program for the game you are attending, that’s a great place to have players sign. A roster sheet will also work. You’re probably only collecting as a fan now, but if you wish to sell the autographs somewhere down the road, it looks better to have the autographs on something that is directly related to the game. Keep in mind, though, that quality items like authentic Rawlings American and National League baseballs, color photos, jerseys and the link are the items that best hold their value.

Front row seats are a great place to get a baseball autograph, but that isn’t always possible. If there are players nearby who don’t need to be concentrating at a certain time, you can speak to them. Don’t harass them, though. The way that most autograph hounds get their signings is at the players’ entrance and exit. When they leave the park after the game, they are more relaxed and it’s easier to get a signature. They have more time when the game is done, too, since they aren’t in a hurry to get back to the dugout.

You can also attend autograph signings set up by the team or go to sports card shows. Baseball autograph collecting makes the game even more enjoyable for true fans.

Jolene Blalock Signed Auto'd Topless 8x10 Photo PSA/DNA US $64.99 End Date: Sunday Feb-05-2012 8:54:56 PST Add to watch list

Dakota Fanning Signed Twilight 8x10 Photo (PSA/DNA) US $95.00 End Date: Sunday Feb-05-2012 8:55:30 PST Add to watch list

CAL RIPKEN JR signed Allen Kaye's Sports card PSA DNA US $84.99 End Date: Sunday Feb-05-2012 8:55:39 PST Add to watch list

2010 PSA Bobby Shantz Historic Edition Autograph 1958 Yankees WS Champ FREE SHIP US $29.99 End Date: Sunday Feb-05-2012 8:55:56 PST Add to watch list

SMOKIN JOE FRAZIER HAND SIGNED EVERLAST BOXING ROBE PSA DNA COA AUTHENTIC RIP US $210.00 End Date: Sunday Feb-05-2012 8:56:40 PST Add to watch list

Tina Turner Signed 8x10 Photo (PSA/DNA) US $189.00 End Date: Sunday Feb-05-2012 8:58:02 PST Add to watch list

Raquel Welch ONE MILLION YEARS B.C. Signed 8x10 Photo PSA/DNA COA US $174.99 End Date: Sunday Feb-05-2012 8:58:07 PST Add to watch list

Jolene Blalock Signed Auto SEXY 8x10 Photo PSA/DNA COA US $64.99 End Date: Sunday Feb-05-2012 8:58:23 PST Add to watch list

Raquel Welch SEXY VINTAGE ACTRESS Signed 8x10 Photo PSA/DNA COA US $174.99 End Date: Sunday Feb-05-2012 8:59:17 PST Add to watch list

ARCHIE GRIFFIN SIGNED FULLSIZE FOOTBALL PSA/DNA AUTO US $99.00 End Date: Sunday Feb-05-2012 8:59:20 PST Add to watch list

One of the most legendary players in baseball, Mantle holds an amazing number of World Series records, including the most World Series home runs (18), runs (42), and runs batted in (40). Despite battling the effects of osteomyelitis and alcoholism, Mantle spent 18 seasons with the New York Yankees and is considered on of the greatest all-time baseball players. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1974. Collecting autographed Mickey Mantle items can be an intriguing and satisfying pastime for baseball fans of all ages.

Collectors  can still find a significant number of items with Mantle’s signature. Available items include signed baseballs, signed and framed photographs, and baseball cards with Mantle’s signature.

Some photographs feature Mantle with his good friend Billy Martin, a Yankee teammate and the namesake for Mantle’s son, Billy. Collectors can still acquire jerseys and baseball bats with Mickey Mantle’s signature, although those are becoming rare.   Mantle did a number of autograph shows and private signings in the 1980s and early 90s but the demand was still greater than the supply, and prices rose regularly even before his death.

