Worlds Most Expensive Autograph

Getting the autograph of your favorite celebrity can be a great experience for most. For serious philographers, (autograph collectors) living celebrities, John Hancocks are just the tip of the iceberg. For these collectors, the most valuable autographs are those of deceased historical figures. Still more valuable are those same signatures decorating handwritten documents and, especially, personal letters. The most expensive autograph in the world, if sold today, would be worth around $5 million dollars.That would be William Shakespeare and, if affixed to a play written in his own hand, it would easily be worth ten times as much.

He may have authored such famous works as A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Romeo and Juliet and a remarkable number of histories regarding England’s many kings, but only six copies of Shakespeare’s autograph are known to have survived to the current day. In fact, these are some of the only examples we have of the legendary bard’s handwriting, as not a single manuscript handwritten by Shakespeare has yet been discovered. Three of the surviving signatures are attached to his will. The other three adorn the deed to a house in London, the playwright’s mortgage and his testimony in a legal case.

Shakespeares signature can be viewed at the British Library in London which is near Kings Cross Railway Station.

It must be said that in ye older days lawyers often signed documents on behalf of their clients, so buyer beware.

Considering the autograph itself, it isn’t surprising that so few examples of his handwriting still exist. In fact, his atrocious penmanship may explain at least some of the many variants on his surname, from the dull and pedestrian Shaxberd to the evocative and famous Shakespeare.

Certificates of Authenticity ( COAs )

Beware of autograph sellers offering a "Certificate of Authenticity". They are absolutely worthless. If you will fake an autograph you will fake a COA.

Most reputable autograph dealers will not offer COA's but instead offer a lifetime unconditional guarantee. If you are unhappy, simply return the item is the condition it was sold to you.

You will see sellers offering guarantees that run out in 7 days, 10 days, 30 days, etc. That should be unacceptable to you as a buyer. A genuine autograph is just that, genuine forever!

Some sellers will state that a questionable signature cannot be returned without it being authenticated by an expert. They know that this is VERY expensive to do. To get a signature authenticated will often run in to hundreds of dollars. These sellers know that no one will go to that trouble for an autograph that was bought for under that amount. AND an authentication is someones opinion only.

The Universal Autograph Collector's Club (UACC), one of the most - if not THE most respected autograph organizations in the world, have long renounced the use of COA's. Here are a few FAQ's straight from their web site:

Q: Are Certificates of Authenticity endorsed by the UACC?

A: The UACC has been very vocal about the fact that Certificates of Authenticity (COA's for short) are totally worthless. The UACC does not issue COA's and always encourages collectors to get a  receipt for merchandise, instead of a COA. Frankly, they aren't worth the paper they are printed on. A COA is only as good as the dealer that has issued it. If you buy from a UACC Registered Dealer and get a receipt, you are following the correct procedure.

Q: I was looking at some items on Ebay, and I saw that an item came with a UACC Certificate of Authenticity. Is that possible?

A: No it is not. The UACC does not issue "Certificates of Authenticity" The person selling that item should immediately be reported to Ebay.

Just use common sense when you purchase autographs. Ask the seller questions. Ask about their return policy. Learn these things up front so you will not be disappointed when your signed item arrives to your doors.

The most reliable method of obtaining a genuine signature is to OBTAIN IT YOURSELF

J&K AUTOGRAPHS, GREAT PRICES

The best guarantee a buyer has for autographs is the credibility and experience of the dealer and the probability of the deale rstill trading in the future. We have been collecting and selling signatures and memorabilia since 1994. Everything we sell is guaranteed. Over the years we have personally met many celebrities from all walks of life and have obtained autographed items from them, and have an album full of photographs to prove our meetings. Collectables are our passion. Wether you are looking for sports stars autographs, movie star autographs, TV actors autographs, music autographs, politics, Margaret Thatcher or authors autographs or indeed other areas of collecting check out our web catalogue.           www.jkautographs.co.uk 

Autographs for Investment

How It Works: The autograph market focuses on the trade of investment-grade memorabilia including photos, documents, letter and books signed by historical figures, politicians, classical and contemporary musicians, movie stars, sports and literary figures and space explorers, among others. Items are available for purchase and resale at auction houses and through autograph dealers. 

