AUTOGRAPHS AS INVESTMENT

None of my other investments give me the joy that autographs do because they make me feel that I am holding a piece of history in my hands.  Malcolm Forbes

Autographs aren’t just for collectors.  They make great gifts, too.  Whether for an anniversary, wedding, promotion, retirement or employee recognition, the gift of history is unique, always appreciated and an enduring source of ownership pride.

While dealers do not tout autographs for investment, there is evidence that autograph values have risen significantly over the past several decades. Please take a minute to consider the following analysis (1950-2000). These figures were culled from various dealer catalogues.

WASHINGTON, George – 5,442% increase of a SIGNED LETTER
JEFFERSON, Thomas – 1,364% increase of a SIGNED LETTER
LINCOLN, Abraham – 2,730% increase of a DOCUMENT SIGNED
URBAN VIII, Pope – 12,200% increase of a SIGNED LETTER
GWINNETT, Button – 1,593% increase of a DOCUMENT SIGNED
GERSHWIN, George – 3,046% increase of a SIGNED PHOTO
BEETHOVEN, Ludwig Van – 923% increase of an AUTOGRAPH MUSIC MANUSCRIPT
WILDE, Oscar – 3,840% increase of an AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED
ANTOINETTE, Marie – 3,43% increase of a DOCUMENT SIGNED
HENRY IV – 3,840% increase of an AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED