Advices and Tips
In this article you will find some tips and tricks, designed specifically for less experienced or beginning collectors. Gradually, we will add more posts as we receive them from our members - share the experiences that you have gained, even in a painful or unnecessarily expensive way. Help others find their way around and become an important part of the collectors community!
How do I know for sure the jersey is original?
The answer to this question is not simple and in many cases the jersey cannot be authenticated with absolute certainty. The key can be a photo from the match with a clearly visible corresponding detail, or numerous 'team repairs' - especially for older jerseys, many of which were performed in a specific and difficult to confuse way. It is important to always check all the details. Does the jersey have 2-layer material where it should be? Does the material, number and name tag font match the available photos? Does the font on the sponsorship patch match the period original? The more historical details you know from the time, the easier you can identify the original.
Does a jersey have a higher value with or without a signature?
This question cannot be answered unequivocally. Some collectors prefer signed jerseys, for others the signature (especially strong on the front of the jersey) is a reason to reject the jersey. If the jersey is already signed, it is always better to have the authenticity of the autograph verified in some way (especially with big stars) - either a certificate offered by many companies or a photo of when the player signs the jersey. In general, the greater the personality of a given sport, the higher the value of a signed jersey. For two jerseys from the same set, in one case the autograph may increase the value of the jersey, in the other (e.g. for a substitute or junior) it may rather complicate the sale.
What is the financial value of played hockey jerseys?
Generally speaking, the prices of most jerseys are rising over time. It may not (however, it still may) be a price increase of tens of percent, depending on many factors. The future popularity or success of the player or team is important. Jerseys from the championship season, for example, have a higher value, and novice jerseys of later famous players are interesting. But beware: this rule does not always apply. If you participate in an auction where the price of the jersey rises to say USD 1000 and you buy with the last bid for 1050, you may have a problem later selling the same jersey for 500. Collectibles have their own specifics and it happens that you may come across an auction in which two fans of a given player compete and want the item regardless of the price. It can then be unreasonably high. We therefore recommend that you do not rush to buy jerseys as a financial investment.
I got the jersey directly from a player or a locker room custodian - what's the value?
Unfortunately, it is far from clear that a jersey directly from a player or someone else on the team means that it is an authentic feature. In most cases, it's the other way around - unless the team has a special reason to donate a played jersey, they typically won't do it. Of course, this does not mean that your gift is a replica. If you can, try to collect more information directly from the donor. Even when a GM tells you that it is a played jersey, it unfortunately does not automatically guarantee its 100% authenticity.
Are the certificates issued always a guarantee of authenticity?
One of the reasons why the GotAuthentic project was created is to always be the case in the future. The certificate is linked to a consistent photo documentation and you can always verify that the certified item corresponds with the original. When it comes to existing and older certificates, it is always important to verify the credibility of the certifying authority. You can usually trust MeiGray documents, some associations (such as Team Letter from the Canadian Association) and many others without any problems. However, there are also companies (or individuals) whose certificates raise doubts or are obviously issued incorrectly.
Are jerseys from less hockey-attractive countries also worthwhile?
Definitely yes, there is a lot of interest in many, especially national teams. The International Hockey Federation currently associates over 80 countries and the jerseys of some of them are very rare. Even if it is a team jersey from the 'C' group of the World Cup, for example, it can be worth over USD 500. And in the case of older pieces, even more. When it comes to jerseys from more exotic countries, the jerseys of national teams have typically a higher value than the club ones.