Who's Investing and Why They're So Good at It: Until recent decades, the autograph market was dominated by hobbyists and historians with limited means who collected for enjoyment’s sake. Today it has evolved into a legitimate alternative investment strategy of 300 million collectors-strong. 

But there are still people like movie and TV critic Jane Louise Boursaw, who has amassed a personal collection of 100 autographs including Melanie Griffith, Doris Day and Tom Selleck, by simply making requests to the celebrities via mail. Another, less dignified, tack is taken by those who chase celebrities at premiers, restaurants and airports etc.

What They're Making: autograph collection has a tremendous growth market fueled by supply shortages and increased demand, especially in the case of the finest rare and unique autographed memorabilia, which  have historically produced annual returns up to 20%. 

The celebrity autograph market alone is knocking the stock market, property and gold out of the park with a 300% increase over the last decade, the world’s top 100 most valuable autographs of recent times include reclusive Neil Armstrong, who stopped issuing his signature years ago, is the titleholder of most valuable living celebrity signature. Over the 12-year period from 1997-2009, it experienced a staggering 1057.9% increase in value, from roughly $750 to $8,700. But that’s a mere pittance compared to Henry VIII whose letter asking the Pope to annul his marriage to Catherine of Aragon is worth  $400,000 +.

A Canadian man is still waiting to see if the XBox 360 he had autographed by then-governor Sarah Palin in Wasilla will fetch the $1.1 million he’s asking for as a starting bid on eBay.

Why They Really Do It:  Star watchers and history buffs get instant bragging rights when they acquire that Tiger Woods-autographed Major Moments Collection from the 1997 Masters, the Marilyn Monroe-signed photograph or Albert Einstein-penned manuscript of equations. The sizable growth market and generous returns are an added bonus to having a tangible connection to their idols.

Malcolm Forbes of Forbes magazine perhaps put it best when he said, "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." 

How to Get Started: Investors whose capital is limited can always start by sending photos to their favorite celebrities by mail to have them signed. Celebrity mailing addresses are available at websites like Startiger.com, Yahoo’s A1 Autograph Group and Stefan's Autographs. 

If your resources exceed the price of a stamp, start browsing reputable online auctions and catalogs and study whose signatures are selling for what and compare the prices against valuation books. Many experts advise against buying from members of exclusive autograph societies who sell at fixed prices since items from these sellers tend to be overvalued. 

When choosing which celebrities to invest in, autographs from deceased people may be the best way to ensure safety as their reputations are already fixed and supply of their merchandise will  continue to decrease. The rarer the items, from one-of-a-kind to five-of-a-kind collectibles, fetch the best result. 


Amateurs Be Warned: Millions of dollars in fraudulent memorabilia are sold each year. Don’t outright trust an autograph’s certificate of authenticity. They can, and are, easily forged. Go to an expert third party to have the signature authenticated. Joe Orlando, president of PSA/DNA Authentication Services warns, "If I say the item's authentic and grade it on quality and I'm the seller, there's a problem." 

Collectors must also be aware of memorabilia signed with autopens, by proxy and with preprinted signatures. While not technically fakes, these autographs are far less valuable.

