Podcast Summary

Episode Overview

Podcast: Trading Cards & Collectibles Podcast
Host: Ryan Alford (The Radcast Network)
Guest: John Robinson, Founder of Resolution Photomatching
Episode Title: The Power of Authenticity: How Resolution Photomatching Quadruples Value
Date: December 9, 2025

In this engaging episode, Ryan Alford sits down with John Robinson, founder of Resolution Photomatching, for a deep dive into how photomatching technology is revolutionizing the authentication and valuation of game-used sports memorabilia and other collectibles. The conversation covers how photomatching works, why authenticity is paramount in the hobby, memorable success stories, industry trends, and a sneak peek into Resolution's future offerings.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Rise and Necessity of Photomatching

• Authentication Demands:
  • The industry increasingly demands proof with "100% certainty" that memorabilia is truly game-used and specifically when it was used. (00:00)
  • Photo matching has become the gold standard for authentication, replacing less precise techniques like simple grading.
  • Even trading card manufacturers are expressing interest in photomatching jerseys before they are cut up for card inserts. (04:49)

“People demand to really know with 100% certainty that it was game used and when it was game used. The industry demands photo matching.” – John (00:00)

How Photomatching Works

• Three-Round Research Process:
  • Step 1: Review every possible image from the item's possible use period.
  • Step 2: Comparison analysis against other similar known items for unique characteristics.
  • Step 3: Senior researcher conducts final checks and dating research before confirmation.
  • Over 35 licensed photo and video databases are used. (10:29–14:54)

"In the first round we’re looking at every possible image from the span of use... Then, our comparison analysis... figuring out which characteristics are unique to this jersey and which are not." – John (11:32, 13:13)

• No Need to Ship Items:
  • Only high-resolution photos from specific angles are needed; physical items don’t have to be sent to Resolution, avoiding time, liability, and insurance hassles common with card grading. (20:15–21:21)

Adding Value & Use Cases

• When to Use Photomatching:

  • Buyers use photomatching to increase confidence before purchase.
  • Sellers use it to maximize sales value.
  • Collectors use it for personal enjoyment and display, pairing original items with matching photos. (06:27–08:03, 10:19)

• Quantifiable Impact:

  • Items authenticated by Resolution Photomatching have sold for up to four times their previous, unmatched value. (31:16)

“We’re oftentimes seeing pieces go for, you know, four times what they sold for without a res match when we’re able to make that res match.” – John (31:16)

Success Rates & Client Experience

• Not All Items Can Be Matched:

  • About half of submitted items are successfully matched; success depends on item type, era, and available imagery.
  • Clients receive a partial refund (30–60%) if no match is found. (15:36)

• Modern vs. Vintage Challenges:

  • Modern items have more images but are worn less, while vintage items were worn longer but have fewer photographs. (17:56–19:03)

• Expedited Service:

  • Standard turnaround is 1.5–2 weeks; rush options are available for deadlines. (22:07–22:41)

Types of Items & Memorable Matches

• Sports Authentication Breadth:

  • Baseball, basketball, football are the core.
  • Rapid growth in soccer and hockey.
  • Non-sports: concert memorabilia, movie/TV wardrobe pieces.

• Notable Matches & Stories (23:13–26:05):

  • Michael Jordan Finals jerseys
  • Tom Brady, Magic Johnson memorabilia
  • Ty Cobb and Lou Gehrig bats
  • Most recent: Shohei Ohtani walk-off home run bat (2025)
  • Non-sport icons:
    • Amelia Earhart’s cap from her first transatlantic flight (sold for nearly $1 million)
    • Jonah Hill’s shirt from "Superbad"
    • Kate Winslet’s "Titanic" dress

“We photo-matched... Amelia Earhart’s cap that she wore on the first female transatlantic flight... it ended up selling for I think close to a million dollars.” – John (25:00)

Inside the Process

• Expertise & Team:

  • Founded in 2016; steadily expanded staff to a team of 8 researchers, each undergoing intensive, detail-oriented training.
  • Robust internal protocol, multiple rounds of checks, and an emphasis on image and historical research over automation. (32:00–33:14; 35:16–36:10)

• Why Not Use AI?

  • R&D on AI recognition has shown that human researchers are currently more accurate at identifying the minute details essential for authentication. (41:40)

“What we found is, unfortunately, artificial recognition software can sometimes miss some stuff... we’re still fully with the real human researchers just to make sure nothing is ever missed.” – John (41:40)

The State and Future of the Hobby

• Growing Markets:

  • Explosive interest since 2020–21, both in sports and entertainment collectibles.
  • Emphasis on ethics, security, and credibility as fundamental to protecting and expanding the hobby. (38:10)

• New Developments:

  • Launching a subscription service with discounted rates and expedited turnaround times, designed for frequent collectors. (39:35)

“We’re going to make our official announcement... but we’re in the works. We have a subscription service... discounted rates, some expedited turnaround times...” – John (39:35)

• Advisory Board:
  • Resolution recently formed an unpaid advisory board, including iconic collectors Marshall Fogel and Mike Hefner, to ensure that company decisions serve the broader hobby's interests. (36:25)

Standout Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the Changing Nature of Authenticity Demand:

  “Even the card manufacturers are starting to realize that people demand to really know with 100% certainty that it was game used and when it was game used. The industry demands photo matching.” – John (04:49)

• On the Human-Driven Process:

  “Photo matching isn’t that hard to do potentially. But to do it at the professional level and do it at the level that we’re doing it, that’s where it gets difficult.” – John (15:01)

• On Storytelling:

  “It just tells a story. When you’re able to make a res match... it can go from a bat used in 2010 to a jersey worn on July 12, 1985, when this guy hit a home run.” – John (30:20)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [00:00] – The importance of photo matching in collectibles
• [04:49] – Card manufacturers’ growing interest in photomatching
• [10:29] – Detailed breakdown of the multi-stage authentication process
• [15:36] – Success rates; what happens if an item isn’t matched
• [17:56] – Comparing modern and vintage collectible authentication
• [20:15] – No need to send physical items; remote photomatching
• [22:07] – Turnaround times and expedited services
• [23:13]–[26:05] – Memorable matches: Jordan, Ohtani, Ty Cobb, Amelia Earhart’s cap
• [31:16] – Value impact: items selling for four times original price
• [35:16] – Required detail orientation and hiring philosophy
• [39:35] – Preview of upcoming subscription service

The Episode’s Tone & Takeaway

The episode maintains an enthusiastic, accessible tone, blending technical explanations with stories that highlight the cultural and sentimental weight of collectibles. John and Ryan emphasize that the intersection of technology, expertise, and narrative is what elevates both the value and the personal meaning of sports and entertainment memorabilia.

Where to Learn More

• Resolution Photomatching: resolutionphotomatching.com
• Contact: info@ezphotomatching.com
• Podcast Host Instagram: @ryanolford
• Full episodes & clips: www.collectibles.show

Summary

This episode provides a comprehensive look at the power of authenticity in collectibles through the lens of photomatching. With firsthand insights from a pioneering service provider and stories that traverse sports and pop culture history, listeners leave with actionable knowledge for collecting, investing, and appreciating the deeper value behind the items they cherish.