Because of Mantle’s strength as a power hitter and switch hitter, photographs of the player in action are especially popular. The Yankees won seven world championships during Mantle’s tenure with the team. Photographs of Mantle at Yankee Stadium and with teammates like Yogi Berra, Joe DiMaggio, and other famous players from that era make excellent collectibles. Autographed Mickey Mantle memorabilia is still a huge hit with fans in the generation that knew and loved him, and among younger people who enjoy learning about the great players of the past. As you collect items, remember that reputable sellers provide buyers with certificates of authenticity or other proof that the signature is really that of Mickey Mantle.   Here’s a link to some authentic Mickey Mantle autographs on eBay

Mantle won many awards during his storied career. He was the American League’s Most Valuable Player in 1956, 1957 and 1962, and won the AL Triple Crown in 1956. He is considered to be one of the top 100 all-time  baseball players. If you respect Mantle and have nostalgic memories of growing up watching or listening to baseball games featuring one of the game’s most popular players of all-time, you can showcase him in your home.  Expect to pay at least $250-300 and up for any quality item with a real Mantle signature–bats and jerseys as well as oversized photos are much higher.

Autographed Mickey Mantle items take us back to a simpler time when a kid from a tiny Oklahoma town could become the toast of New York.

Since he took over as shortstop for the Yanks, he has led them to multiple World Series victories including their 27th championship. He has won Gold Glove awards, and he is the man you want at the plate in a clutch situation. He has also been called the new Mister October, because he plays even better in the playoffs.

Derek Jeter is also an exceptional defender and when a ball is hit his way, you just assume he’ll make the play on it. That’s why his autographs are so prized. His stature in the game will only grow stronger after he retires. It’s not uncommon to hear Jeter’s name in the same sentence as Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig, and Derek Jeter autographs are undoubtedly a good investment, since he will be in the Hall of Fame after he retires.

A favorite among collectors of Derek Jeter autographs is a signed photo of a play known simply as “the Dive”. It shows Jeter’s dedication and determination, as he flies into the Yankee stadium crowd to make a catch in the 12th inning of a game against the Red Sox. The Yankees would go on to win the game. This is especially appropriate because it shows the gusto Jeter gives to the game.

MLB Baseballs with Derek Jeter autographs are prized possessions already, and they will only become more valuable.  This item makes a great centerpiece for your collection if you’re a Yankee fan.  Be sure to buy one signed on the ‘sweet spot’, the most narrow area between the stitch lines.  Jeter autographs aren’t cheap, but he’s been signing for Steiner Sports for years.  You can find Jeter signed items among the Steiner Sports authenticated items being sold on eBay here on Diamond Autographs.  It’s often the best way to find an authentic Jeter autograph at a bargain price.

As with any autographed item, be sure that you check with a reputable and knowledgeable dealer, to make sure that you are buying an item with a legitimate autograph on it. Derek Jeter is one of the all time favorites in any sport, and his autographs are very sought-after. Photos or balls with authenticated Derek Jeter autographs will be a wonderful memory when Jeter retires, and more than likely an excellent investment, as well.

DEREK JETER #2 Auto Signed Baseball Steiner + MLB Holo US $899.95 End Date: Sunday Feb-05-2012 9:27:05 PST Add to watch list

Derek Jeter Signed Autographed Rawlings Official American League Baseball US $125.00 (0 Bid) End Date: Sunday Feb-05-2012 9:47:47 PST Add to watch list

ANDY PETTITTE SIGNED YANKEES JERSEY- COA NUMBERED HOLOGRAM derek jeter , a-rod US $149.99 End Date: Sunday Feb-05-2012 10:17:10 PST Add to watch list

Derek Jeter Signed 8x10 (Steiner Certified) US $399.00 (0 Bid) End Date: Sunday Feb-05-2012 10:36:24 PST Add to watch list

1994 SIGNATURE ROOKIES AUTOGRAPH DEREK JETER US $84.15 (22 Bids) End Date: Sunday Feb-05-2012 10:37:09 PST Add to watch list

BGS 9.5 DEREK JETER 2009 UD GOUDEY AUTOGRAPH SP POP 1 US $1,079.99 End Date: Sunday Feb-05-2012 11:08:06 PST Add to watch list

Derek Jeter 2001 WS Autographed Auto Baseball Steiner US $500.00 End Date: Sunday Feb-05-2012 11:53:58 PST Add to watch list

New York Yankee Greats Signed Jersey Derek Jeter Mariano Rivera Yogi Berra JSA US $1,495.00 End Date: Sunday Feb-05-2012 12:22:35 PST Add to watch list