10 Worst Celebrity Autograph Signers

10 WORST

1. John C. Reilly

It’s no surprise we don’t have a signed photo of 2008’s No. 1 Worst Signer. John C. Reilly almost never signs and can be downright cruel about it. Before Reilly sang as Dewey Cox, he crooned in Chicago about being invisible. That’s how he treats fans now. He signed just a few for a huge crowd while promoting Chicago, and we heard he refused to sign at all while doing Tale of 2 Cities on Broadway this year.
“He’s been quoted saying, ‘It’s a free country, and I can do what I choose. I choose not to sign,’” Aring reports. “While he was promoting Walk Hard, he actually did sign. But he only signed ‘Dewey.’”
His bad attitude isn’t limited to these shores. “He laughed and walked through fans like they weren’t there at the Ritz Carlton in Berlin,” says Markus Brandes of The German Autograph Society. “After a few days, fans started to get angry at him, shouting and whistling. He started leaving by different routes to avoid them. It was the same thing when Reilly was here a few years ago.”
But his stinginess may be limited to fans. At an Aid for AIDS benefit on October 19, he pledged to double the largest donation that night. He penned a check for a very generous $30,000. At the rate he signs, that check may be worth more cancelled one day.
2. William Shatner

“Beam me up, Scotty. I’ve pissed-off everyone I can on this planet.”
If nasty were a virtue, William Shatner would be a saint. He seems to take such joy in torturing fans and collectors that Shatner is known around Autograph as the “Marquis de Sign.”
“I had him one-on-one while he waited for a car and asked him to sign a head shot,” reports Autograph reader Charlie Sterbini. “He said, ‘I’m not allowed.’” He just stood there and looked away with a stupid grin on his face.” Sterbini had two other requests for Shatner’s autograph shot down as well.
“The last time I saw him, he was leaving The View. I was waiting for another celebrity while two other fans waited for him. I warned them what they were in for, and as his car pulled out with the windows rolled down, Shatner shook his head no when they asked him to sign.”
Shatner sells his autograph, which we think is great because it makes it available to fans everywhere. But report after report of his arrogance and stinginess keeps him moving up this list.
At a booksigning in Los Angeles this year for Up Till Now, Shatner would only sign one book per person. “He didn’t interact with anyone,” says Aring, “And he insisted on seeing every person that wanted a book signed, which meant that no one could get a second book signed for anyone else. When someone asked to get a book signed for his brother, Shatner responded, ‘Get your brother down here then!’”
A fan was heard mumbling where the Captain could boldly go.
3. Will Ferrell

Will Ferrell headed up our Worst Signers list in 2007, and he’s pretty close to the top this year. He’s been starring in comedies alongside John C. Reilly, so it seems that bad signers run in packs, like good ones do. “He has gotten a little better,” says Aring. “But not much. He used to be so nice, and although he tries to use the excuse of trying to avoid having his autograph sold on eBay, that doesn’t fly. His autograph doesn’t sell on eBay.”
He’s such a bad signer that no one believes they’re real.
“He tops my list of worst signers for the second year in a row,” said Risi. “Thiis smug, arrogant, pompous man loves to avoid his fans. Whether at a premiere, an interview, or simply walking down the street, chances are Ferrell will not oblige any autograph requests. He may even go as far as to mock and belittle the fan asking for one.”
We loved him last February on Conan O’Brien when he spoofed being our worst signer. So when we ran across him a few months later we thanked him for being such a good sport. Our reporter even suggested that Ferrell wouldn’t be on the list this year. But fans and collectors tells us that he’s still one of the worst signers in Hollywood.
Sorry Will—you’re back on the list.
4. Gwyneth Paltrow

Gwyneth Paltrow should take pointers from her Iron Man costar and good signer, Robert Downing Jr. on how to treat fans.
“She’s probably the snootiest of signers on this list,” says Risi. “Paltrow will try to ignore everyone as she walks by, or she’ll just pointblank tell you, in her condescending tone, ‘I do not sign autographs.’”
Even KidzWorld.com named her one of their worst signers. If Paltrow can’t be kind to the kiddies, don’t expect much if you meet her.
5. Tobey Maguire

Year in and year out, Tobey Maguire makes our worst list. This year saw far worse signers, but Maguire still easily makes the top 5.
He’s not nasty. He’s stingy with the Sharpie. The typical meeting of fan and Maguire is like the one Richard Simpkin had last season at a Lakers game. Maguire shook his hand, but no amount of petitioning would get him to sign an autograph.
Serious collectors and kids alike find Maguire to be less than accommodating. Maguire was on Kidzworld.com’s list, too—as their No. 1 Worst Signer.
Their verdict was the same as ours: Maguire simply doesn’t sign.
6. Steve Carell

