top of page
All Posts


The Quiet Power of Provenance: How Collecting Preserves Stories, Not Just Objects
At its highest level, collecting has never been about objects alone. It has always been about stories . The artifact is simply the vessel. What truly gives a piece weight, meaning, and lasting value is its provenance — the documented, verifiable story of where it came from, who touched it, and why it matters. Provenance is the quiet force that separates ordinary collectibles from historic artifacts. It places a moment in time, anchors it to a place, and ties it to real human

Eric Wagenmaker
Dec 29, 20254 min read


The Psychology of Collecting: Why One-of-Ones Inspire Emotion and Demand
A thoughtful look at scarcity, storytelling, and why custom cards create deeper personal connections than mass-produced parallels. Collectors know the feeling — that electric moment when you pull or acquire a one-of-one card. It’s not just cardboard or ink. It’s the idea that this is the only one on Earth. Nothing else exists quite like it, and nothing else ever will. This emotional response isn’t accidental. It’s deeply rooted in human psychology, tied to rarity, ownership

Eric Wagenmaker
Dec 19, 20254 min read


When Graders Consolidate: What the PSA-Parent Company Acquisition of Beckett Means for the Hobby
The trading card and memorabilia hobby is undergoing a significant structural shift. In December 2025, Collectors — the parent company of the industry’s largest grader, PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator) — announced an agreement to acquire another major grading authority, Beckett Authentication and Grading Services . Yahoo Sports Collectors already owns PSA and, through previous acquisitions, SGC and others, meaning the company now controls multiple pillars of the gradin

Eric Wagenmaker
Dec 16, 20255 min read


Actual Rarity vs. Perceived Rarity: A Collector’s Reflection on What Truly Matters
In a hobby filled with nostalgia, excitement, and big-ticket headlines, it’s easy to confuse value with rarity — and even easier to confuse rarity with perceived rarity . The trading card and memorabilia market has thrived for decades on this dynamic. But as the hobby evolves, it’s worth taking a moment to reflect on what rarity really means, how it shapes collecting behavior, and how intentional choices can lead to a collection with more meaning, depth, and long-term satis

Eric Wagenmaker
Dec 11, 20254 min read


Collector’s Guide: How to Start Commissioning Custom Cards
Commissioning a custom card is one of the most rewarding experiences in the hobby. Whether you’re creating something deeply personal for your personal collection (PC) or crafting a unique, high-end piece to flip for profit , the process allows you to blend creativity, authenticity, and storytelling into one incredible collectible. At Reclaim Customs , we specialize in turning your ideas — and sometimes your existing memorabilia — into works of art that feel just as valuable

Eric Wagenmaker
Nov 17, 20254 min read


How It Works: Creating a Custom Piece with Reclaim Customs
At Reclaim Customs , every project we create is built on two things — your story and our craftsmanship. Whether you’re transforming an autograph, reclaiming a relic, or envisioning a one-of-a-kind custom piece, the process is designed to be personal, transparent, and exciting from start to finish. Here’s how it all works. Step 1: Start with the Basics Before jumping straight into a project, we recommend you visit our FAQ page . It’s the best place to get familiar with our pri

Eric Wagenmaker
Nov 14, 20253 min read


Reclaim Customs x Beckett Authentication: A Partnership That Elevates Every Piece
For collectors and hobbyists who appreciate the fusion of fine art and authentic memorabilia, few things are as exciting as seeing their custom piece encased, authenticated, and recognized by one of the industry’s most respected names — Beckett Authentication Services (BAS) . Reclaim Customs is proud to partner with Beckett to offer a special Pedigree Label Service , allowing our name — Reclaim Customs — to appear directly on Beckett’s authentication labels. This collaborat

Eric Wagenmaker
Oct 24, 20254 min read


Seasons of Value: How Timing Shapes the Sports Card & Memorabilia Market
In the hobby world, value is rarely static. It moves with narratives, performance, sentiment — and, quite often, the calendar. A card or piece of memorabilia that’s hot during the season can soften a bit in the off-season; vintage cards and retired players’ items also ride those waves, though often less sharply. Understanding these patterns gives collectors a strategic edge. Let’s dig into how seasonal cycles affect perception and price — how buying during “quiet time” can be

Eric Wagenmaker
Oct 20, 20254 min read


Why Investing in Custom Memorabilia Through Reclaim Customs Makes Sense in Today’s Hobby Boom
The trading card and memorabilia hobby is in the middle of a historic surge. Record-breaking auction sales, mainstream attention, and the...

Eric Wagenmaker
Oct 9, 20253 min read


The Hobby as a Living Story: How Collecting Preserves and Reclaims Legacy
The trading card and memorabilia hobby is more than ink, cardboard, and fabric — it’s a living story. It’s history, it’s culture, and...

Eric Wagenmaker
Oct 8, 20253 min read


Grading, Slabbing & Authentication of Custom Cards: Who Will Do It — and Under What Conditions
In the collectibles world, “slabbing” a card (i.e. putting it into a sealed plastic holder with a graded label) is often viewed as the...

Eric Wagenmaker
Oct 6, 20256 min read


From the Dugout to the Vault: How Athletes and Celebrities Are Powering the Hobby
The trading card and memorabilia hobby has always been driven by fans, nostalgia, and the stories that connect us to the games we love....

Eric Wagenmaker
Oct 3, 20254 min read


When Fraud Strikes the Hobby: Lessons from the Mancave Bust & What It Means for Reclaim Customs
In mid-2025, the collectibles and autograph community was jolted awake by one of the biggest fraud scandals we’ve seen in decades. The...

Eric Wagenmaker
Oct 2, 20255 min read


A Season to Remember — and What It Left Behind for Collectors
As the dust settles on the 2025 MLB season, it’s time not just to reflect on pennant races, MVPs, and postseason drama — but to see how...

Eric Wagenmaker
Sep 30, 20256 min read


The State of the Hobby: Collectibles & Trading Cards in 2025
If you’ve been watching the hobby space lately, you’ve no doubt felt the electricity in the air: records are being shattered, boundaries...

Eric Wagenmaker
Sep 30, 20255 min read
bottom of page