Signed Derek Jeter Game Used Home Run Baseball, STEINER COA, Yankees US $500.00 (0 Bid) End Date: Sunday Feb-05-2012 12:43:39 PST Add to watch list

Derek Jeter New York Yankees Signed Baseball Bat, Gai Certified, 3000 Hit Club US $199.99 (1 Bid) End Date: Sunday Feb-05-2012 12:46:47 PST Add to watch list

When the Express nailed him with a pitch that night in Texas, Ventura took on the man who could have been his father.  Ryan may have been 46 but he was still feisty, prone to grunting and swearing after each heave that missed the strike zone.  He delivered three serious noogies to Ventura’s noggin and then landed a decent punch as Ventura tried to wrestle him to the ground.  After that, it was a sea of players from both benches on the field and into the fray.

The photos from the Ryan-Ventura throwdown have become immensely popular.   Bill Simmons, “The Sports Guy” wrote about it in his ESPN.com blog.

Truth is, it’s a great photo.  And Ryan, despite his somewhat mythic stature, has signed enough to make them readily available through some of the major online outlets.   Here’s a link to several that are on eBay now.  Just buy one with a good letter of authenticity from JSA, Steiner or PSA/DNA.

Some of the licensed autograph dealers also sell replica banners, photos, licensed apparel and ball caps autographed by Durant. Be sure, if you don’t have an item signed by Durant in person, that you have it authenticated by a reputable dealer, so you know the autograph is genuine.

Kevin Durant was a standout at the University of Texas, before he went pro, so you may find NCAA merchandise with his autograph, as well. He won numerous Player of the Year awards when he was only a freshman.

You’ll be doing well if you purchase Kevin Durant autographs for their investment value, even if he’s not a personal favorite of yours, yet. He is the up and coming NBA elite player, and his stock is bound to go higher.

Kevin Durant is a sharp-shooter but also a great all-around player with an incredible work ethic. You will probably want to see him in action, if you get a chance, and you may be able to get an autograph from him after the game if you’re extremely lucky. Your best bet, though is to buy one online that’s authenticated.

Many NBA fans were skeptical when Durant came into the league, since they still had images of LeBron James and Kobe Bryant in their minds, and they weren’t sure that Durant could stand up to them. But Durant has shown enormous potential, and thus, so will his autographed collectibles.

Durant already has excellent shooting skills, and he can post up from nearly anywhere, from three-point range in. He’s also great off the dribble, and frequents the free throw line. He is a fluid athlete with long strides and smooth follow-through.

You’ll enjoy collecting his memorabilia now, in his early years, and you can look forward to collecting as he continues his way into superstardom.

Whether you collect Kevin Durant autographs on jerseys, programs, photographs or balls, make sure they carry authentication that you trust, so that you know all your collectibles are the “real deal”.

2007 UD NBA Heroes Kevin Durant #KD3 RC PSA GEM MINT 10 US $34.99 End Date: Sunday Feb-05-2012 9:07:48 PST Add to watch list

2007 UD Artifacts Kevin Durant #227 Rookie RC PSA GEM MINT 10 US $29.99 End Date: Sunday Feb-05-2012 11:04:58 PST Add to watch list

THUNDER KEVIN DURANT AUTHENTIC SIGNED JERSEY PSA/DNA #L63489 US $299.99 End Date: Sunday Feb-05-2012 12:38:28 PST Add to watch list

Kevin Durant Autographed Basketball PSA/DNA COA + Hologram Included US $155.00 (0 Bid) End Date: Sunday Feb-05-2012 14:37:49 PST Add to watch list

Kevin Durant Gold Medal All Star Dunk Signed Autograph Auto 16x20 Photo PSA/DNA US $200.00 End Date: Sunday Feb-05-2012 16:59:00 PST Add to watch list

2007 Finest KEVIN DURANT Rookie #71 PSA 10 Gem Mint US $49.99 (0 Bid) End Date: Sunday Feb-05-2012 17:07:02 PST Add to watch list