When it comes to celebrities who don’t ever sign, Steve Carell is making a name for himself. “This guy just doesn’t do it,” says Aring. “It’s just a bother for him.” Collector Dave Brooks agrees: “I’ve seen him at three events, and he didn’t sign for anyone.”
Risi tells us he’s not that nice to fans, either. “He’s one of those celebrities surrounded by a small entourage that does all the talking—and refusing for that matter. You’re bound to be greeted with an ‘I’m sorry we’re late.’ Then another voice will say, ‘Maybe later,’ but later rarely comes. And if it does, be sure to have a black pen. Like Will Ferrell, he believes that autographs signed in blue are always for sale.”
Maybe someone should replace that World’s Greatest Boss mug on his desk in The Office with one that says World’s Worst Signer.
7. Tom Hanks

Tom Hanks used to be a good signer. What happened? We don’t know. Maybe he’s so rich and famous that he considers signing even a few autographs for fans an avoidable annoyance. We’re willing to bet that as a struggling actor, before Bosom Buddies and his Oscar-winning movie career, he dreamed of being famous and signing autographs for adoring fans. But that was a long time ago.
“Hollywood nice guy my foot!” says Aring. “This year alone, I’ve seen him yell at girls who were just excited fans, tell an entire crowd after a day’s movie shoot that he doesn’t sign, and he shouted a bunch of expletives at me personally. All I did was ask Tom for his autograph, but he kept yelling at me while he rode away on his bike.”
8. Adam Sandler

If Will Ferrell is any indication, there seems to be a trend among Hollywood comics who leave SNL for movie careers— they often become bad signers.
“It’s been years since you could say Adam Sandler was nice,” says Aring. “Signing is all a bother to him now, and he’s taken to yelling at collectors. ‘What are you gonna do with this,’ he asks, ‘hang it on your wall?’ And then he doesn’t even sign.”
Our experience hasn’t been much different. We remember Sandler bombing at a comedy club a year before he joined Saturday Night Live. Nobody asked the poor guy to sign that night. But now that everyone wants his autograph, he doesn’t give it out.
9. Cameron Diaz

You tend to think consistency is a good thing in an actor, but we make this list to point out a few of the more negative aspects of celebrity. “Cameron Diaz is consistent, year after year—for being one nasty signer,” says Risi. “And by that I mean she doesn’t sign, and she can be mean about it. There’s a reason she makes our list almost every year.”
Sterbini agrees. “She always avoids being seen as she goes to and from places. It has gotten to the point that I’ve just given up on her,” he says. “If someone goes to such extremes to avoid coming into contact with fans, a signature is just not going to happen.”
10. Nicole Kidman

“Nicole Kidman absolutely hates signing autographs for anyone,” says fellow Australian Richard Simpkin, who has regularly come into contact with Kidman and has been ignored almost every time. “She only scribbles her initials at movie premieres because she has to,” he continues. “She often even asks fans, ‘Why are you harassing me?’”
Ironically, Kidman’s husband, country singer Keith Urban, is a good signer. And her ex, Tom Cruise, often makes our 10 Best. We keep hoping that Kidman will see the light someday—but like the rest of the stars of our 10 Worst list, we’re not holding our breath.

Top 10 Best Hollywood AutographSigners

THE BEST 

1. Jay Leno

Jay Leno is one of the best autograph signers in the history of Hollywood. Day in and day out, Leno signs before, during and after The Tonight Show, as he has since the show became his in 1992.
Leno would have been our No. 1 Best Signer before, if the list weren’t compiled from reports around the world. With his full-time desk job, Leno doesn’t get around as much as the movie stars who typically top our list.
“I’ve been there hundreds of times for autographs of The Tonight Show guests, and not once has Jay not signed,” says collector/dealer Mike Aring. “And he signs for the audience during breaks.”
“He’s a superstar when it comes to signing,” says New York pro Anthony Risi, aka Mr. Stargraph. “He is still coming out of the show with his own marker, ready to sign.”
Leno is one Hollywood celebrity who can identify with fans and collectors. An autograph collector himself, Leno can be found asking guests to sign during breaks.

