Many sports fans collect college football helmets for fun and profit. Full-size helmets, replicas and mini-helmets from hundreds of NCAA teams are openly sought after by collectors, with and without autographs. Now that the NCAA season has started, many collectors are making wish lists and revving up their interest in collectible helmets.

A sports memorabilia shop specializing in college football collectibles buys and sells official NCAA helmets at fair prices. Doing business with an established dealer guarantees authenticity of items. This will save you the time and trouble of asking for an outside appraisal or opinion. Collectors buying autographed college football helmets appreciate receiving a certificate of authenticity or other assurance that a signature is legitimate.

Football helmets are available from a variety of sources, including online auctions and private collectors, but a knowledgeable sports memorabilia dealer does more than place a listing and take your money – he or she will offer information on the different types of football helmets available to collectors. A novice collector may be unfamiliar with the variety of helmets on the collectible market. Most football helmets are manufactured by Riddell or Schutt. You’ll find full-size and mini NCAA college football helmets by both manufacturers when you buy from an experienced sports memorabilia dealer.

When purchasing full-sized college football helmets, it’s important to distinguish between replica, authentic and throwback helmets. Replica helmets look like the real thing, but are made for collectors and fans. Most replica helmets come with a metal faceguard, hard cup chinstrap and TPU jaw pads. The team logo and colors on the helmet are the same as the player's’ helmet. Most authentic NCAA helmets have a traditional standoff shell and TPU cushioning and jaw pads. Authentic throwback helmets from the 1950s through the 1980s are available at good prices from many dealers. These vintage helmets are reproduced based on the original logo and construction. You can by throwback helmets for Dad, Grandpa or any longtime fan of your favorite team.

Are full-size authentic or replica football collectibles out of your price range? Mini-helmets have plastic shells with plastic faceguards and are perfect for the budget- conscious collector or fan. They have interior padding, but aren’t wearable, and are great for display. Tiny, inexpensive pocket pro helmets come in packs of 12 or more are great souvenir gifts for kids or the casual football fan.