2007 Kevin Durant stadium club chrome refractor rookie PSA 9 47/999 Mint US $59.99 (0 Bid) End Date: Sunday Feb-05-2012 17:08:10 PST Add to watch list

OKC Thunder KEVIN DURANT Signed Beckett Magazine PSA ! US $59.99 End Date: Sunday Feb-05-2012 20:26:34 PST Add to watch list

KEVIN DURANT OKC THUNDER SIGNED 8X10 PSA/DNA HOT US $49.99 (0 Bid) End Date: Monday Feb-06-2012 1:18:25 PST Add to watch list

Kevin Durant UD SP Rookie Edition RC PSA 10 9 Lot x2 US $39.00 End Date: Monday Feb-06-2012 14:07:20 PST Add to watch list

Many active MLB All-Stars sign hundreds, if not thousands  of autographs per year. Retired legends such as Ripken Jr. are in a special class, as they are surrounded by a crowd virtually every time they are seen in public, often leading to a mini-frenzy, which the seasoned Hall-of-Famer is more than prepared to handle.

Amongst the throngs of random fans swarming upon Ripken Jr. on any given day, many are simply looking to have a baseball signed.

There is no way to calculate what percentage of those autograph seekers are going to quickly turn a profit on ebay or a variety of other websites, but Ripken often obliges everyone, keeping a safe personal distance from the fans, but all the while being engaging and caring to the specific requests of the fan. On one particular occasion outside of an airport, Ripken was approached by an autograph-seeker with two pens in hand. “Which one do you want me to use- the black or the blue?” Ripken asked. After a bit of deliberation and giggling, the fan requested he use the blue pen.  He’ll blow on an item in which the Sharpie marker or pen ink is still wet.

Ripken Jr. is asked to sign a wide array of baseball and non-baseball related items.

He has been asked to sign basketballs, hockey sticks, guitars, and even toasters. Ripken signs baseballs about half of the time, but he also signs a high number of jerseys, posters, baseball cards, baseball bats, hats, and portraits. The most popular and coveted Ripken Jr. photos involve the record breaking day of September 6, 1995, on which Ripken Jr. broke Lou Gehrig’s record of consecutive games played, which had lasted almost 60 years.

Two of the more popular items are the Cal Ripken baseballs that were created to honor the streak and his career.  The #8 baseballs were designed to commemorate the streak and were used in the record-tying and record-breaking games at Camden Yards.  You can get the exact same ball.   The “farewell” designed Ripken balls were used in his last game in 2001.  Both are  great  to add to any collection and are available directly from ProSportsMemorabilia.com.

Attaining Cal Ripken Jr. photographed merchandise is easy to do in the era of modern technology. You might be a bit surprised about the availability and affordability of many of the offerings given that Ripken Jr. is among the all-time greats of Major League Baseball. There are a number of reasons for this, the primary being the overwhelming availability of the retired star, who often obliges a crowd of autograph-seekers several times on any given day.

He’s also made a number of autograph show appearances and signed as part of memorabilia deals he’s put together to make his signature readily available.

Another reason for the price of Ripken autographs remaining low is the fact that he represents the prototypical blue-collar worker, a guy who went out and did his job every day before he went home to his family. Everyone can respect and admire that. Thusly, investing in and collecting merchandise signed by the great Cal Ripken Jr. is always a sound investment.

CAL RIPKEN JR signed Allen Kaye's Sports card PSA DNA US $84.99 End Date: Sunday Feb-05-2012 8:55:39 PST Add to watch list

CAL RIPKEN 2131 #8 AUTOGRAPH BALL US $60.00 End Date: Sunday Feb-05-2012 9:03:00 PST Add to watch list

1978 Baltimore Orioles Team 23 SIGNED Baseball CAL RIPKEN SR EDDIE MURRAY ROOKIE US $99.00 End Date: Sunday Feb-05-2012 9:07:21 PST Add to watch list

Cal Ripken Jr. SIGNED Baseball PSA GEM MINT 10 US $199.00 End Date: Sunday Feb-05-2012 9:09:29 PST Add to watch list

