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Permalink Reply by Dan Gregory on September 17, 2012 at 12:54am

Sadly as there are just so many fakes it is often the only way to ensure the item is genuine and people pay more to ensure authenticity.

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Permalink Reply by Chad B on September 17, 2012 at 6:07am

I think a person is also paying for the experience of seeing and sort of meeting the individual and that has some value. For me though, there are just few athletes or celebs I would spend over $200 for an auto and a picture.

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Permalink Reply by Scott Paul on September 17, 2012 at 8:34am

This brings up an interesting point what is an autograph of a living celebrity worth?  Short answer is whatever the market will bear.   With all the fakes out there I limit my collecting now only to autographs I get in person.  Most actors (depending on their fame and ego) charge in the $20-$100 range for a signed photograph and your picture taken with them.  Mr. Jackson charges $99 for a signed photograph and $119 for a photo op.   Personally I think this a bit high (albeit I am not a Raiders fan).  I know I would never be able to sell my collection for what I have in it.  To me it is meeting the individual and having a tangible reminder in the way of an autographed picture and my photo with the person.   I think the most I ever paid was $50 for a classic horror film director (who has since lowered his price to $25).

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Permalink Reply by Mike Shepherd on September 17, 2012 at 8:57am

Dan and Scott are right.  You are paying the extra money for peace of mind.  It's the old "quality over quantity" theory.  I would much rather pay a couple hundred dollars for something that I am sure is authentic than on several items that I have doubts about.  I will be paying $100 for Don Mattingly to sign my Don Mattingly Day ticket stub in November courtesy of Steiner Sports.  I will never have doubts about it and that sense of security is well worth the price as far as I am concened.  If you love Bo Jackson I say go for it and take a couple of months off from purchasing anything else.  You may regret missing the opportunity.

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Permalink Reply by DB on September 18, 2012 at 12:26am

in-person meeting the celebrity, no question about authentic -vs- the price doesn't enter the picture on anyone I have obtained -vs- the risk associated (albeit minimized at some places) with not in person.    

meeting the celebrity is half the fun and the "fees" these celebrities or their agents require for attendance can be the driving factor.  FrankandSons are one of the continued places that provide celebrities.

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