With 11 years of experience in the memorabilia industry and over 64,000 items sold, Ultimate Autographs is the #1 destination for collectors seeking authentic and certified autographed sports memorabilia. We were created with one purpose in mind – to deliver authentic memorabilia to the ultimate sports fans and collectors.
We have created a digital community of sports fanatics who perceive our live Mystery Box format as a way to take a chance on acquiring high-end sports memorabilia at a lower cost of ownership.
We are always looking for ways to help collectors make educated buying decisions in a world full of uncertainty. That's why we created this helpful guide to answer your most frequently asked questions.
What is a Mystery Box?
A Ultimate Autographs Mystery Box contains an authentic autographed memorabilia item for sports fans and collectors who are passionate about owning genuine memorabilia. The concept of the Box is to allow collectors the chance to win autographed items at a fraction of the actual cost.
Mystery Boxes are not only a great treat to yourself; they can make the best gifts for your friends and family too!
Why would I want to buy a Mystery Box?
This is by far one of the most common questions of Mystery Boxes. You would be hard-pressed to find a high-value autographed item priced similar to the cost of a Mystery Box. As an example, an autographed full-size authentic Tom Brady helmet routinely sells for $2,700 BUT you have a chance of winning this same helmet from Ultimate Autographs for $90! That's quite a significant savings for a chance of getting a top-tier player for such a fan-friendly price!
How do I know I'm getting something good in my Mystery Box?
With over 64,000 pieces of signed memorabilia sold, we are the most trusted name in sports memorabilia. Our Live Break page contains every series available, and we list every headliner (player) and secondary headliner for each series. These are Hall of Famers, Pro Bowlers, current stars of the game. Every piece we sell comes with a certificate of authenticity from reputable certification companies such as JSA, PSA and Beckett.
We believe transparency is a crucial component for retailers and customers. We want you to not only enjoy our Mystery Boxes but trust the Ultimate Autographs brand.
How do I know your items are authentic?
All of our items at Ultimate Autographs are authenticated by third party vendors and come with a certificate of authenticity to prove that these items are 100%. authentic and signed by the player. Many of these companies are transitioning from physical certification cards to QR code stickers to immediately scan and confirm the items authenticity. A representative of one of these companies witnesses the signings:
Industry Leading Certification Companies:
- Beckett Authentication Services
- PSA/DNA Authentication Services
- James Spence Authentication Services
- Schwartz Sports Memorabilia Authentication Services
- Upper Deck
How do breaks work?
In NFL Themed Breaks (our most popular) there will be 8 available “spots” to purchase. You can purchase 1 spot or up to all 8 if you wish. For each spot purchased your name will enter our randomizer. The order that the random.org randomizer spits out will correspond to the 8 NFL Divisions. If that Division corresponds with the division you were randomly assigned you are the winner! Visit our Guidelines & Rules page for more information.
Am I guaranteed a win if I buy into a break?
No, each live break is made up of up to eight spots and you are not guaranteed to win an item.
Example: In an 8-spot divisional break you have a 1 in 8 chance to win for each spot you purchase. If you get two spots you have a 2 in 8 chance to win, etc.
What are the different kind of series you sell?
Ultimate Autographs offers Mystery Boxes across multiple series to provide you with a diversity of unique autographed items. Unless otherwise stated each box will include 1 random autographed item that comes with a reputable certificate of authenticity from companies like JSA, PSA, Beckett, Steiner, or Fanatics. Current series include:
Diamond Helmet Series: This is an 8 spot NFL divisional break. Every helmet in these boxes will be a full size authentic or better! (Riddell Limited Edition Releases and SpeedFlex Helmets) This means that you are getting the best and most desirable helmets on the market!
Jersey Series: This is an 8 spot NFL divisional break that contains custom NFL jerseys from Hall of Famers, Pro Bowlers and current stars of the game. Jersey’s oftentimes come with unique inscriptions.
Mini Helmet Series: This is an 8 spot NFL divisional break that contains NFL mini helmets from Hall of Famers, Pro Bowlers and current stars of the game. A good entry-level way to cost effectively start your collection!
1 in 4 Mixer Series: This is typically a 4 spot break that contains football, baseball, basketball, and hockey/other categories giving you a great shot at headliner hits with sports and entertainment memorabilia! Items typically include signed helmets, jerseys, bats, balls, Funko pops, trophies, belts, scripts and other unique items from the world of sports and entertainment memorabilia.
Vault Series: Our Vault Series gives you a chance at autographed authentic and replica helmets signed by some of the biggest names in football. Hidden within this series are 5 boxes that have a "vault key" inside. Once a vault key is found, the winner of that box selects one of the Vault boxes labeled A-E which contain Ultimate Autographs gift cards!
High Roller Series: The High Roller is the #1 Series at Ultimate Autographs! Don't miss the chance to take home top headliners such as Tom Brady, Patrick Mahomes, Jim Brown, Peyton Manning and more on full-size SpeedFlex helmets.
Other Specialty Series: Could include College, Baseball, Basketball, and more. Stay tuned for more innovative series at Ultimate Autographs.
What are the different types of helmets?
