Sports memorabilia is a passion for many, big business for others, and a bit of both for some. While the hunt for memorabilia items can be driven by obsession, with regards to investment it can be extremely lucrative. For instance a ball Mark McGwire hit for a home run in 1998 was auctioned at Sotheby's for more than $1 million.

When people make reference to “sports memorabilia” they are generally referring to objects and souvenirs associated with a famous athlete or sports event. In particular, those considered rare and therefore “collectors' items”.

Of all the sports memorabilia collected today, autographs have always been among the most sought after – a fascination that began way back at the beginning of the twentieth century, in the days of Babe Ruth and baseball. Many would say this was actually when the whole concept of sports memorabilia began. And fans did not stop at autographs from their favorite baseball players, they also began taking home the balls from the games. An authenticated ball signed by Babe Ruth could be worth more than $10,000; depending upon factors such as its condition, whether it is signed, and if the ball is from his official American League days, or not.

Over the years the fascination for memorabilia among baseball fans began to be reflected within other sports – indeed mania truly did begin to appear! With regards to any kind of memorabilia, not just sports, the true value of any item will only ever equal the value it has to the person who seeks it out. Therefore the pricing of sports memorabilia does tend to be a fluctuating estimate of averages and 'factors' – sometimes the amounts offered up are way above anyone's expectations. The soccer shirt Pelé wore in 1970 when Brazil won the World Cup sold for $224,000. The highest price paid ever on record for a worn soccer jersey!

For many collectors their memorabilia have more sentimental value than monetary value, maybe recalling a big 'sporting moment' in their life. An autograph can add value to an item as well as decrease it. While a sentimental sports memorabilia collector might highly value an autographed item signed “To Bill my Best Baseball Buddy”, out on the open market it is quite a different story.

There are specialist companies that have developed systems by which they can authenticate autographs and 'game used' items. If an item is thought to be of value, this is a good route to take, as many collectors will not purchase autographed sports memorabilia or 'game used' items without a certificate of authenticity. Without authenticity the value lies wholly with the sentimental collector.

Click Baseball Memorabilia & Sports Memorabilia & Sport Memorabilia for more info. Copyright 2010 Ron X King.

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