Cal Ripken Jr. IRONMAN SIGNED AUTO MLB Baseball PSA/DNA GRADE 10 GEM MINT US $239.00 End Date: Sunday Feb-05-2012 9:09:29 PST Add to watch list

Cal Ripken Jr. SIGNED AUTOGRAPHED MLB Baseball PSA/DNA GRADED 9 MINT US $149.00 End Date: Sunday Feb-05-2012 9:09:31 PST Add to watch list

Cal Ripken, Jr Autographed MLB Baseball Orioles US $199.99 End Date: Sunday Feb-05-2012 10:25:53 PST Add to watch list

CAL RIPKEN JR. AUTOGRAPHED BALL ON PLAQUE..COA "THE SCORE BOARD" US $39.95 (1 Bid) End Date: Sunday Feb-05-2012 11:06:49 PST Add to watch list

In fact, authenticity has been a major factor in the Upper Deck process since it first appeared in the sports collector world with their famous inaugural baseball card set 1989. Despite being relatively new, Upper Deck has managed to be quite innovative and often a field leader in the authentication of sports memorabilia.  Plus UDA takes pride in providing a constant guarantee for collectors of autographed sports memorabilia.

Upper Deck provides a five step process for authentication of its sports memorabilia and they stick to it.  Upper Deck uses a very technical printing technology which adds a trademark hologram to the cards. That means an Upper Deck Authenticated piece of memorabilia or trading card is virtually impossible to counterfeit. In other words, Upper Deck has somewhat set the industry standard on authenticity.

The five step authenticity process developed in 1992 includes one feature that will give great comfort to sports memorabilia collectors. Each autograph has to be witnessed by an Upper Deck representative. This guarantee is one of the many reasons Upper Deck Authentication is considered by many sports memorabilia analysts to be top of the line. When you are purchasing an item for a high price, it’s only safe to say that you want to be absolutely confident in that investment. Upper Deck Authentication provides that and more.

The Upper Deck five step authentication process includes a witnessed signing, an authenticated serial number hologram, a certificate of authenticity and a registration card. These simple but often necessary steps provide the safety of mind for consumers that their product is 100% legitimate.

Upper Deck Authentication also has a database where collectors can register their memorabilia. The Hologram Data Center allows prospective buyers to enter a Hologram number to see if it corresponds with the correct registration number. This will give the consumer accurate knowledge if the product they are interested in is actually authentic.

Upper Deck also has signed major sports athletes to the brand. Can you imagine a who’s who list of premium athltes like Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant and Ken Griffey Jr? Those are just a few of the names accompanying the Upper Deck brand.  Knowing one of these top tier athletes with staying power is on board only continues to add value to the Upper Deck brand.

The value continues to increase with a very reliable authentication process.

You can find dozens of high quality autographed items carrying the Upper Deck Authentication guarantee through the links in the upper right portion of the pages here at Diamond Autographs.

ADRIAN GONZALEZ AUTO BASEBALL BOSTON RED SOX UPPER DECK AUTHENTICATED COA US $185.00 End Date: Sunday Feb-05-2012 8:56:36 PST Add to watch list

ERNIE BANKS AUTO BASEBALL CHICAGO CUBS MR CUB UPPER DECK AUTHENTICATED COA US $235.00 End Date: Sunday Feb-05-2012 8:57:23 PST Add to watch list

ERNIE BANKS AUTO BASEBALL CHICAGO CUBS UPPER DECK AUTHENTICATED COA US $185.00 End Date: Sunday Feb-05-2012 8:57:26 PST Add to watch list

JASON BAY AUTO BASEBALL NEW YORK METS UPPER DECK AUTHENTICATED US $130.00 End Date: Sunday Feb-05-2012 8:57:39 PST Add to watch list

COLT MCCOY AUTO MINI HELMET TEXAS LONGHORNS UPPER DECK AUTHENTICATED COA US $165.00 End Date: Sunday Feb-05-2012 9:02:18 PST Add to watch list

CURTIS MARTIN AUTO MINI HELMET NEW YORK JETS UPPER DECK AUTHENTICATED COA US $165.00 End Date: Sunday Feb-05-2012 9:02:21 PST Add to watch list

