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Best autograph investments of the 21st century?

This is a subject that I think might be interesting for any autograph collector to know. So specifically, I'm wondering which autographs have "performed" the best since 2000. You know...which have shown the best "return on investment"?

Now I know most of us don't want to acquire a particular celebrity's autograph just because it is thought most likely to increase in value. If you're like me, I have to be a fan of the individual or individuals in order to seek out his or her autograph.

But I am curious as to which autographs have appreciated the most in value since the turn of the century.

Off the top of my head, I would think The Beatles and/or John Lennon in particular would be up there. Also, Babe Ruth always seems to be in ever high demand, and consistently going for higher and higher amounts. Michael Jackson autographs have really shot up in value since his death. And Prince autographs were worth a lot even before he died.

And we know that major historical figures like Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson, and Winston Churchill are always valuable. And there are many, many high-value celebrity autographs like Elvis and Marilyn Monroe, and many many more.

But really...current value is not the issue. The question is which autographs have increased THE MOST since 2000. So let's say, for example, an Abraham Lincoln cut autograph was worth $10,000 in 2000, and today is worth $10,250, well then Honest Abe's autograph would not really be considered a great return on investment.

So which do you think have performed the best? And if you have any numbers to back that up, all the better.

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Permalink Reply by terrier8HOF on July 25, 2016 at 9:01am

I would put complete signed Stones, Fleetwood Mac and Eagles items up there also.

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Permalink Reply by RobTwoRs on July 25, 2016 at 2:36pm

Bruce Lee is a solid investment

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Permalink Reply by Pete Bendu on July 25, 2016 at 5:04pm

My field is more Hollywood celebrity autographs the following names will have 2 prices 2000 & 2015-6

John Belushi $1000/$2000, John Candy $75/$250, Chris Farley $50/$500, Andre The Giant $150/$2500, Sean Connery $75/$800, Robert Shaw $200/$1500+, Roy Scheider $75/$2000, Peter Cushing$$50/$700, Alec Guinness $100/$500, Brando $300/$1000+, Jim Henson $150/$1500, John Williams $25/$500, Michael J. Fox $40/$300, Alan Rickman $25/$500+, Patrick Swayze $50/$500.

Scarlett Johansson $50/$500

These are just average prices with higher end larger items in the top character images going for crazy prices.

Roy on a Jaws 11x14 with Need a Bigger Boat quote has gone to $3000+, Brando in makeup for Godfather had an asking price $5000-$10,000

Peter Cushing & Alec Guinness on good Star Wars images without inscriptions can bring far more than the listed prices.

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Permalink Reply by James on July 25, 2016 at 10:50pm

Great post, Pete! Thanks for sharing all the very interesting and useful information. There are some really incredible price appreciations such as Andre The Giant, Sean Connery, Roy Scheider, and Alan Rickman.

Collecting autographs is not only fun, but it also can have great investment potential.

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Permalink Reply by Paul on July 25, 2016 at 11:00pm

Does anyone know if Elvis has increase or decreased?

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Permalink Reply by michelle on July 25, 2016 at 11:25pm

musically, vintage stones are up there ;- but imo, the ultimate all time investment is william shakespeare's sig

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Permalink Reply by James on July 26, 2016 at 11:43am

I am glad to hear you say this because I bought a Shakespeare one last night on eBay for only $50. Is that a good price? The seller said his great great great great great great great great great great great great great great grandfather got it signed in-person! I'm sure he's telling the truth.

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Permalink Reply by James on July 26, 2016 at 2:44pm

Oh, I forgot to add a Lol. Yes, aren't only like less than 10 verified authentic Shakespeare autographs known to still exist? I believe they're worth millions, aren't they?