Baseball’s long and rich history make memorabilia from this sport some of the most sought after and highest priced in the collectibles field. Baseball cards of Hall of Fame players have been known to bring hundreds of thousands of dollars at auctions. Other memorabilia has value if it has been signed, been used in a game, and was part of an historical event in the sport.
Programs, clothing, hats, caps, and smaller pieces of equipment are sought by racing fans, especially if they can be attributed directly to the famous and notorious in the sport. Autographs help, as does an attribution of one of the more famous races, like Indianapolis or Daytona. Pace cars are in demand, but must be purchased first or won in a drawing. If purchased, it is doubtful if your original investment will be returned.
Depending on the sport, game used equipment carries some value. Golf clubs from players of note, signed golf balls, caps, and gloves are of interest to collectors. The value of items from other sports like tennis and such all depend on who is interested and how many want to acquire the items.
If you have a car driven in a major car race, you have an exceptional collectible. Pace cars also have great interest. Other items from auto racing that garner interest are caps and hats, fire suits and other clothing. Beyond that, there is not much available. Autographed items and memorabilia from notable races carry the greatest interest.
Pucks, gloves, sticks, skates, helmets, jerseys, and other clothing that were worn or used in games carry interest for hockey fans. If the items have been autographed or have a validated provenance, their value increases. Items signed by those who are famous in the NHL are of particular interest.
With its relatively long history and its restrictive hall of fame requirements, equipment used in games can rise in value quickly. Like all memorabilia, it needs to be validated, so the signers, and historical significance of the event in which the equipment was used is the greatest contributing factor to its value.