PSA eCollector

PSA eCollector VOL. 2, Number 7
April 4, 2001

The Market Report

Three Auction Recaps and a Quick Auction Preview

When the spring season arrives, it triggers a host of sports collectible auctions across the country. One of the major concerns in the sports collectibles market centered around falling stocks. Despite an uncertain stock market, quality items continue to break price records. Three auction recaps and one auction preview are included in this week's Market Report as things begin to heat up in the hobby.
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Collector's Profile

A Family Affair

Gerry Hopkins and his two sons have formed quite a collection. One likes baseball, one likes basketball and one likes hockey. Together they have enough cardboard to build a small mountain. From Mantle to Howe, the cards are endless and the list keeps growing. Gerry was kind enough to spend some time with us and share his collecting experience.
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The PSA Collectors Club offers free grading and a subscription to the Sports Market Report. Click here for details.

Our Readers Ask

Question: A friend of mine, and three of her family members, have a total of four 1954 Yankee team signed baseballs. The one I saw, and held, had the Mantle in the sweet spot. She is exploring options as to sell and the question is what is the best way? Among other things, as a group of four, or individually?

Answer: There are a few options, but one is key. If you are trying to maximize the value for each ball, do not sell them as a group. A dealer or a collector will not want to pay a strong price for all four, most likely, so it would be best to sell each ball as an individual piece. Have each ball examined and authenticated first because it will help add value to your piece and it will immediately become more liquid. Then you can either contact dealers or auctions houses for assistance in selling your ball or you might want to sell it yourself via the Internet or by placing an ad. The only problem there is that you might get a headache from dealing with hassles of selling.
--Joe Orlando, Editor Sports Market Report

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The Expert's Corner

Big Mac: Autographs and Charity
Mark McGwire autographs are, quite simply, the most desirable signatures in the modern autograph world. Once a frequent autograph guest at hobby shows, McGwire has disappeared from the show circuit and hasn't been seen since about 1991 making his autograph tough by modern standards. What most collectors don't know is that McGwire is a frequent contributor to one great organization, Tony LaRussa's Animal Rescue Foundation. It's a great place to bid on the real thing.
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Announcements

See PSA at the Following Shows!

Bring your sportscards to the following shows and have them graded by PSA:

PSA ON-SITE GRADING Long Island 110 Classic Sportscard Show State University of New York 110 Stretch Drive Farmingdale, NY April 20 - 22, 2001

75th Philadelphia Sportscard & Memorabilia Show Fort Washington Expo Center 1100 Virginia Drive #100 Fort Washington, PA May 4 - 6, 2001

PSA On-Site Grading Show Services

Guaranteed Two-Hour Show Service -- $50 per card

Standard Show Service (same or next day at show) -- $35 per card

PSA SUBMISSIONS ONLY Pittsburgh XX Spring Classic 881 Narrows Run Road Coraopolis, PA April 27 - 29, 2001

Cards may be submitted to all PSA grading levels at the shows. Cards submitted at the Pittsburgh show will be graded by PSA and returned via mail.

For more information about PSA grading at any of these shows, call PSA Customer Service at 800-325-1121.

For more information about the Long Island 110 Classic Sportscard Show, call Tony DeDigregio at 516-221-6344.

For more information about the 75th Philadelphia Spotscard & Memorabilia Show, call Bob Schmier at 215-643-0910.

For more information about the Pittsburgh XX Spring Classic, call Jeffery Paul Stogner at 845-855-0632.

HAVE YOUR PREVIOUSLY SIGNED SPORTS AUTOGRAPHS AUTHENTICATED BY THE WORLD'S FOREMOST SPORTS AUTOGRAPH EXPERT!

The FBI estimates that 90% of all sports autographs are fake! In this day and age, it's extremely important to have your sports autographs authenticated by a reputable third party authentication service. James Spence is considered the world's foremost sports autograph expert and a James Spence PSA/DNA Letter of Authenticity can significantly affect the resale value of your item.

Submit your sports autographs at the show and have them authenticated by James Spence: 75th Philadelphia Sportscard & Memorabilia Show Fort Washington Expo Center 1100 Virginia Drive #100 Fort Washington, PA May 4 - 6, 2001

Cost per item:

$75.........1-10 signatures

$100......10 or more signatures and items signed by Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig and Christi Mathewson.

For a complete list of sports autographs that may be submitted for authentication by James Spence, go to www.psadna.com and click on "Submission Center."

In addition to authenticating items, James Spence will be selling authenticated sports autographs and buying material. For more information, contact James Spence Autographs at 888-947-7788.