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Autographs: Famous, Historical, Astronaut, Autograph Signings, Monetary Values And Auctions
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Published: November 12, 2007
Autographs refer to signatures or handwritten documents done by the author. When these are handwritten by historical figures, they also become popular documents. As a matter of fact, there is such a thing called "philography," a term used when referring to the art of acquiring autographs. Philographers usually go to special autograph signings to collect rare autographs by celebrities.
These can include historical or political figures, actors, performers, sports players, literary figures, philosophers and other influential figures who have made significant contributions in shaping the present world.
One of the most famous autographs that can demand millions of dollars is William Shakespeare's. Currently, there are only six legal documents that contain the original signature of the well-renowned literary figure -- one signature on a house conveyance, one on a mortgage document, one on a deposition and three found on his will. These historic documents are not for sale, but if they were offered in the market, they could cost more than 5 million dollars today.
Other notable autographs include those of Napoleon Bonaparte, a well-recognized historical figure. Legendary player Babe Ruth's autographs are also in demand among collectors and enthusiasts. Another historic figure whose autographs are as famous as she is among collectors is England's Queen Elizabeth. Autographs of Hollywood sex symbol Marilyn Monroe are also popular among philographers. Rare autographs of scientists and great thinkers are also popular, as astronaut Virgil "Gus" Grissom's are sought after by many philographers. Russian martyr Leon Trotsky's autographs are also coveted because of his great contributions to Russian history.
Autographs of Hollywood celebrities such as Greta Garbo and Elvis Presley are also given a significant value especially when sold in the market. Interestingly, the death of young Hollywood stars who have lead notorious and controversial lifestyles can increase the monetary value of their signatures.
The values given to famous autographs acquired through auctions or signings can be determined by several factors. One factor is the popularity of the author and the scarcity of such signature. A good example is Marilyn Monroe. Since she died young, her handwritten documents are rare nowadays. And since many people still want to acquire Marilyn Monroe's autographs, documents containing her personal signature could amount to more than a thousand dollars.
Another factor that can help determine values of autographs is the kind of item signed. Tissue paper signed by an astronaut is definitely worth less compared to a picture signed by the same figure. Autographs found on personal documents such as letters and journals are more valuable because aside from the handwritten piece or signature, these documents can reveal interesting facts about the author.
The quality of the writing instrument used and the overall condition of the document can also affect the values of autographs. Since ink is more durable compared to a document written in pencil, these documents are more valuable. If the documents obtained through auctions or autograph signings are stained or torn, their values may go down.
Sources:
"Autograph." Wikipedia The Free Encyclopedia. 4 Nov. 2007. 12 Nov. 2007. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Autograph.
Anderson, Tim. "Autographs of America." Autographs of America. 12 Nov. 2007. http://www.autographsofamerica.com/.
Anderson, Tim. "The Most Valuable Autograph in the World." Autographs of America. 12 Nov. 2007. http://www.autographsofamerica.com/e-mostvalautogr aphinworld.html.
Anderson, Tim. "What Makes An Autograph Valuable?" Autographs of America. 12 Nov. 2007. http://www.autographsofamerica.com/e-whatmakesauto valuable.html.
Anderson, Tim. "Examples of Famous Autographs." Autographs of America. 12 Nov. 2007. http://www.autographsofamerica.com/e-examplesfamou sautographs.html.
Anderson, Tim. "Autograph Trivia." Autographs of America. 12 Nov. 2007. http://www.autographsofamerica.com/e-autographtriv ia.html.
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One of the most famous autographs that can demand millions of dollars is William Shakespeare's. Currently, there are only six legal documents that contain the original signature of the well-renowned literary figure -- one signature on a house conveyance, one on a mortgage document, one on a deposition and three found on his will. These historic documents are not for sale, but if they were offered in the market, they could cost more than 5 million dollars today.
Other notable autographs include those of Napoleon Bonaparte, a well-recognized historical figure. Legendary player Babe Ruth's autographs are also in demand among collectors and enthusiasts. Another historic figure whose autographs are as famous as she is among collectors is England's Queen Elizabeth. Autographs of Hollywood sex symbol Marilyn Monroe are also popular among philographers. Rare autographs of scientists and great thinkers are also popular, as astronaut Virgil "Gus" Grissom's are sought after by many philographers. Russian martyr Leon Trotsky's autographs are also coveted because of his great contributions to Russian history.
Autographs of Hollywood celebrities such as Greta Garbo and Elvis Presley are also given a significant value especially when sold in the market. Interestingly, the death of young Hollywood stars who have lead notorious and controversial lifestyles can increase the monetary value of their signatures.
The values given to famous autographs acquired through auctions or signings can be determined by several factors. One factor is the popularity of the author and the scarcity of such signature. A good example is Marilyn Monroe. Since she died young, her handwritten documents are rare nowadays. And since many people still want to acquire Marilyn Monroe's autographs, documents containing her personal signature could amount to more than a thousand dollars.
Another factor that can help determine values of autographs is the kind of item signed. Tissue paper signed by an astronaut is definitely worth less compared to a picture signed by the same figure. Autographs found on personal documents such as letters and journals are more valuable because aside from the handwritten piece or signature, these documents can reveal interesting facts about the author.
The quality of the writing instrument used and the overall condition of the document can also affect the values of autographs. Since ink is more durable compared to a document written in pencil, these documents are more valuable. If the documents obtained through auctions or autograph signings are stained or torn, their values may go down.
Sources:
"Autograph." Wikipedia The Free Encyclopedia. 4 Nov. 2007. 12 Nov. 2007. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Autograph.
Anderson, Tim. "Autographs of America." Autographs of America. 12 Nov. 2007. http://www.autographsofamerica.com/.
Anderson, Tim. "The Most Valuable Autograph in the World." Autographs of America. 12 Nov. 2007. http://www.autographsofamerica.com/e-mostvalautogr aphinworld.html.
Anderson, Tim. "What Makes An Autograph Valuable?" Autographs of America. 12 Nov. 2007. http://www.autographsofamerica.com/e-whatmakesauto valuable.html.
Anderson, Tim. "Examples of Famous Autographs." Autographs of America. 12 Nov. 2007. http://www.autographsofamerica.com/e-examplesfamou sautographs.html.
Anderson, Tim. "Autograph Trivia." Autographs of America. 12 Nov. 2007. http://www.autographsofamerica.com/e-autographtriv ia.html.
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