How the market works

The sports memorabilia market is structured differently from most collector categories because authentication companies are central to its functioning rather than peripheral. PSA, JSA, and Beckett are not just third-party validators. They are infrastructure. A signed item without authentication from a recognised company is worth a fraction of the same item with it

Heritage Auctions and Goldin Auctions are the dominant specialist houses. Heritage handles a broader range of categories including cards and game-used equipment. Goldin has built a strong position particularly in high-value signed cards and game-used items. Private dealers and direct-from-athlete signed items are both significant channels

Fanatics Authentic handles a large portion of current athlete signings and provides COAs that the market recognises.

CollectorGrade take

Authentication company provenance is price-determining in sports memorabilia in a way unique among collector categories. A signed item with PSA or JSA authentication trades in a different market from the same item without it. Always factor this into your buying decisions.