DAN MARINO AUTO MINI HELMET MIAMI DOLPHINS UPPER DECK AUTHENTICATED COA US $375.00 End Date: Sunday Feb-05-2012 9:02:24 PST Add to watch list

DESMOND HOWARD AUTO MINI HELMET GREEN BAY PACKERS UPPER DECK AUTHENTICATED COA US $130.00 End Date: Sunday Feb-05-2012 9:02:27 PST Add to watch list

HINES WARD AUTO MINI HELMET PITTSBURGH STEELERS UPPER DECK AUTHENTICATED COA US $310.00 End Date: Sunday Feb-05-2012 9:02:34 PST Add to watch list

MARSHALL FAULK AUTO MINI HELMET ST. LOUIS RAMS HOF UPPER DECK AUTHENTICATED COA US $340.00 End Date: Sunday Feb-05-2012 9:02:44 PST Add to watch list

The top athletes list includes a few dozen names from every sport, including baseball, basketball, football, hockey, boxing, NASCAR and golf. Many vendors of sports autographs may also carry NCAA memorabilia that has been signed, as well.

When looking for MLB autographs, you can choose from well-known names, like Albert Pujols, Derek Jeter, Mickey Mantle and Babe Ruth, to name just a few. Bats, balls, photographs and jerseys are especially collectible, and you will want to be sure that all your potential purchases are authenticated before you decide to buy them.

One of the most popular sports autographs ever is that of Babe Ruth. He signed many autographs in his short life. He was well-known for not turning many autograph seekers down, and he sometimes signed hundreds each day. Babe Ruth is truly an icon in sports, which is why his autographs command so much money. Supply simply doesn’t match demand. Unfortunately for collectors, there are forgeries of Babe Ruth’s autograph available as well, so you will always want to buy a Ruth autograph authenticated by a company like PSA/DNA or James Spence Authentication.

As a rule, autographs of New York Yankees stars, past and present, are popular collectibles. They have a fan base from all over the world, and some of the game’s greatest players have worn Yankee pinstripes. Not only Babe Ruth, but Mickey Mantle and Joe DiMaggio are highly sought after sports autographs. Many former stars have actually signed more autographs since their retirement, than they did when they played.

Nolan Ryan autographs are still sought-after, since he is quite popular among MLB fans. He had a very large fan base, and a fan-friendly attitude, so he was easier than some stars to approach for signatures. Ryan feels that signing a lot of autographs means the value of his signature will stay low enough to stop forgers.

Perhaps few autographs are more treasured than those of Mickey Mantle. He was always very popular, and he had inexpensive signings when he first started signing with memorabilia companies and at card shows, although some fans still complained, at the time.

Whatever sports autographs you collect; photos, bats, balls or jerseys, be sure to buy those with a COA such as those we’ve brought you here via eBay and Amazon.com.

Nolan Ryan SIGNED AUTOGRAPHED MLB Baseball PSA/DNA GRADED 9 MINT US $109.00 End Date: Sunday Feb-05-2012 9:07:22 PST Add to watch list

1970 Mets Team 27 SIGNED ONL Giles Baseball NOLAN RYAN TOM SEAVER YOGI BERRA PSA US $349.00 End Date: Sunday Feb-05-2012 9:09:28 PST Add to watch list

Nolan Ryan SIGNED AUTOGRAPHED Official AL Baseball NM/MT PSA/DNA K50583 US $89.00 End Date: Sunday Feb-05-2012 9:09:29 PST Add to watch list

1969 Mets W.S. Team 21 SIGNED Framed 16x20 PSA NOLAN RYAN TOM SEAVER BERRA US $339.00 End Date: Sunday Feb-05-2012 10:41:56 PST Add to watch list

NOLAN RYAN AUTOGRAPH HOF BAT 324WINS 5714K PSA #G34890 US $250.00 End Date: Sunday Feb-05-2012 12:31:53 PST Add to watch list

NOLAN RYAN Signed AL Baseball-PSA/DNA Authenticated US $99.00 End Date: Sunday Feb-05-2012 17:09:25 PST Add to watch list

As the possibility of fake autographs becomes more prevalent, so does the critical need for having the right company make 100% sure an item or autograph is authentic.

