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Autograph Guide

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Autograph Guide

This is the Tidewater Sports Guide to autographs.  I hope this simple guide helps you to better understand and enjoy the hobby of collecting autographs.  Below are some definitions and discussion pertaining to common terms associated with autograph collecting.

•  COA = "Certificate of Authenticity":  The main purpose of a COA is to provide a paper trail as to where the signature was obtained so that you know that the autograph is authentic and real.  A COA does NOT prove that an item is authentic, it simply proves that the item in question was handled by a company giving the COA at the time of the signing.  A COA is only as good at the company which issues it, so be wary of fly-by-night companies, or any company that you have a hard time contacting or visiting.  If you are collecting for yourself and have no plans for reselling the autograph, then a COA is not really necessary.  You have the memory of meeting the athlete and your autograph is a memento of that occasion.  If you plan on reselling the item, or if you are hoping that the item will appreciate in value in the future, then a COA is a definite must for the item. 

•  INSCRIPTIONS:  Some athletes will have special inscriptions that they add to the autograph, such as "SB XVII MVP" (Super Bowl 17 Most Valuable Player), "1971 AL MVP" (American League's Most Valuable Player in 1971), and so forth.  Not all players have these inscriptions, and not all correspond to an award.  Some might be from a special play like Dwight Clark's "The Catch" or the date of a pitcher's perfect game or a career milestone such as their number of wins, strikeouts, etc.  Some athletes charge extra for inscriptions, some do not.  Most of the time, an inscription will add value to an autographed piece.

•  PERSONALIZATIONS:  A personalization is when an athlete adds a salutation such as "To Bob:  Best Wishes",  or "To Mike:  All My Best", etc, etc.  Any personalized item is nearly worthless on the resale market.  We suggest having items personalized  ONLY if you are collecting for the joy of meeting the athlete and collecting the autograph/  Personalizations should ALWAYS BE FREE!!!  Unlike inscriptions which add value, personalizations subtract value and most athletes know this.  In fact, most of the athletes like doing personalizations.

• TSC AUTHENTICS is our line of certified autographed memorabilia.  We take great pride in providing ONLY authentic autographed products.  Our COAs are credit card size, and made of durable laminated PVC.  Each of our autographed items come with tamper resistant and serialized hologram stickers.  The number of the hologram on the card, will match the number of the hologram affixed to the autographed item.  These numbers are entered into our database and are available for viewing HERE.  All of our autograph sessions are videotaped and available for review at any time.  We also take extensive photographs of our autograph guests before, during, and after both the public and private autograph sessions.