Signed Memorabilia in Australia: How Authentication Works (PSA, JSA, BAS, League)

MV Guides · Memorabilia

Forged signatures are the biggest problem in sports memorabilia, and a signed jumper or bat with no proof is worth little more than the jumper or bat. That's why MVCollect only lists signed memorabilia that's been certified. Here's how certification works, and how to check it yourself.

1. Who certifies signatures

• PSA/DNA, JSA (James Spence Authentication) and Beckett Authentication Services (BAS) are the big independent authenticators. Their experts examine the signature and, if they pass it, attach a numbered sticker or hologram and issue a certificate.
• Upper Deck Authenticated items are signed at private signings Upper Deck arranges with the athlete, with a numbered hologram.
• League certified items come through an official league or club program, like official club signings and authenticated charity auctions, with a numbered hologram or certificate from the club or league.

On MVCollect, signed memorabilia must be certified by one of these: PSA, JSA, BAS, Upper Deck or league certified. A "certificate of authenticity" printed by the seller, or by a company you can't look up, doesn't count.

2. Check the certificate yourself

• Look up the number on the authenticator's own website: PSA's cert lookup, JSA's online verification, or Beckett's lookup. The record should describe the same item and the same signature.
• Match the hologram and the certificate. The number on the sticker on the item should match the certificate.
• Check the sticker is in the right place, usually close to the signature, and hasn't been peeled and moved.

On an MVCollect listing, the certification number is shown with a link to the authenticator's lookup so you can check it before you bid.

3. Red flags

• "I got it signed in person myself." It may be true, but without proof buyers will treat it as unsigned.
• A certificate from a company you can't find, or one with no lookup.
• A printed signature. Some merchandise comes with a signature printed on it. Tilt it under light: real ink sits on the surface, a print is flat and perfectly even.
• The same "signed" item in big numbers from one seller, at a low price.
• A famous signature at a bargain price. If a Bradman or a Jordan seems cheap, there's a reason.

4. Match-worn and photo-matched items

"Match-worn" means it was actually worn or used in a game, which can be worth far more than a signature. It needs proof too: a letter from the club, or a photo-match, where the item is matched to photos of it being worn in a specific game using marks, stitching and wear. On MVCollect you can note a photo-match and any inscription (like "Brownlow 1993") so it's compared with similar items.

5. Looking after it

• Keep signed items out of the sun. Signatures fade fast in Australian light. UV-protective glass is worth it for framed pieces.
• Don't remove the certificate sticker or hologram, and keep the paper certificate somewhere safe.
• If it's framed, photograph the hologram and certificate for your listing rather than opening the frame.

General guidance, checked October 2026. Authenticators change their services and lookups from time to time, so check their own websites.