Do's and Don'ts of Displaying Memorabilia

The Do's and Don'ts of Displaying Memorabilia or Cards

Owning great cards, awesome autographs, or even special personal mementos is at the heart of colleting. Being able to share those great pieces helps makes connections between collectors and keeps our hobby alive. After all, what good is owning the Mona Lisa if only YOU can see it? 

It is important however, to make sure you are doing your best to protect your treasures. Not only to preserve any monetary value, but also to be able to keep the item vibrant and as close to its original condition as possible.

Whether you are a person you grades their cards or just throws them in a one-touch how you display them matters.

Here are a few things you want to be sure to do to ensure the longevity of your collection:

• Keep collectible out of the sunlight! This is the single most important thing you can do. Sunlight will fade anything over time. Living in Florida I don't have a basement, but I wish I did!
• DO NOT use traditional incandescent or florescent lighting in the room you are displaying items it. They will fade the colors and especially any autographs.
• Use LEDs in the room (even if you aren't using LED Card Stands) as they omit nearly zero UV rays and nearly zero heat. They are the preferred lighting source of museums and art galleries worldwide for this reason. Plus they last a really long time.
• DO NOT display unprotected items. Put the card in a one-touch. Or AT LEAST a penny sleeve and top loader. Put a baseball, hockey puck, basketball, football, etc. in a proper case or holder. Leaving the item exposed to dust and pollutants combined with the risk of accidental damage is more than enough reason to encase the special item.
• When not displaying your item(s) be sure to store them properly. This will help prevent accidental damage and will make it easier to find when you want to get it back out to show off again!

Following these simple guidelines should help extend the quality of your favorite collectible for some time.

Let us know if you have any other ideas or tricks you use to keep your items looking their best.