Football helmets come in various types and styles, each serving different purposes and offering unique features. Whether you're a collector or a player, understanding the differences between replica, authentic, lunar, salute to service, and SpeedFlex helmets is crucial. All helmets can take a signature very well. Here's a detailed look at each type.
Replica Helmets: Replica helmets are primarily designed for display and collection purposes. These helmets lack the authentic padding found in on-field helmets and instead use imitation padding. While they mimic the appearance of authentic helmets, they are not suitable for actual play due to their lack of protective features. The shell of a replica helmet is slightly smaller than that of an authentic helmet, making it lighter and less expensive.
Authentic Helmets: Authentic helmets are closer to what players wear on the field. They are also more expensive than replicas. These helmets feature genuine padding and are designed for on-field use, providing better protection and authenticity compared to replicas. Authentic helmets can also be used as collectibles due to their realistic design and construction.
Lunar Helmets: Lunar helmets are part of a special edition series produced by helmet manufacturers like Riddell. These helmets often feature unique designs and color schemes that differ from traditional team colors. They are primarily aimed at collectors who want something distinctive in their collection. The lunar series is known for its striking visual appeal but is not typically used in actual gameplay.
Salute to Service Helmets: Salute to Service helmets are another special edition line that honors military service members. These helmets usually incorporate military-inspired designs and colors, such as camouflage patterns or patriotic themes. Like other special editions, they are mainly intended for collectors rather than players.
SpeedFlex Helmets: SpeedFlex helmets represent the cutting edge of helmet technology and design. These helmets are widely used by NFL players due to their advanced safety features and modern aesthetics. The SpeedFlex model includes intricate padding details and an innovative chin strap mechanism that enhances fit and protection. They are typically priced between $500 and $750, reflecting their premium status in the market. SpeedFlex helmets are heavier than replicas but offer superior protection, making them ideal for serious players.
What are the different types of jerseys?
Autographed jerseys typically come in two different styles: custom jerseys and licensed jerseys.
Licensed Jerseys: Are official team merchandise that has been signed by a player. These jerseys are produced by authorized manufacturers like Nike or Adidas and feature authentic team logos, colors, and designs. The autographs are typically obtained through official team, league or private signing events. Licensed autographed jerseys typically hold more value for collectors and resale.
Custom Jerseys, Are replica jerseys that have been signed by a player or players. While they may look similar to official jerseys, they are not licensed team merchandise. Custom jerseys allow for more flexibility in design and personalization options like adding inscriptions, slogans or stats. Custom jerseys are usually less expensive but may not appreciate as much in value over time.
I like your site and collectibles: how do I stay more engaged?
At Ultimate Autographs, we have multiple ways in which you can stay more engaged!
- Follow us on social media for previews of upcoming items as well as recent hits.
- Create a customer account and provide your email address to be alerted to new series and products.
- Sign up for text messages to receive up-to-the-minute information on our latest series and breaks.
- Join our Signature Rewards Club where you will receive special offers, coupon codes and other discounts.
- Bookmark our Ultimate Autographs Blog, where you can catch up on all the latest news in autographs and sports memorabilia.
How do I view previous shows to see if I have won?
If you bought into a break and are not available to watch the break live, fear not! Every Ultimate Autographs break is recorded and archived on YouTube. Follow this link and find the day and time of the show you would like to review: https://www.youtube.com/@ultimateautographs6582/streams
Item has no COA/COA is not found in the authenticator database?
Each and every item we sell comes with an iron clad COA from one of the leading authenticators such as PSA, JSA, Beckett or Fanatics. (Find out and mention which has QR codes and which has a physical card to set the expectation of past and future authentication checks.)
If the item won is from a recent private signing, it can take up to 30 days for the authenticator to have the authentication number active in their database. If for some reason there is ever an issue, please reach out to our customer service team and they will assist: customerservice@ultimateautographs.com.
How do I return or exchange an item?
Ultimate Autographs does not offer refunds or exchanges for any Mystery Box or Live Break purchase. All sales are final.
Ultimate Autographs offers a lifetime authenticity guarantee on every product sold! If you have any questions please contact customerservice@ultimateautographs.com.
Does UA ever buy signed memorabilia from collectors?
Unfortunately not. All of our autographed sports memorabilia comes directly from the athletes via private signings or from their exclusive agencies. Throughout the year, we take part in dozens of private signings, as well as major events across the country such as The National, The CSA Chantilly Shows, The GTSM Shows, and the The Chicago Sports Spectacular.
I won an item, where is my order?
As soon as your item ships, you will receive an email with a tracking number from us. If you do not receive the shipping notification please check your spam folder. If you still do not receive the email, please reach out to our customer service team and they can assist in tracking your order: customerservice@ultimateautographs.com.
What type of payments do you accept?
Ultimate Autographs accepts credit cards through networks such as:
- Visa
- Mastercard
- Discover
- American Express
- PayPal
- Affirm
I have a question you haven’t answered.
We’d love to answer your question. Please shoot us an email, give us a call or send us snail mail.
Email: customerservice@ultimateautographs.com
Phone: 708-800-8825
Shipping Address: 7700 Brush Hill Rd, Ste 134 Burr Ridge, Il 60527
You can also contact us with our contact form.