Autographs worth?

[Sai]

Hi I was just wondering whether autographs that have been personalized are still worth anything? I would NEVER sell my autographs I love them way too much! But I was just curiouse. And does them being personalised de-value them or make them more valuble as there is more writting on the picture? I guess it devalues them, as i would't buy and autograph that was made out to someone else but I don't collect to sell so i have no idea about these things.
Anyone?

[margotchanning]

You're right, a personalisation does decrease the value of an autograph. The exception being a handwritten letter that contains interesting text. A letter written by Bette Davis that contained information about the release of her LP in the 80s recently sold for nearly $1000!

[Chris102]

A personalization does not decrease the value of the autograph at all.

It could actually make it worth more. It all depends on what the buyer is looking for.

[Carmelo15]

it does de-value them, as there is no point of personalizing if it wasn't your name the celeb is signing for

You can only hope that the buyer has the same name as you

[Chris102]

it does de-value them, as there is no point of personalizing if it wasn't your name the celeb is signing for

You can only hope that the buyer has the same name as you

The buyers I mentioned aren't looking for their own name - they look for anyone's name.

[jimmymac]

it does de-value them, as there is no point of personalizing if it wasn't your name the celeb is signing for

You can only hope that the buyer has the same name as you

The buyers I mentioned aren't looking for their own name - they look for anyone's name.

Generally speaking however; a personalisation will decrease the value of an item. Obviously there are exceptions; if an autograph is rarer - a dedication won't alter the value a great deal.

[chanin-anezina]

Well I would of thought that if it’s personalized and the owner has the same name then its worth more money.

[James]

This is a good question, that will bring about a good debate.

There are two sides to this arguement. It depends on the circumstances.

If there is a signed photo of, for example, Gordon Ramsay on eBay signed 'To James' no one is going to buy it as to the buyer, it is not worth anything. As autograph collectors, you have got to remember the majority of people who use eBay do not know about writing to celebrities- I didn't know about it before I found out. Anything on eBay dedicated wont sell well, as if it is a rare signer, such as Paul McCartney, then 99% it will be a fake.

However, if it is a rare signer at a professional autograph store, it is a different story. Take Frasers autographs for example. Frasers is a company based in Central London that sells autographs. People go to Frasers as collectors to buy rare, hand signed items. Nothing there will be a fake. Items from Paul McCartney there are worth alot more & sell for alot more if they are dedicated with a message.

At Frasers, a signed 'The Beatles' photo, signed by all 4 members would sell for about £7000. A signed photo from Paul McCartney, about £3000. However, I've seen a signed Birthday Card from Paul McCartney that was up for sale at £22,000- a much bigger increase becuase of its dedication (as well as the fact it is a special item). This is the sort of thing CDolan02 is talking about.

Hope that makes sense to you & that it has explained the circumstances well.

James {thumb2}

[Sai]

Thanks everyone. I see what you all mean Quite interesting, but makes sense