The Powers Sports Memorabilia Show

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 Shaquille O’Neal cards are suddenly getting a lot more attention in the hobby. In this episode of the Powers Sports Memorabilia Show, we break down what’s driving the recent rise in Shaq card prices, which cards collectors are chasing, and whether this renewed interest could continue. We also look at Shaq’s place in basketball history and why his cards may be getting a fresh look from collectors. 

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What really happens behind the scenes at a private autograph signing with an NBA legend?

In this episode of The Powers Sports Memorabilia Show, Matt and Caleb break down Caleb’s trip from Kansas City to Los Angeles to take part in a private autograph signing with Chicago Bulls Hall of Famer Scottie Pippen.

Caleb shares what it was like meeting Pippen for the first time, how hundreds of customer items are organized and prepared before a signing, and some of the coolest memorabilia that came through—including Dream Team pieces, rare cards, Michael Jordan-related items, and one piece so large they had to figure out how to position it just to get it signed.

We also talk about Pippen’s autograph and inscriptions, what he was like during the signing, the items that caught his attention, and why having someone at the signing in person is so important when customers trust us with their memorabilia.

If you’ve ever wondered what happens after you send an item in for an autograph signing, this episode gives you a look at the process collectors normally never get to see.

https://powerssportsmemorabilia.com/pages/upcoming-autograph-signings

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Arch Manning is one of the biggest names in college football—and his sports card market has already reached some incredible prices.

But how much of that demand is based on Arch Manning the player, and how much comes from the Manning name?

In this episode of The Powers Sports Memorabilia Show, Matt and Caleb break down the Arch Manning sports card market.

We talk about his college cards, autographs, rare cards, color matches, his move from Panini to Topps, and why collectors are already paying big money for some of his cards.

We also tackle a confusing question: Are Arch Manning's current cards rookie cards, prospect cards, or something else?

Plus, we discuss how much his future NFL career could affect demand for his college cards and why Peyton, Eli, Archie, and the entire Manning family make Arch such a unique player to collect.

Whether you're thinking about buying an Arch Manning card or just want to understand the hype, this episode gives you plenty to think about.

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Sports cards can get confusing fast.

Hobby boxes, blasters, hangers, jumbo boxes, value boxes, and First Off the Line—what's the difference, and which one should you actually buy?

In this episode of The Powers Sports Memorabilia Show, Matt and Caleb break down the different types of sports card boxes in simple terms.

We talk about which boxes may guarantee autographs, where you can find exclusive parallels, whether you can actually pull a big card from a cheap blaster or hanger, and what FOTL really means.

We also answer an important question for collectors: If there's one specific rookie card or autograph you want, should you spend your money ripping boxes or just buy the card?

Whether you're brand new to sports cards or you've been collecting for years, this episode will help you better understand what you're actually buying before you rip your next box.

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Think you can just catch the next autograph signing?

Sometimes you can—but sometimes the rules change, certain items are no longer allowed, or the opportunity disappears completely.

In this episode of The Powers Sports Memorabilia Show, Matt talks about this after recently taking part in another Patrick Mahomes autograph signing.

We discuss why collectors shouldn't assume an athlete will always keep signing, how restrictions on cards, jerseys, helmets and inscriptions can change from one signing to the next, and why exclusive autograph deals can suddenly limit access.

We also look at athletes like Patrick Mahomes, Tom Brady, Larry Bird, Michael Jordan and others to show how quickly signing opportunities can change.

This doesn't mean you should spend outside your budget.

But if there's an athlete you really want, the item you want is currently allowed, and the price makes sense for you, sometimes you need to take advantage of the opportunity while it's there.

Because there isn't always a next autograph signing.

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What is the best pen for getting a jersey signed?

In this episode of The Powers Sports Memorabilia Show, Matt breaks down exactly which pens we use for autographed jerseys during professional signings.

The biggest factor is knowing whether your jersey has a sewn-on number or a screen-printed number.

We explain when to use a black Sharpie, when a silver Sharpie actually works great, and when a silver paint pen is the better choice.

Matt also explains why you should never use a white paint pen on a fabric jersey number, plus what can happen when cheap jersey material causes an autograph to bleed.

If you're sending a jersey to an autograph signing, this episode will help you choose the right pen without overcomplicating it.

Keep it simple, match the pen to the material, and always test your pen before the athlete signs.

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Silver Sharpies seem like they should be perfect for autographs, but they are one of the most frustrating pens in the memorabilia world.

In this episode of The Powers Sports Memorabilia Show, Matt explains why silver Sharpies usually aren't the best choice and what you should use instead.

We go through sports cards, footballs, helmets, photos, bats, boxing gloves, hockey pucks, Funko Pops, and more.

Some items can handle a silver Sharpie just fine, while others are much better suited for a silver paint pen.

But there is one surprising item where a silver Sharpie may actually be the best pen you can use.

Matt also explains why testing your pen before an autograph signing is so important and shares lessons learned from years of professional signings.

If you're sending an item to an autograph signing, this episode could help you avoid choosing the wrong pen.

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Have you ever seen us post photos from an autograph signing and wondered how you completely missed it?

There may be a good reason—you were never able to see it in the first place.

In this episode of The Powers Sports Memorabilia Show, Matt explains why certain autograph signings have to stay private, why some athletes don't want their signing prices made public, and why autograph agents sometimes limit a signing to only a handful of trusted vendors.

We also discuss VIP autograph signings, the importance of relationships in the autograph business, and why we occasionally can't post a signing on our website, social media, or even email.

Plus, learn a few ways you can increase your chances of hearing about these harder-to-find autograph opportunities.

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One of the biggest concerns collectors have when getting a card signed is whether an authentication sticker on the back could hurt the card’s grade.

In this episode of The Powers Sports Memorabilia Show, we break down what we’ve actually experienced when submitting autographed cards to PSA, including cards that have received PSA 10 card grades and 10 autograph grades with authentication stickers attached.

We also discuss why you might want witnessed, first-person authentication on certain autographs, when you might skip the sticker for aesthetic reasons, and why you should never attempt to remove an authentication sticker once it has been applied.

If you collect signed sports cards or plan on submitting autographed cards to PSA, this is an important topic to understand before your next signing.

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After years of working behind the scenes at private autograph signings, there are certain athletes and experiences you simply never forget.

In this episode of The Powers Sports Memorabilia Show, I’m counting down my 10 favorite athletes I’ve ever worked with at autograph signings.

Some made the list because of their personality, others because of unforgettable conversations, and a few because of moments that happened behind the scenes that collectors rarely get to see.

And some of the names that made my Top 10 might surprise you.

What really makes an athlete great to work with at a signing?

Listen to the episode to hear the stories and find out who made the list.

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