2. George Clooney

When he’s not promoting world peace, George Clooney can be found chatting with fans and signing autographs.
“What you see is what you get,” Risi says. “There is absolutely no pretense about him at all. In the moments a fan or collector spends with Clooney, they feel like they’re out with a buddy.”
The Burn After Reading star was spotted by TheInsider.com signing autographs on the set. Splash News and Pictures reported, “George Clooney really goes out of his way for his fans by signing autographs and posing for numerous pictures.”
Clooney, a frequent 10 Bester, has come a long way since his heartthrob role as Dr. Doug Ross on ER, but he is still as down to earth as ever. He treats his fans like friends, and never seems to run out of things to talk about with them.
3. Matt Damon

The star of The Bourne action films is killer at signing. Matt Damon has been near the top of our Best Signers list for years. A costar alongside George Clooney in a number of films, Damon and Clooney often run neck and neck, and both are good bets to make the top spot one day.
Mike Aring tells us, “Matt’s always gracious with fans, even after appearances on Jimmy Kimmel Live, when stressed-out security guards are always asking him to stop signing.”
Risi adds, “Not only is Damon as good as ever this year, he hasn’t really changed since his career took off. He still treats fans with respect and gratitude, and he’ll sign pretty much whatever you ask him to—and pose for pictures.”
If you’re ever lucky enough to meet this A+ of A-Listers, you’ll walk away smiling.
4. Rosario Dawson

A staple at conventions and signing events, Rosario Dawson is a fan favorite. Her career is heavy in sci-fi and horror where fans are rabid autograph collectors. Rosario doesn’t shy away—she races to meet fans at conventions and signs, signs, signs.
“She hasn’t found a collector she didn’t like,” says Aring.
When we met Rosario at Comic-Con this year, she was so nice we thought it was because we were press. But she was pleasant and talkative with everyone she signed for there. Based on collectors we asked who have met her, she’s always that way.
Rosario knows how to keep fans rooting for her.
5. John Travolta

The star of the upcoming 2009 thriller, The Taking of Pelham 123, John Travolta has been on our 10 Best list for years. “He’s my inductee to the Signing Hall of Fame,” says Aring. “He’s also very nice when it comes to having his photo taken.”
Risi adds that Travolta is one of the few celebrities who has never refused to sign when he’s asked for an autograph. “He’s soft-spoken, but he’ll engage in brief conversation when the crowds allow it.”
If there’s a downside to Travolta’s signing habits, it’s that his signature is little more than a line. But he makes up for it with the time he spends with the public. Like Jay Leno, who frequents classic car shows, look for Travolta at aviation events, where he won’t just be flying, but signing.
6. Martin Sheen

Joining Matt Damon and two other costars from The Departed on this list is first-timer Martin Sheen. At 68 years old, this Golden Globe and Emmy winner isn’t slowing down one bit.
In Wall Street, Sheen’s character tries to teach his real-life son, Charlie Sheen, the right way to go through life: with modesty and kindness. Fortunately for us, that’s how Martin treats his fans.
“He’s always nice and always friendly,” says Aring. And he may even bless you—he’s an ordained minister, after all.”
7. Mark Wahlberg

Martin Scorsese chose a brilliant cast for his 2006 film, The Departed, since Mark Wahlberg also is on this list. We spotted the producer of HBO’s Entourage at Comic-Con this year having a good time with fans and signing up a storm.
A lifelong good signer, Wahlberg pulls out his own pen when fans approach for autographs.
“He’s a class act,” says Autograph reader Charlie Sterbini. “Mark’s always a gentleman and will sign several pieces and pose for fans and collectors. In fact, he usually makes fans pose with him. He’ll talk with us on any topic, and doesn’t rush off when he’s done signing.”
8. Jack Nicholson

