As we enter the year 2007 we see numerous companies trying to come up with the newest idea on how to authenticate autographs. Fake sports memorabilia are at an all-time high, most of which are being sold via eBay. If I spent some time browsing eBay right now to find jerseys, photos, footballs, helmets, etc. Autographed by the New York Jets. I would run into more fake autographs than you can imagine. These counterfeits are not just limited to eBay, but to sports memorabilia shows and internet sites everywhere, however they are more prevalent on eBay because a seller can “hide” behind an identity.
If you’re paying $500.00 for a “hand signed” Curtis Martin New York Jets gaming helmet, you obviously want to make sure it’s the real thing. Curtis Martin is one of, if not tea most commonly forged autograph among current and former New York Jets players. Usually, if a price seems too good to be true for an item, something is probably not right. For example, if a seller is offering a 16×20 photo signed by Chad Pennington for $49.99, beware. The seasoned collector knows the prices these types of players fetch at a public autograph appearance. If a Joe Namath autograph ticket is $175.00 at a show that doesn’t include the actual item to be autographed, how come a vendor can offer you a Joe Namath signed football for $99.99? Even at the dealer’s wholesale price would be less than cost, the authenticity of this item must be questioned.
If you are a serious collector of autographed New York Jets memorabilia, you know that authenticity is paramount. There’s nothing worse than looking at one of your most prized possessions in a glass cabinet and scratching your head wondering if it’s real or not. As any collector has seen in the last 5 years, many players no longer even sign their full name. Many will simply initial their number. This was common in 1998 when Heisman Trophy winner and then current New Orleans Saints running back Ricky Williams signed his name simply “RW 34.” Williams was the most sought after autograph in football at the time, but with an autograph that almost anyone could forge, forgeries were everywhere.
Maybe you are wondering, “How can I be sure the autographed Jets memorabilia I’m buying is real?” the good news is you they can be sure. First and foremost when purchasing, be sure to look for the players own hologram. Most of the Jets players like Jerricho Cotchery, Chris Baker, etc. They have their own hologram. It should say something like “Jericho Cotchery Authentic”. These types of holograms come directly from the player or player marketing agent. Typically, a company that represents a player exclusively for their autographed memorabilia and public/private signings will have the players hologram on every piece of signed memorabilia they offer. As the Jets continue to become a powerhouse in the league, the rise in false memories of the NY Jets will continue to grow. A player’s own hologram is unwavering authenticity on any item.
Another thing to remember is that a “Certificate of Authenticity” is only as good as who it came from. If you know that a specific company has had relationships with certain team players over time, you can have that level of trust you’re looking for when buying your investment. If XYZ Sports has been running player autograph appearances, private signings, and exclusive representation of players on that team for any period of time, you shouldn’t look anywhere else in terms of authenticity of items offered by that company. Autographed New York Jets memorabilia can be a real investment if you follow the guidelines and do your homework before making your purchase.