I was talking with another forum contributor who said that this would make for an interesting group topic. My opinion is that unfortunately much like numismatics, autograph collecting is a dying hobby. History is becoming lost and it seems as if most of the younger generation aren’t overly interested in preserving it. I’d venture to say that most of us are in our 40s, 50s, 60s or 70s on this forum.
I don’t see a resurgence in the hobby as Sportscards has done. With that being said, what’s your opinion? Are we holding soon to be depreciated investments? I understand not everyone is looking at the financial aspect of the hobby, but many of us are. What’s everyone’s opinion regarding the “State of the hobby”?
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I'm in my 70s. None of my kids are that interested in autographs. I do have one grandson who is though. That's one out of 5 grandkids. I recently sent him a nice Back-to-Back Superbowl John Elway signed photo that he really liked. He's really into sports right now so that's an option for him.
Not sure what to do with my extensive collection of signed cards/photos/posters and books from other than sports. Can't take em with me and if the kids don't want them? The wife and I have both thought about just finding a way to sell them now rather than the relatives deal with them.
Any thoughts on this?
I struggle with it honestly. I’m 50s. I have a nice collection as well but no children nor family into the hobby. Seems like it’s just about finding the right exit point. I surely don’t want the government collecting them when I am gone. They get enough of me already.
The right exit point is the key question. I think that I'm at that point now. I agree I don't want the gooberment taking my stuff.
Now comes the question of where and when to sell or maybe even barter for more important things. As much as I treasure a few high priced items in the collection, it may be time to sell them and use the money for other things.
Ebay I guess is one place but where else to sell without 25% sellers fees?
I can only really speak for the signed book market and, as far as I'm concerned, its performing better than it probably ever has. Plenty of young adults collect signed copies of books from their favourite authors - and many of them can get quite pricey.
I hope it extends beyond books. I actually conducted a little experiment. I sought out 25 people under 35 years of age and asked them if they knew who Jim Morrison was. ONE did, 24 did not. I found that extremely telling.
Yep, that's interesting. I think it really does boil down to the fanbase for a particular individual and the age demographics. You see great interest among the younger generations in signed records and cds for big stars that they know (e.g. Taylor swift). But less so for (as much as it hurts to say) celebrities that appear to be falling out of the public zeitgeist. So my current feelings are that younger people do still see value in autographs- it's just that the pool of celebrities that they collect will be different.
It’s fair to suggest that same market doesn’t know much about Mickey Mantle but sure knows not to turn down a 1952 Topps card of him. Maybe the icons will still hold value long term. When Taylor Swift is desired over Janis Joplin I take extreme offense. 😂
As far as music autographs are concerned, I would expect The Beatles to drag everyone else along. I can’t foresee there ever being a lack of interest in Beatles autographs. As long as The Beatles remain popular, sixties-era music autographs will remain popular. People will be interested in exploring other top music artists of the era and will want their autographs.
I sure hope so. I know what you collect and you know what I collect. We need it. 😂
Yes we do. It could be wishful thinking. 😆
😎
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