How to Get a Signed Jersey Authenticated

Add credibility to your signed jersey by having it authenticated. Not only will you be able to proudly display the signed jersey as a genuine item, but you also increase its value. The value of signed sports memorabilia can increase by thousands of dollars once authenticated.

Instructions

    • 1

      Find other autographs by the same athlete that have been authenticated and compare those with your signed jersey. Try to find autographs from the same time period, as signatures can change over time. Determine if the size of your autograph matches the size of the ones you are comparing it with. Look at the style of writing, such as how the i's are dotted and the way the t's are crossed, and determine if they appear to be written by the same person. If you find any similarities in the autographs, get it authenticated by a professional.

    • 2

      Locate an autograph dealer that provides authentication services and check its reputation. A simple search on the Internet will provide a couple of the national well-known companies that provide this service, but there are also local businesses you can find in the telephone book. Research the company you want to use and make sure it has a documented history of authenticating sports memorabilia. Request samples or references from the company to confirm its experience.

    • 3

      Visit the local office or website of the autograph dealer to obtain and fill out a submission form. Most submission forms require basic information such as your name, address and contact information, as well as a brief description of the item you want appraised.

    • 4

      Educate yourself on the company's authentication process and prices by reading through brochures and guidelines available to you. An expert will closely examine your autograph, looking at how the letters were formed and any unique characteristics of the handwriting, and how these things compare with other signatures from the same athlete. Some companies also use sophisticated technology that evaluates color, infrared imaging, coaxial lightning and magnification of the writing.

    • 5

      Place your jersey in a sturdy box and either ship it to the autograph dealer or bring it to a local office. Ask your autograph dealer if it has specific requirements for how you should pack your jersey.

    • 6

      Wait for the authentication to take place, which could take as little as a few days to as long as a month. The autograph dealer will return your jersey and if the signature is authentic, you will receive a Certificate of Authentication.