Wilson NFL Vintage Football Date Codes
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This information on Wilson NFL Football Date Codes is attributed to “Game Used Universe Forum” Username: RaiderNationPDX.
If anyone knows this individual, please ask him/her to reach out to me.
If anyone has anything to add or corrections, please let me know. Information on this topic is not easily found and can be vague.
Please let me know of any additional information/corrections or if a definitive source is available.
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Example of Wilson Date Code “BB”
Date Codes
Wilson Sporting Goods used a “Date Code” for a time, that would indicate the date (month/year) of manufacture and the likelihood that it was a NFL Issued/Game Ball.
This “Date Code” could be found straddling the air valve on NFL footballs. The codes are made up of two (2) letters. (See photo above)
The codes are formatted so the first letter (A-K) indicates the year.
First Letter in Date Code = Last Digit of Year:
A= XXX8 (1968) being the first year of date codes.
B= XXX9 (1969)
C= XXX0 (1970)
D= XXX1
E= XXX2
F= XXX3
G= XXX4
H= XXX5
J= XXX6
K= XXX7
Second Letter (O-Z) = the month. O = January and Z = December:
O= January
P= February
Q= March
R= April
S= May
T= June
U= Jully
V= August
W= September
X= October
Y= November
Z= December
Date codes that have “double year” (same letters) were produced for NFL game use. They were not available for retail purchase.
For example, date code code “HH” would indicate an NFL game ball produced in 1975 for the NFL
The double-year (dual letter) codes seem to have been utilized from 1968 to the mid 1970’s to indicate NFL issued game balls.
Please let me know of any additional information/corrections or if a definitive source is available. Thank you!
Why You Should Authenticate Sports Autographs Before Selling
It all begins with an idea.
Introduction
In the world of sports memorabilia, autographs can be among the most valuable and vulnerable collectibles. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or simply looking to sell a few pieces, having your autographs authenticated by a respected third-party expert is essential before offering them for sale.
Why Authentication Matters
The sports autograph market has long been plagued by forgeries. From legends like Babe Ruth and Michael Jordan to modern stars like Tom Brady or Shohei Ohtani, counterfeit signatures are rampant.
Without third-party verification, even genuine autographs may be viewed with suspicion by buyers, auction houses, and dealers. Most autographs, even attained first hand, will be looked at with suspicion by a potential buyer. It is built in to the dynamic of autograph transactions. Owner/Sellers should not take it as an attack on their trustworthiness. I have visited collectors to conduct appraisals and many autographs are not authenticated. Many believe the autographs the will never be sold and will remain in the family. Spoiler…some family member down the line will want to sell that autograph and it will be so much smoother with an authentication.
Babe Ruth Autographed Baseball
Trust Builds Value
Authentication provides trust, which is the cornerstone of any successful sale. A certificate or letter from a top-tier third-party authenticator tells potential buyers that:
The autograph has been evaluated by experienced professionals
Industry-standard techniques were used to confirm its legitimacy
The item is safe to purchase with confidence
With proper authentication:
Buyers are more confident, which often leads to faster, higher offers
Marketplaces take you seriously—many won’t list unverified items
Value is protected—authenticated pieces typically sell for much more
Selling Without Authentication? A Risky Move
If you skip authentication, you might:
Be forced to accept lower offers
Be rejected or restricted from major platforms (e.g., eBay, auction houses)
Face refunds, reputation damage, or even legal issues if authenticity is disputed
Who are the Authenticators?
Stick with industry-respected companies, including:
PSA/DNA – A leading name in sports and celebrity autograph authentication
JSA (James Spence Authentication) – Known for signature accuracy and reliability
Beckett Authentication Services (BAS) – Rapidly growing, highly trusted
Do your research and choose an authenticator with a solid reputation and transparent process.
Final Thoughts
Authentication is more than just a certificate—it’s a way to safeguard your credibility and maximize your return. For a relatively small cost, you gain peace of mind and increase the likelihood of a successful sale.
Whether it’s a single signed item, or an entire collection of Hall of Fame memorabilia, authentication is a smart, necessary investment.
Appraiser vs Authenticator – What’s the Difference?
It all begins with an idea.
When it comes to valuing vintage sports memorabilia, there are two key services that collectors and investors often rely on: an appraiser and an authenticator. Both play essential roles in ensuring that memorabilia is genuine and fairly valued, but they serve distinct functions in the memorabilia world.
In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the differences between a USPAP-compliant appraiser, such as those found at services like Finding Nostalgia, and a third-party authenticator like JSA (James Spence Authentication) or PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator).
1. The Role of a USPAP-Compliant Appraiser
A USPAP-compliant appraiser is a professional who follows the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP)—a set of industry guidelines designed to ensure that appraisals are ethical, impartial, and accurate.
USPAP-compliant appraisers assess the fair market value of memorabilia by analyzing factors like authenticity, condition, provenance, and market trends.
Key Features of a USPAP-Compliant Appraiser:
Value Determination: Determines the actual market value of items through in-depth research and analysis.
In-Depth Analysis: Provides detailed appraisal reports including photos, descriptions, and supporting documentation.
Legal and Financial Uses: Appraisals can be used for insurance, estate planning, donations, or legal purposes.
Ethics and Impartiality: Appraisers must remain unbiased and are prohibited from buying or selling items they appraise.
Joe Namath Autographed Game Used Helmet
2. The Role of a Third-Party Authenticator
Third-party authenticators like JSA and PSA specialize in verifying the authenticity of sports memorabilia. They ensure that items such as autographs, game-used equipment, or trading cards are genuine and unaltered.
Key Features of Third-Party Authenticators:
Authentication Focus: Verifies that an item is genuine, not a forgery or reproduction.
Grading System: Assigns condition grades (e.g., PSA 10) especially for trading cards.
Certificates of Authenticity (COA): Issues official documents or tamper-proof holders to confirm legitimacy.
Auction & Sales Utility: Items authenticated by JSA/PSA are more desirable in the marketplace and often required for auctions.
3. The Key Differences Between Appraisers and Authenticators
While both appraisers and authenticators are vital in the memorabilia space, they have distinct purposes and outcomes:
AspectUSPAP-Compliant AppraiserThird-Party AuthenticatorPurposeDetermines the fair market value of an itemVerifies if the item is genuineScopeAnalyzes condition, rarity, provenance, market trendsAuthenticates signatures, equipment, and cardsEnd ResultDetailed appraisal report with valuationCertificate of Authenticity or grade labelUse CaseInsurance, estate planning, donation, legal useSales, auctions, collector confidence
4. Why Use Both?
For high-value memorabilia, it’s often ideal to use both services. Authentication provides credibility, while an appraisal determines the true market value. For example, a game-worn jersey authenticated by PSA will often receive a higher appraisal because of the verified legitimacy.
Conclusion: Complementary Services, Not Competing.
USPAP-compliant appraisers and third-party authenticators like JSA and PSA serve complementary roles in the sports memorabilia ecosystem. One provides an opinion of value, the other certifies authenticity.
Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a first-time seller, using both services ensures your memorabilia is genuine and properly valued. When you’re ready to protect or sell your collection, start with authentication—then work with a certified appraiser like Finding Nostalgia to uncover its true worth.