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DETERMINING VALUE OF AN AUTOGRAPHED BASEBALL
Many factors determine the value of an autographed baseball. The type of baseball, location of signature, condition, how the signature was
acquired, and whether the baseball was authenticated impacts the price of an autographed baseball.
Type of ball
The type of baseball the signature(s) is on will determine its price. An official baseball used during the player's career will demand a higher price.
This can be determined my locating the League President which is stamped on the baseball. You can use the chart below in determining the approximate year of a
baseball and an estimated price of an unsigned baseball in excellent to near mint condition minus the box.
There are other types of baseballs; World Series, All Star Game, Special Commerative Game baseballs that could demand a higher premium than an unofficial ball.
Location of signature
The location of the signature is important. A signature on the 'sweet spot' is most desirable. An inscription may increase or decrease the value of a
ball. 3000 K's, 500 HR's, or 3000 hits will fetch a higher price than something personally inscribed unless it was inscribed to someone famous. Be careful
with team signed baseballs. In the case of team signed balls, the manager or star player is the most desirable on the sweet spot. Even though a player is on a
team ball it might not be his signature. Some players had clubhouse attendants, ball/bat boys, and others sign for them. Also, be certain that the balls are
actually signed and are not stamped-on facsimile signatures. Prices on team balls will also be based on the amount of signatures on the ball and the amount of key
players from that team which appear on the ball. The more complete the team, the higher the price.
Condition
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