I don't collect sports memorabilia, but I've definitely heard of certificates of authenticity for certain sports memorabila items, such as jerseys, bats, balls, gloves, helmets, etc.
It's more than just a thing, because the market for sports artifacts specifically linked with historic events like breaking HR records or winning championships, is so strong and commands such high prices, that buyers of rare collectibles need some sort of protection to shell out that much moolah.
While I don't know how items are actually authenticated, it's hard to imagine a better way than the athlete themselves actually signing something saying, "Yep, this is the one."
I think I can give some good answers. Back in the 2000's I collected autographed NFL mini helmets from every team, and a few full-size helmets. Also, two autographed jerseys from the Fearsome Foursome, and Roman Gabriel. L.A Rams fan. My last purchase more than a dozen years ago. I also have sales experience and I like to haggle for my own purchases.
-Certificates of Authenticity are very important, because you're not likely to witness the autograph. The certificate tells me that the original purchaser witnesses the signatures. Some of my certificates also have a photo of the athlete writing the autograph.
I did a little bit of internet surfing for these thoughts:
The Disc
-I would compare the disc to a baseball that was hit in a game winning homerun in the World Series, such as a game 3 or 4, but not a series clincher. The baseball only used for one at bat. The Disc thru out the 2015 Worlds, and to me more value.
-The dirt on the disc, more value! I know it was used for Worlds in play, and not something that was signed off of the production line.
-The signature from Paul, more value! He signed it as "my disc" marking it as his during play, and not signing a disc off of the production line. The signature and disc originally weren't intended to be sold.
-I like the color scheme on the disc.
The Purchase is the 20k worth it.
- There's a 25k 1983 Eagle 1st run with no patent that I have no interest in, for my purposes very little value. Paul's disc more valuable to me.
-No other Worlds disc I could find from Paul in the market, if correct increases value.
-I couldn't find anything by Ken Climo either that was in play during Worlds. More value.
-How many Worlds and other Majors do I think Paul will win? More value.
-Worth repeating and must be found out, any other discs Paul used in play during Worlds floating around out there, and how many. If others, could this disc be the first.
Would I buy it.
Sure, if I wouldn't miss the money. But I would:
-I would try to reach out to Paul and ask, " why did you let go of the disc". And asking, "are there any other World's disc floating out there".
-If possible, I would want to see the disc in person, I would never buy for that amount without examining it. The seller makes the mistake of stating "I think". Well, "I think" I would like to haggle the price down and that works best if done face to face.
Bottom line if I wanted to spend the money, I would be walking out of there with the disc. Over time it will have more value and would look nice with my other collections.
There're my two cents.