Investors need to know where they are putting their money and if that actual item will have value on a potential future sale. James Spence helps provide the necessary tool that gives those investors the comfort of knowing what they have is legitimate.  Spence holograms, along with PSA/DNA, Upper Deck Authenticated, Steiner Sports and Mounted Memories, offer collectors a strong level of trust.

Customers need to look no further than the list of dealers and auction companies that use James Spence Authentication on a daily basis. That list can be found here on the James Spence website at http://www.spenceloa.com/why_jsa.asp. The list serves as a who’s who of industry giants in the sports memorabilia world. In other words, if these dealers put their trust in the hands of James Spence Authentication then that speaks volumes about the service he provides.

There are many reasons why consumers and memorabilia collectors choose James Spence Authentication. Some may enjoy the Letter of Authenticity with a corresponding high-resolution image and unique certificate sticker. This provides investors with something more relevant to illustrate that the item they own is authentic.

Some, as the official website illuminates, might just want the simple comfort in knowing that an important piece of baseball memorabilia will be realized as truly authentic. Memorabilia seekers can sleep easier at night knowing the autograph and item they spent a good portion of money on is really what they paid for. If the need arises to sell the item, having a respected authenticator’s name attached to it will make it much easier to unload.

The testimonials listed on the James Spence Authentication website are truly indicative and a great sampling of what the sports memorabilia industry feels as a whole about his service. Words like ethical, dedicated and professional seem to be the first mentioned in reference to Spence and his valuable service. Most importantly, James Spence is always called “accurate”. No authenticator is perfect.  Spence and his team have made mistakes—some of them can be found online, placed there by critics.  They are rare, however.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and The United States Department of Treasury have also used the James Spence touch in their investigations. That simply means the best gets the call in matters of big importance. It’s not surprising the FBI depends on the company in matters that require high levels of accuracy. That’s exactly how Spence has made his mark throughout the years in his respective field. His vast credentials also include a certificate in Forensic Document Examination.

Spence and his team have spent years accumulating a huge inventory of autograph exemplars from which to work.  They’re not guessing when authenticating your autograph.  The exemplars are used and studied, leading to a more educated authentication team and a more accurate letter of opinion attached to the item you’ve decided to purchase.

If you’re looking to buy items with a Spence LOA, you can shop by sport via the links to items offered on eBay located on the right of this page or use the Amazon.com store link at the top of the page.

In short, buyers can feel safe knowing that an autographed sports item with the James Spence Authentication seal is indeed genuine.

Saliva Band signed Fender guitar JSA Spence LOA EXACT PROOF US $105.18 (3 Bids) End Date: Sunday Feb-05-2012 19:30:58 PST Add to watch list

Poison Bret Michaels signed guitar JSA Spence LOA EXACT PROOF NICE US $399.00 (0 Bid) End Date: Friday Feb-10-2012 20:36:48 PST Add to watch list

SIGNED jorge posada used bat 09 playoffs/world series - Spence loa-Psa/Dna loa US $798.00 (0 Bid) End Date: Sunday Feb-12-2012 19:00:58 PST Add to watch list

RICHARD NIXON SIGNED OFFICIAL ENGRAVING JSA JAMES SPENCE LOA RARE!!! US $299.99 End Date: Friday Feb-17-2012 16:43:53 PST Add to watch list

TIGER WOODS SIGNED 1998 IMG Souvenir photo w/Spence LOA US $950.00 End Date: Saturday Feb-18-2012 5:36:08 PST Add to watch list

BILL CLINTON GEORGE H W BUSH JIMMY CARTER GERALD FORD SIGNED SEAL JSA SPENCE LOA US $1,999.99 End Date: Thursday Feb-23-2012 7:38:27 PST Add to watch list

BILL CLINTON SIGNED OFFICIAL BOOKPLATE JSA LOA SPENCE US $349.99 End Date: Thursday Feb-23-2012 14:04:50 PST Add to watch list

MUHAMMAD ALI Signed Everlast Boxing Glove J Spence LOA! US $1,200.00 End Date: Friday Mar-02-2012 9:47:35 PST Add to watch list