Tuesday, 30 July 2024

The world’s most expensive autographs

We all have favourite movie stars or singers or athletes we adore, or maybe writers we like best and want their autographs. Well, you know this market is worth many millions of dollars. In the following, we’ll present you with a top list of the most expensive autographs in the world.

photo source: blog.pdffiller.com

John Lenon’s autograph on the cover of the “Double Fantasy” album, $850,000

This autograph is famous because it was written by Lenon just hours before he was shot. And the strangest thing is that the former Beatles member signed it for his killer, Mark Chapman. The album was found by a passer-by in a flowerpot near the crime scene and was sent to police. They returned it to the man when their investigation was complete. In 1999, the person who owned the album with John Lenon’s autograph sold it for $850,000.

Babe Ruth’s autograph on a baseball, $388,375

Babe Ruth had a prolific career (1914-1935) becoming one of the first American sports stars to enter American culture.

He signed many baseballs during his lifetime, but one of them sold for over $250,000 in 2014. This particular autograph was unique because it wasn’t just a signature, but a personalized inscription. The inscription read: “To my buddy, Johnny Sylvester, from Babe Ruth”. This autograph dates back to 1933 and has gained significant historical importance because of the story behind it.

In 1926, Johnny Sylvester, an 11-year-old boy, was seriously ill and in hospital. In an attempt to cheer him up, Johnny’s father contacted the New York Yankees and asked for a message from Babe Ruth. Ruth responded by sending Johnny a telegram, promising to execute a home run for him. Remarkably, Ruth hit three home runs in the next game, and Johnny’s condition improved. The story captured the nation’s attention and became a symbol of hope. The autographed baseball was a reminder of this remarkable event.

In 2012, this baseball with Babe Ruth’s inscription to Johnny Sylvester was sold at auction for an impressive $250,000. The combination of Ruth’s signature, the personalized inscription and the historical significance of the story contributed to its record price. This autograph is a testament to Babe Ruth’s enduring legacy and impact on the baseball world.

photo source: blog.pdffiller.com

However, the Babe Ruth collectible that takes the top prize is a brand new baseball signed by the American sports legend, which was auctioned off in 2012 and fetched a hefty $388,375. This autograph was particularly valuable because of its association with Ruth’s historic 1927 season when he hit 60 home runs.

This makes this baseball one of the most expensive baseballs ever sold in history.

The autograph of the stars…priceless

photo source: pinterest

Hollywood star autographs have always been in demand. For example, James Dean’s autograph sold in 2023 for $15,000. The drama and charisma of the East of Eden star has always attracted collectors of handmade autographs. Audrey Hepburn, the star of “A Roman Holiday” and “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” managed to set two price records: her script from the film “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” signed by the actress herself managed to raise $846,619 at auction in 2017, while a photo of her, also signed by the famous American actress, fetched $17,500 in 2021.

photo source: paulfrasercollectibles.com

How do you check the authenticity of a photographer

One of the easiest ways to verify the authenticity of an autograph is to run your finger over the signature. If the autograph feels flat, it may not be authentic. Authentic ink will have a textured feel of depth on the object it was signed on. Another thing used in this process of verifying an autograph would be to use a magnifying glass. Signatures created with an autograph machine will have unusually straight lines appearing under the magnifying glass.

Specialist advice before buying an item for the value of the autograph it bears would be to check its authenticity with a firm that specialises in this area. That way you check its authenticity and also find out the value of that autograph.

Factors determining the value of an autograph

Several factors influence the value of an autograph. These include the authenticity, condition and provenance of the signature. Autographs that have been certified by reputable authentication companies tend to fetch higher prices. The condition of the autograph, including factors such as location, legibility and the presence of any inscriptions, also play a role in determining its value. In addition, autographs with a well-documented chain of ownership, such as those from notable collections or auctions, often command higher prices.

Sources: blog.pdffiller.com, topcashbuyer.com, financesonline.com, fanarch.com, paulfrasercollectibles.com





Author: Editor

Share This Post On

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published.