Where To Sell Autographed Baseballs

Autographed baseballs are some of the highest-selling sports memorabilia, growing in value over time. The sports cards boom peaked sharply in the late 70s and early 80s, but the significance of balls signed by legends like Babe Ruth or Jackie Robinson kept growing. So how do you go about selling autographed baseballs?

Since they are highly sought-after collectibles, autographed baseballs typically need to be appraised for their rarity. You could risk getting lowballed as a private seller on eBay or Amazon, but an online sports auctioning site will likely present the fairest price. So let’s talk about where to sell autographed baseballs, including what the appraisal process entails.

What Is Sports Memorabilia Appraisal?

A sports memorabilia appraiser is someone with experience determining the value of rare collectibles. 

After the client sends in pictures of the items, the appraiser scrutinizes every inch of it for factors contributing to its value. There is typically an appraisal fee for the client, but after the appraiser is done, they issue a value statement. At that point, the inspector may offer to purchase the item at a fair price or refer the client to a worthwhile auction.

What factors contribute to an item’s value in appraisals? For baseballs, qualities like the ball’s age, quality, and legibility of signatures decide much of the price. 

The player whose signature adorns the baseball is a critical point of value as well as the history of the particular ball itself. For instance, Babe Ruth’s 60th home run baseball holds more value than one he only signed.

What types of items do sports memorabilia appraisers examine? Signed and unsigned baseballs are just the tip of the iceberg. Cards from various sports, posters, bats, equipment and autographs are other examples.

 Vintage jerseys, figurines, and photographs are also typical collectibles, but the more unique items are far more valuable. 

What Is the Appraisal Process for Autographed Baseball?

To know the value of your autographed baseballs, you must first locate an appraisal service. Look for authorities licensed by groups like the Appraisers Association of America (AAA). However, if you want a value assessment valid in a court of law, your appraiser must be certified by Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP). 

Such certifications ensure that the appraiser will assess your baseballs ethically under the fairest practices. If they are USPAP certified, their assessment is legally binding, which is helpful in disputes with sellers or other parties. There are free services, but paid appraisals are factual and accurate.

After locating an appraisal service, you must send in your item by mail or submit photographs, depending on the item. In the case of autographed baseballs, appraisers want to inspect their quality and legitimacy firsthand since items fetch millions of dollars at auctions. 

You might also have to fill out a form discussing the item’s history, such as the year and circumstance of acquisition. Then, after a designated time, the appraiser will contact you with an assessment. They may also recommend live auctions or sites to sell your items if they have determinate value. 

When the appraisal service sends your items back, they are usually accompanied by a written or typed report detailing the inspection and value assessment. With the proper certification, these documents are legally binding, letting you leverage them when selling to auctions or individuals. 

What Are Some Examples of High-Value Autographed Baseballs?

Quality, history, and importance of the player’s signature contribute to a baseball’s appraisal value. To give you a better understanding of what a high-value item could look like, here are a few examples. 

The most a baseball has ever sold for was $3 million at an auction in 1999. It was Mark McGwire’s autographed 70th home run ball, which he hit to break the world record of home runs in a single season. McGwire is by no means a vintage player, but the staggering record-breaking history gave this collector’s item a hefty value.

Much more vintage and world-renowned was Babe Ruth’s autographed 1933 home run ball from the Midsummer Classic. In 2006, it sold for $805,000 at an auction, making it the second most expensive baseball in the world. 

Another record-breaker was Barry Bonds’ 756th home run ball, which sold for $752,467 before going on display at the Baseball Hall of Fame. Bonds’ career-ending 762nd ball is still appearing at auctions for resale with bid minimums as high as $150,000. 

As you can see, it takes a combination of prestige, history, and a big name to create a high-value baseball. Each example featured a legendary name in baseball, a broken record, and an autograph. 

Where Can You Sell Autographed Baseballs?

Appraisal and auctioning sites exist both in-person and online. When auctioning online, it is critical to compare the appraisal prices and certifications of one option versus another. Many companies have the advantage of a long history of service, a trusted name, or high-value assessments.

Some auctioning sites are more specific, focusing on a single topic like sports memorabilia. They may accept other items like cards, jerseys, and vintage sports gear. 

However, due to the popularity and value of autographed baseballs, many general sites will accept them. KD Coins, for example, lets you submit them in addition to jewelry, gold, diamonds, and other valuables.

Appraising can be complicated and sometimes opinionated. That’s why KD Coins wants to create a hassle-free evaluation experience for each customer. When considering where to sell autographed baseballs, it is an easy choice.

Final Thoughts

Appraising an autographed baseball doesn’t have to be intimidating or complicated. Any item with a great name and history behind it can sell for thousands. However, if you think you have a winning artifact, it is crucial to have its value assessed by a certified company that you can trust. 

To that effect, KD Coins has been servicing customers through appraisals, buying, and selling since 1985. So first, submit your autographed baseballs, cards, and other sports collectibles for an effortless assessment. Then, KD Coins will make you an offer or refer you to a willing auctioneer if applicable.