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View Full Version : Defference Between MLB Authentication Sticker & Official Merchandise Sticker



kylehess10
02-13-2007, 07:39 AM
Since I see a lot of people getting confused with the MLB Authentication sticker and the Official MLB Merchandise hologram, I added a section on my site showing which holograms are which. But, since we can't post website links anymore, I'll just copy & paste it here:


I see a lot of people, mostly on eBay, getting confused with the MLB Authentication Hologram and the Official MLB Merchandise Hologram. Some people are selling game used memorabilia saying that they have the MLB authentication hologram, while it isn't any type of hologram for authentication. Hopefully this should help some out.


This is the MLB AUTHENTICATION Hologram; this type hologram is on most game used/worn equipment like bats,jerseys,line-up cards,locker room nameplates,etc. It is oddly shaped so you should be able to recognize it by the shape:
http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l178/kylehess10/hologram1.jpg



The hologram below is also an MLB Authentication hologram, but much smaller and circular. These type holograms are on items like baseballs and starting in 2006 I have seen them starting to appear on the number's on the back of game worn jerseys.
http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l178/kylehess10/hologram2.jpg


Now let's get to the MLB Official Merchandise hologram; this hologram has nothing to do with the authentication of an item, it simply shows that the item is officially licensed by MLB and that it isn't any kind of knock-off.
The first hologram is the large round hologram. These are much more larger than the circular authentication hologram. The circular authentication hologram is about 1 centimeter wide while the official merchandise hologram is about 1 inch wide. You can find these holograms on pretty much everything; like figurines,pictures,and any other type of MLB merchandise.
http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l178/kylehess10/hologram3-2.jpg


This last hologram is also an official MLB merchandise hologram, but square. They are the same size as the small authentication hologram, but just sqare.
I rarely see these type holograms; this hologram though is on a Braves pennant.
http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l178/kylehess10/hologram5.jpg


Confusion With Holograms Inside Game Worn Helmets
I see quite a few people selling game worn helmets and stating that the MLB Authentication sticker is on the inner part of the helmet. THIS STICKER IS NOT ANY KIND OF AUTHENTICATION STICKER. Every single helmet that is issued to teams have the Official MLB Merchandise Hologram, since the helmets they are getting, are ofcoarse, official MLB merchandise.
http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l178/kylehess10/hologram4.jpg

pietraynor
02-13-2007, 08:16 AM
Thanks for the info/lesson. Can you tell me when all teams started receiving helmets w/ the Official MLB Merchandise Hologram? And if a helmet does not have the hologram is it not official? Thanks in advance, Jay

kylehess10
02-13-2007, 12:44 PM
Thanks for the info/lesson. Can you tell me when all teams started receiving helmets w/ the Official MLB Merchandise Hologram? And if a helmet does not have the hologram is it not official? Thanks in advance, Jay

I'm not 100% sure when they started having the hologram in the helmets but every single 2005 & 2006 helmet that I have seen has the hologram in it. It most likely started after 2000. Also, I wouldn't be worried if a helmet doesn't have the sticker. Some stickers are placed underneath the brim of the helmets and they might get dirty and fall off, so I wouldn't worry about that