1. Home
  2. Hobbies & Games
  3. Sports Cards

Identifying Potentially Valuable Sports Cards

From Nick Tylwalk, for About.com

3 of 7

Look for Recent Autographs

Authentic autographed cards have become a staple of the hobby.

Nick Tylwalk

There's a market out there for all but the most obscure players' signatures, though that doesn't mean you're going to break the bank with most of them. Still, if the cards you find are from about 2000 on, it doesn't hurt to check to see if any of them are autographed.

Authentic autographed cards certified by the card companies are a relatively recent development, so be wary if you find older signed cards. Chances are that these autographs, even if they are legitimate, won't be worth much to most collectors because there is no way to know for sure if they are real without using a third-party authenticator - which can be expensive and still may not end the debate.

Explore Sports Cards

About.com Special Features

Scrapbook Technique Gallery

Use these ideas to inspire your own uniquely beautiful pages. More >

Price Your Collectibles

Find out how much your treasured collection is worth. More >

  1. Home
  2. Hobbies & Games
  3. Sports Cards
  4. Collecting Basics
  5. Identifying Potentially Valuable Sports Cards - Look for Recent Autographed Cards

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.