The Top 10 Most Valuable Autographs

By Eliud Alano April 09, 2024 12:45 GMT+4 min read

Autographs hold a special place in the world of collectibles, with some commanding exorbitant prices due to their historical significance and rarity.

Here, together with Fan Arch, we'll take a look into the top 10 most valuable autographs, shedding light on their historical context and the factors that contribute to their immense worth.

1. George Washington’s Personal Copy of the U.S. Constitution, Bill of Rights, and Acts of the First Congress

This historically significant piece fetched an astounding $9.8 million in 2012. The value of this autograph is primarily attributed to its association with the first President of the United States and its connection to the founding documents of the nation.

2. Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation

With only half of the 48 signed copies of this historic document still in existence, a copy formerly owned by Bobby Kennedy was sold for $3.7 million in 2010. The Emancipation Proclamation, which declared the freedom of slaves in the Confederate states during the American Civil War, adds to the unparalleled value of this autograph.

3. Albert Einstein Letter

Einstein's documented religious beliefs in a 1954 letter that sold for nearly $2.9 million in 2018. The profound impact of Einstein's scientific contributions and his personal beliefs elevates the value of this autograph.

4. Babe Ruth’s New York Yankees Contract

Babe Ruth's legacy as one of the greatest baseball players in history is reflected in the $2.3 million price tag of his New York Yankees contract from 2017.

5. William Shakespeare's Signature

Shakespeare's elusive signature, featuring various spellings of his name, is an enigmatic and rare treasure. With only six known signatures in existence, the autograph's association with the iconic playwright makes it an invaluable piece.

6. Button Gwinnett's Signature

As one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, Button Gwinnett's relative obscurity and the historical significance of the document contribute to the high value of his signature. In 2010, an original Gwinnett signature on a 1770s-era document sold at auction for $722,500.

7. The Beatles

The signatures of all four members of The Beatles, particularly on album pages, command significant value in the autograph market. With a price tag of $15,000 for an undedicated signed photo and $8,500 for an undedicated album page signature, these autographs represent the enduring legacy of the iconic band.

8. Apollo 11 Crew

The signature of the Apollo 11 Crew, representing the first manned mission to land on the Moon, holds immense historical significance. With a price of $7,950 for an undedicated signed photo, these autographs are highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts.

9. Marilyn Monroe

Marilyn Monroe's autograph, particularly on album pages, is valued at $6,000. The enduring fascination with the iconic actress and model contributes to the high demand and value of her signature.

10. John F. Kennedy

As a prominent figure in American history, John F. Kennedy's autograph, especially on album pages, is highly prized, with a value of $3,950. The enduring legacy of the 35th President of the United States ensures the continued demand for his signature.

Ultimately, Collecting autographs is an art that requires a keen understanding of historical significance, rarity, and demand.

The value of an autograph is influenced by various factors such as its condition, what it is written on, rarity, and the demand for it in the market.

These autographs are not only valuable from a monetary perspective but also serve as tangible connections to pivotal moments in history, preserving the legacies of influential individuals for generations to come.