Do you remember the time when you got an autograph from your favourite singer or athlete? While this autograph may have sentimental value for you and isn’t just paper, it may also hide an opportunity for profit. People who are into investing in autographs are profiting in recent years as the market for valuable autographs is growing and auctions are multiplying as the demand increases.
According to moneywise.co.uk “It is not just the obvious ‘classic’ celebrities of music and film whose autographs are in high demand. The most valuable signature in the index is a magazine signed by Steve Jobs, which is worth £40,000 – up around 14% in the past year and up from £500 in 2000. Mr Wade explains that the Apple founder was notoriously reluctant to sign autographs. This, combined with his early death in 2011 and the iconic status of the Apple brand, makes his signature extremely rare and highly valuable. Another rapid riser is Stephen Hawking. The physicist’s signature was the best performer of 2018 according to the index – rising 100% from £15,000 to £30,000. There are few genuine Stephen Hawking autographs as the scientist’s motor neurone disease left him unable to write. He sometimes used thumb-print signatures, and demand for both these and his earlier signature has soared since his death in March 2018.”
Demand is also rising in the 1980s and 1990s for celebrity autographs. Many are nostalgic for the past and are searching for memorabilia of this kind. Princes William and Harry’s signatures have been increasing in value as demand has risen. Royal protocol, which forbids the Royal Family from signing autographs, ensures that in public circulation there are few royal signatures.
The autograph business may have been underestimated because it does not provide the consumer with the prestige of a classic car, or the immortality of possessing the world’s rarest stamps. However, autographs could be a lucrative option for those of us who are not so concerned with our reputation but with the returns our investments are likely to make.
Unlike fine art, for instance, classic cars or wine autographs may be the easiest resource to take care of. Many autographed objects can be placed in a simple portfolio or, if you prefer, displayed in pride of place in your home–there is no need for costly air-conditioned storage facilities or expensive garages. It is a privilege to own a rare autographed object. This is an asset that you can hold in your hands, present to your friends on your walls. Signed by the hands of the most famous figures in the world, the finest examples are important pieces of history.
It’s clear that autographs are not only important pieces of history but they can also be a useful part of an investment portfolio, giving you a nice opportunity to gain some money from something that could potentially have zero value as a piece of paper.