When it comes to autographs, there are so many things that have to be taken into account as we determine value. People that constantly look for famous autographs for sale already know that it is quite common to find some autographs that have a value of over $1 million dollars. In fact, those that are the most expensive in the world easily go over this amount.
While we can talk about many of the famous autographs with an insane value, let’s just focus on the 3 most expensive at the moment. Honorable mentions go to Jimi Hendrix’s contract (sold for $200,000) and Babe Ruth’s baseball (sold for $344,375).
John Lennon’s Murderer Signed LP – $525,000
On December 8th, 1980, John Lennon was killed by Mark David Chapman. A few hours earlier the killer got the star’s autographs on a copy of the Double Fantasy album. Then, he fired 5 shots at the superstar, killing him at the age of forty. That autograph is now worth over the last selling price of $525,000, which happened in 2003. Part of this is because Mark David Chapman did not run away. He simply stayed on site reading The Catcher In The Rye and waited for police officers to come.
Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation – $3.7 Million
In the year 1864, one year before Abraham Lincoln’s death, he signed 48 Emancipation Proclamation copies. This document was really important as it ended US slavery. There are now 26 copies that still survive and that are displayed in various museums and universities. Some are even privately owned.
The value of one of these copies is really hard to calculate at the moment. What we do know is that in 1991 a copy sold for $750,000. Then, in 2012, another copy was sold for $2 million. Bobby Kennedy sold his copy in 2010, leading to a sales price of an incredible $3.7 million.
George Washington’s Acts Of Congress – $9.8 Million
With this famous autograph, we talk about the personal Constitution, Bill of Rights, And the First Congress copy held by George Washington himself. The first page of the book is signed and ended up being put up for auction in 2012. Ann Bookout, Vernon Ladies Association board member, quickly bought it. The association is managing the Virginia Estate of George Washington. The price was $9.8 million, creating a record that will most likely take a long time to match. The book was placed in the White House, at the Washington Presidential Library.
A World Of Famous Autographs For Sale
Celebrities often have numerous followers and fans that want to get an autograph, no matter the cost. These autographs can be stored and eventually they increase in value. At the moment, there are numerous autographs that are worth way over $1,000 from superstars like Bob Dylan, Madonna and Neil Armstrong.
If you are interested in a famous autograph and you want to put your hands on one, there is no shortage of sellers. Just make sure that the autograph is authentic as there are many dishonest people out there.