Another star of The Departed, Jack Nicholson is no stranger to this list. Risi notes he’s consistently good—if you play by his rules. “If he doesn’t sign for you entering a place, he will when he leaves. And he usually jokes with fans and collectors.”
We don’t recommend approaching him at Lakers games, but Australian collector Richard Simpkin says Nicholson sometimes will sign when leaving Staples Center—several things if they’ve won.
9. Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie

Angelina, how did you do it? Angelina Jolie is often on our 10 Best list, while Brad Pitt used to haunt 10 Worst with Jennifer Aniston. But Mrs. Smith must have cast a spell on Mr. Smith, because Brad is now one fantastic signer.
“In spite of the paparazzi crush for them and their high profile lives, they always walk up to the crowd at events and premieres and sign up a storm,” says Aring.
What’s amazing about this couple is how good they are with crazed fans. Hysterical women constantly scream for Brad, and infatuated men keep hitting on Angelina. They handle them all with compassion and grace, calming them down as they keep on signing.
10. Megan Fox

Megan Fox is as much a rising signer as a rising star. Set to appear in this year’s How to Lose Friends and Alienate People, we’re happy to report that in real life she makes friends and delights fans. Her great response when asked to sign has earned her a well-deserved spot on our 10 Best list.
“She’s been compared to Angelina Jolie for her talent, her looks and her love of tattoos,” Risi says of this newcomer. “So why not compare their signing habits? This new Hollywood ‘It’ girl is amazing when it comes to signing. She’s just too cool. Not only will she sign several items per person, she’ll hang around and talk with us about what’s new and upcoming in her career. She loves her fans—and she shows it!”

Where to Meet Hollywood Stars

Ever wonder how some autograph hunters know where to find a celebrity? Truth be told, meeting Hollywood celebrities in Los Angeles is so simple - you need to know where to look.

Find a Celebrity at Work

Almost all Hollywood celebrities are employed by the movie industry. It would make sense to hunt down the celebrity of choice simply by showing up at their job site. Doing so is made easy by On Location Vacations, a website that caters to the movie buff with a travel budget. Publishing daily L.A. filming locations for shows such as BFF and Baby, it is easy to find a celebrity at work.

Look for Guys with Cameras and Lenses 

A cluster of folks carrying cameras and waiting in front of a business, restaurant or home is a good sign that Hollywood celebrities may be around. If you have the time, stick around to see if someone comes out. Ask one of the supposed paparazzi and ask them whom they're after.

Go to Church

There are plenty of L.A. houses of worship that the celebs frequent. A good example is St. Charles Catholic Church, which frequently hosts celebrity funerals. Sunday attendees report noting Andy Garcia, Frankie Avalon, Angela and Veronica Cartwright as well as Bob Gunton in the audience. Remember: no matter how much Hollywood celebrities may court the limelight, they do draw the line at handing out autographs when going to mass.  DONT PESTER THEM.

Grab a Bite to Eat

If you have time and a bit of money, learning how to meet a celebrity can be as easy as grabbing a bite to eat in downtown L.A. The Grove is generally a hot ticket for celeb sightings, as are the 'hip' eateries, such as Pinks Hot Dogs. Choosing to go this route is a hit or miss and frequently has you jostling for a good spot with paparazzi.

They're Walking Straight towards you

Two big-time Hollywood celebrities are walking right at you; what should you do? When you find a celebrity, do not make a nuisance of yourself. Moreover, do not try to meet celebrities by following them around. The LAPD does not take kindly to stalkers.

Instead, evaluate the situation and - if appropriate - politely introduce yourself, explain why you like their work and be prepared to keep it short and move on. It is okay to ask for an autograph but do not be offended if a celeb mom or dad has to rush off. After all, they have families commitments too.