You’ve inherited or built a large collection of sports memorabilia — maybe hundreds of signed jerseys, baseball cards, photos, and other collectible gear. If your most valuable items are in the $200–500 range and you don’t have the time to list each one on eBay, don’t worry. This guide walks you through the best ways to sell your sports memorabilia collection, even if some items are missing Certificates of Authenticity (COAs).
Step 1: Know What You Have
Before selling, inventory your collection:
- Group items by type (cards, jerseys, photos, equipment)
- Note high-profile players and teams
- Check for authenticity (COAs from PSA/DNA, JSA, Beckett)
- Evaluate condition — mint condition and grading matter, especially for cards
Use a spreadsheet to track key info like player, team, type, and estimated value.
Step 2: Understand the Sports Card Market
Especially for baseball cards, age matters:
- Pre-1980s = vintage = more value
- Late 1980s–1990s = junk wax era = less value
- Modern cards may only be valuable if rare, graded, or low-print run
Look up recent eBay “sold” listings to estimate real-world value.
Step 3: Get a Rough Valuation
To understand what your memorabilia is worth:
- Use eBay sold listings
- Try WorthPoint or SportsMemorabilia.com for ballpark values
- Contact local or national appraisers for a formal opinion
Consider getting authentication for a few key items — especially if they could be worth $200+.
Step 4: Best Ways to Sell Sports Memorabilia
A. Sell on eBay (Smart Bundling)
- List items in bundles by player/team/sport
- Use detailed descriptions and clear photos
- Mention any authentication or COA status
- Expect higher prices, but more work
B. Use Consignment Services
If you lack time, some businesses handle sales for a fee (20–50%). Options:
- Online consignment sites like COMC (for cards)
- Specialty auctions like Lelands or Goldin
- Estate sale companies or local collectible sellers
C. Contact National Buyers
For convenience, consider bulk selling to:
- Dean’s Cards
- Just Collect
- Dave & Adam’s Card World
They pay below retail but offer a fast, low-hassle sale.
D. Local Sports Shops or Shows
- Some stores still buy collections
- Sports card shows can connect you with collectors
- You may get lower prices, but sales can be instant
Step 5: Tier Your Collection for Best Results
Break your memorabilia into three categories:
- High Value ($200–500): Sell individually or on consignment
- Medium Value ($25–200): Group and sell in themed lots
- Low Value (under $25): Sell in bulk, donate, or give away
FAQ: Selling Sports Memorabilia
Q: What’s the best way to sell a sports memorabilia collection?
A: For large collections, combine eBay sales (for top items) with consignment or bulk sales to dealers for lower-value items.
Q: Are sports items without COAs still valuable?
A: Yes. Items from well-known players or vintage eras can still have value, but they may sell for less without authentication.
Q: Are baseball cards from the 1990s worth anything?
A: Most are overproduced and hold little value unless they feature stars, are in mint condition, or are rare inserts.
Q: Where can I sell my signed sports memorabilia?
A: Options include eBay, national buyers, specialty auctions, and local shows or shops.
Selling sports memorabilia isn’t always quick, but with the right strategy, you can get solid value for your collection. Decide whether you want to maximize profit or minimize effort, and choose your selling path accordingly. Even without COAs, your collection may have more worth than you think.