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Personalized signed photos vs just signed photos value

Wondering about the value of personalized photos versus the value of just autographed photos. I have numerous photos, mostly press/publicity photos that my late brother had acquired thru his job - a music writer for numerous newspapers and his own website. I have a stack for maybe 35 not personalized and a stack of maybe 50 personalized. Wondering what you folks think the difference in value would be, as I plan on selling all, individually ? I would think they would be of more value without being personalized, but would there be a large difference you think ?

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Permalink Reply by marc e on June 12, 2019 at 9:49pm

Eric's run a premium.

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Permalink Reply by Eric Keith Longo on June 12, 2019 at 9:52pm

Ah :-) Let me know when there is a sale ;)

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Permalink Reply by Paul on June 12, 2019 at 9:55pm

Modern day dealers get out the metholated spirits and rub the inscription off.

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Permalink Reply by B. Anderson on June 13, 2019 at 6:32am

How widespread is that among dealers?

I personally don't mind inscriptions and in fact prefer them. When I first started out, I did not like ones that were not inscribed to me. I have since decided that is a very childish stance. However, most new collectors are very childish and naive, and I do agree that in many cases no inscription will attract more. With some highly desirable ones or long deceased, it should have less of an effect. But to pretend there is no effect on value, for most, would be just wishful thinking.

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Permalink Reply by Eric Keith Longo on June 13, 2019 at 9:51am

I don't know B, but the SP's with that odd halo often stand out - like Frank Oz. He "always" dedicated I believe, and most are removed. If I wanted a genuine example, it would have to be inscribed - not slightly glowing orange. Of course, John is right - for resale, non inscribed please many more (but not all). I am a small seller but I sold one of my Bowie signed photos with dedication & inscription for more than an auction house at the same time. Same item same pen etc. Some collectors do prefer it. It can add value in other ways - the item below is signed by Jackie Gleason and dedicated to the photographer who took the photo (you can see Doug's studio label). Gleason cared about it. To the "right" Gleason collector, that is a home-run. It is to me.

Click for larger image.

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Permalink Reply by Joe W. on June 13, 2019 at 10:02am

Each and every collector has a preference of what autographs they will add to their personal collection. There are collectors on both sides of the fence and there is room for everyone. That is what make us unique.

IMO, it more about condition, contrast, and the uniqueness of the item than just if it's personalized or not. I buy and sell autographs on a very small scale. I don't have deep pockets so I try to find examples I personally like.

When it comes to pricing. Evaluate the item as fairly as possible. Ask a price that you think is fair. And go from there. It's a continual learning and evolving process. The only way to gain experience is to play the game.

Most of all, have fun!

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Permalink Reply by Eric Keith Longo on June 13, 2019 at 10:10am

+1 I look forward to learning more!

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Permalink Reply by just some dude on June 13, 2019 at 10:11am

Well said.

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Permalink Reply by Joe W. on June 13, 2019 at 10:27am

When this stops being fun to do.....I will be gone! It's definitely a hobby full of challenges. And opinions.

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Permalink Reply by Jason Strecker on June 13, 2019 at 12:49pm

It's harder to sell personalized but I get better prices on ebay for them when they do sell. I sell mostly autographs on ebay and the non personalized ones, which sell more often, go for jack crap. The autographs I have personalized to my name, Jason, I list at generally high BIN prices and can get $20-30 and often more but they generally tend to sit a lot longer. I have about five regulars named Jason who buy once a month and another five Jason's pop up now and then. Autographs that aren't personalized are basically lunch money for me.