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Celebrity Autographs: Autographed Photos, Movie Posters, Books, Autograph Value And Auctions

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Published: November 9, 2007

Celebrity autographs are simply handwritten signatures of famous people. These people can include actors or actresses, scientists, political and literary figures, sports players, historical figures and other types of people who have gained worldwide recognition, fame and influence -- especially on pop culture. An individual who collects these celebrity autographs can be referred to as a "philographer," as the art of collecting autographs is called "philography."

Celebrity autographs come in various forms -- these famous signatures are found on photos, movie posters and books. Popular autographed photos usually belong to icons of pop culture such as sports players, film actors, controversial celebrities and historical figures. Examples of well-coveted autographed photos are photos signed by pop icons like Michael Jackson, baseball players Joe DiMaggio and Babe Ruth, basketball player Michael Jordan, music artists Elvis Presley and John Lennon, astronauts Neil Armstrong and Alan Shepard, and former U.S. President John F. Kennedy. Ironically, notorious and scandalous celebrities have higher values for their signatures.

As for autographed movie posters, many fans still collect celebrity autographs of deceased icons such as Greta Garbo and Oliver Hardy of the popular comic duo "Laurel and Hardy." Celebrity autographs of popular film directors found on autographed movie posters can also be considered as valuable signatures. However, it is the handwritten signatures of actors and icons that are in-demand among collectors and fans.

Examples of well-known autographed books belong to famous writers such as Ernest Hemingway, Harper Lee, Winston Churchill and other historical or literary figures. Rare books that have been authenticated can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars when sold in the market. Ironically, no autographed books or literary manuscripts by poet and playwright William Shakespeare -- one of the most influential literary figures in the world -- were found. His authentic signatures that exist currently can be found only on six legal documents.

Aside from autographed books, autographed movie posters and autographed photos, signatures of famous celebrities can be found on memorabilia such as baseball cards, postcards, basketballs, footballs, t-shirts and other items that can be actually signed by these celebrities.

When determining the autograph value of different celebrity autographs, four basic questions should be asked. These questions aim to determine the original author, the material these celebrity autographs were signed on, the writing tool used, and the actual condition of the collectibles. Unfortunately, many celebrity autographs sold today are fake or forged documents.

The autograph value of rare and precious autographs can range from hundreds to millions of dollars, which is why some people would do anything just to get their hands on such. Authentic celebrity autographs can be purchased through dealers, collectors, auctions and even fan clubs who have acquired original signed items. The autograph value is mainly determined by the highest amount of cash a person is willing to spend in order to acquire these celebrity autographs. During auctions, the highest bidder will, of course, have the right to these coveted celebrity autographs. To avoid scams, collectors are advised to join only official auctions.

The art of philography can be lucrative, if approached in the right way. It can be quite easy to turn a profit from a highly coveted celebrity autograph. However, it may mean more to the philographer simply to have the signature as a collectible.


Sources:
"Autograph." Wikipedia The Free Encyclopedia. 04 Nov. 2007. 09 Nov. 2007. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Autograph.

"Zipper's Autograph F.A.Q." Zipper's Autograph. 09 Nov. 2007. http://www.geocities.com/szarelli/faq.htm.

Annely, Kristy. "Celebrity Autographs." EzineArticles. 25 July 2006. 09 Nov. 2007. http://ezinearticles.com/?Celebrity-Autographs& ;id=251983.

"Autographs." World Collectors Net. 09 Nov. 2007. http://www.worldcollectorsnet.com/autographs/index .html.

"Signed Books." Biblio.com. 09 Nov. 2007. http://www.biblio.com/ltd/feature/2-0/Signed_Books .html.

"Autograph Trivia." Autographs of America. 09 Nov. 2007. http://www.autographsofamerica.com/e-autographtriv ia.html.
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