How to Collect Autographs as an Investment

Avoid personalized autographs dedicated specifically to one person. Serious autograph collectors dislike this, as it disrupts the unity of their collection. A personalized autograph is unlikely to be a good investment, unless it is by a celebrity so famous or rare all other considerations are waived.

Collect the autographs of celebrities who have a strong, committed following in their field which seems likely to continue well into the future. Obviously, there is no way of knowing this for sure, but you should be able to make some informed guesses. For example, it's hard to imagine a time when the autographs of Marilyn Monroe, Marlon Brando or the Beatles will not carry a premium. If you are offered a selection of autographs by old movie actors, look for those who were in films which still turn up regularly on TV or DVD. Similarly, with sportsmen, look for those who have a secure place in sporting history.

Buy autographs by celebrities who are likely to have signed their name on relatively few occasions. This might be because they died young, or are unapproachable, or both -- the actor James Dean is a classic case. By contrast, celebrities who live long, happy lives tend to be less appealing to autograph collectors because they will have signed their name many times over the years.

Try to buy an autograph that dates from the time when the celebrity in question was at the height of his career. For example, a Paul McCartney autograph from when he was in the Beatles will be a far better investment than one that dates from some time later. While it's not possible to date all autographs accurately, some can be dated because they are inscribed on pieces of vintage memorabilia or datable items such as newspapers.