When you start collecting the mini helmet signed by your favorite football teams, it’s not hard to think of the potential value they can have in the future when they win a Superbowl or a franchise player is recognized as an influential figure in the NFL, e.g. Brett Favre (great player but no Superbowl ring as of this article).
Here is a simple example showing how much a signed mini helmet can vary, depending on a few factors. First, if it’s totally authentic with a photo of the player’s signature, the player is really good and in excellent condition, you can expect a $500 raise. For example, an authentic mini helmet signed by Dan Marino sold for $500.
On the other hand, an unauthenticated Reggie Bush signed mini helmet will set you back around $150 and a replica will cost around $20.
It all depends on the type of collector you are. Some people like to get the most authentic and rare items and others are totally satisfied with a replica. Legitimate stuff is always good because it makes you feel like you’re more of a part of the team.
If you choose to buy a signed mini helmet for a large amount over the Internet, make sure the seller has been in business for some time, so you can believe he or she is not an overnight scammer. Call the contact number and talk to the seller to make sure he will answer if you have any questions. Request an authentication number and verify that it is authentic. Another way to protect yourself against fraud would be to buy it with a credit card instead of a debit card, as most credit cards these days offer some form of insurance on your purchases.