Limits, Methodology & What Our Signals Mean
We build collector tools that help you make better decisions. We do not authenticate items, issue appraisals, or guarantee resale value. This page explains exactly what each signal is — and is not — so you always know what you're looking at.
101 Pre-Screen™
An educational signal generated from publicly available reference data and visual heuristics. It highlights characteristics commonly associated with authentic or inauthentic items. It is not an authentication, not a certification, and should never be used as the sole basis for a purchase, sale, or insurance claim. For authentication, consult a recognized third-party authenticator such as PSA, JSA, or Beckett. We are not endorsed by any of those companies or any sports league. Some links to grading and authentication services may be affiliate links, and we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Market Pulse & Card Comps
Estimated comparable-sale ranges aggregated from public listings and sale data. Sample sizes, recency, condition, grading, and provenance materially affect real-world prices. We display the sample size and last-updated timestamp on every result. These estimates are not appraisals, not financial advice, and not guarantees that an item will sell at any particular price.
Memorabilia Signal
A visual-characteristics signal — not a chain-of-custody verification. We do not have access to manufacturer records, locker-room provenance, or league inventory.
Portfolio Index
A self-reported value tracker. Values entered by you are not independently verified. The "index" is a convenience calculation, not an audited valuation, financial product, or investment advice.
Hall of Fame & Trusted Collectors
Community reputation indicators based on platform activity. They are not background checks, seller verifications, or guarantees of any transaction outcome. Always do your own diligence before trading or transacting.
Trade Desk
We facilitate communication and structure between collectors. We are not a party to your trade, not an escrow agent, and not a money transmitter. The optional shipping reimbursement program is capped, eligibility-based, and described in its own terms.
Provenance Records
A free, owner-declared paper trail you maintain inside your Vault — purchase date, source, photos, and chain-of-custody events. We do not sell certificates of authenticity. Provenance Records are not authentication; for that, consult PSA, JSA, or Beckett.
Independence & Affiliate Links
Autographs 101 is independent. Where we link to grading or authentication services, some links may be affiliate links and we may earn a commission; that never changes how options are ordered or what our tools say. We are not endorsed by or sponsored by PSA, JSA, Beckett, SGC, Goldin, eBay, Heritage Auctions, the MLB, NFL, NBA, NHL, NCAA, or any other organization referenced on this site. All trademarks are property of their respective owners and are used nominatively for identification only.
Reporting an Issue
If you believe a signal is inaccurate or misleading, please report it here. We review every report and update our methodology accordingly.
101 Pre-Screen is an AI-assisted opinion, not authentication or an appraisal.