Looking forward to selling an autograph and getting the best
deal?
Here’s everything you need to know about how to sell autographs and find the best offer depending on your situation.
This article is geared towards those interested in selling their collections or an autograph find, not to those who want to make money professionally - that requires an entire different perspective and analysis that we will not cover here.
This works for all entertainment memorabilia, including, of course, celebrity autographs and any historical manuscripts and photos. Our article provides a simplified but short and quick ideas to the keyto this question.
CONSIDER THIS FIRST
Try to answer the following questions yourself:
Would you sell autographed pictures or other autographed items individually or as a collection only.
Is it all or nothing, or would you sell one piece from the autograph collection at a time?
Because if you decide to sell all or nothing, things are easier but you have fewer options. Collectors would unlikely be your buyers, they like to pick and choose what they buy and they can be extremely selective. The almost never buy entire lots or collections. You need to aim to sell it only to dealers or auction houses, see below.
How quickly you want to do it, and how much time you are willing to put into doing your sale.
Some ways of selling mentioned right below are faster than others, and require less of your time than other methods. It really helps if you know the answer to this question as well.
It will also help if you know your asking price, and if you want to maximize the money you can get for your autographs, because then your choice should probably be the slower paths, with more work and time from you.
So, let´s dig into it!
Here below is a summary on where to sell your autographs:
1. WORK WITH A PROFESSIONAL DEALER
You can do it in 2 main different ways:
Sell autographs to a dealer
You need to find professional autograph dealers, not necessarily in your area, who would be interested in.
You should surf the internet around and find those who offer the category your autographs belong to (sports, music, film, Americana, historical personalities, etc), and contact them asking whether they are interested or not. Don´t bother to contact dealers who obviously don´t sell sport autographs and offer them sports autographs.
Expect to be paid up to two-thirds of the market price for top pieces, maybe less for other items. Also, be ready to take some quick photos and email them if you are not in the same city than the dealer. After an agreement on price is reached via the internet or phone, expect to ship your items to the dealer for inspection, nobody will send you money in advance and trust you will then ship the items.
Consign your autographs to a dealer
An alternative to selling to a dealer. You give your autographed items to a dealer who doesn´t buy from you but keeps the items in inventory and offers them to potential buyers (private collectors and institutions). You get paid whenever the item sells, minus a commission agreed in advance between you and the dealer.
Not all dealers accept autographs or memorabilia in consignment. Tamino Autographs takes consignments of high priced items.
Nothing can beat selling to a trusted, knowledgeable buyer who is professional, honest in valuations and opinions. A professional dealer with a respectable reputation is a great choice since they absolutely have to maintain ethical values and pay a fair price.
You are most welcome to offer your autographs to us!. Email us, or see HERE.
2. SELL AUTOGRAPHS ONLINE BY YOURSELF
You would use digital markets for collectibles, such aseBay,
Etsy and other online platforms that allow you to sell directly to collectors, and/or auction online your items. This will probably give you a near-market price for your collection, if you are lucky, but most likely less since those buyers that are not very knowledgeable in autographs won´t be so sure to acquire autographs from a non-professional and not well-established seller with an eBay listing under a nickname, and without a reputation to defend - such could be your case.
This option demands quite more work and time from your side than option 1), but it can have a higher reward - although that will not necessarily be the case every time.
Be ready to calculate price, scan, write a description condition and everything, and then ship all by yourself.
3. SELL DIRECTLY TO AUTOGRAPH COLLECTORS
This option will give you the most return, but you need the
appropriate contacts in order to do this. It demands some of your time and the right connections, plus, you will need to build a bit of reputation for a number of years to make things much easier.
Unfortunately, many collector buyers of autographs tend to offer and pay less for autographed items coming from other collectors than for those coming from a professional dealer. They know the other party does not need a profit and make a living out of the material sold, it may not be as experienced in signature authentication as a professional dealer, nor have a reputation to protect - and will not provide documentation such as a Certificate of Authenticity or even a letterhead invoice. So many times, this is a great opportunity for them to get cheaper entertainment memorabilia at prices below the autograph market.
You can also aim to sell your autographs to institutional buyers (libraries, archives, museums, etc), but that is rather complicated when you are an individual and not incorporated as a dealer.Celebrity autographs of artists still around, for example, are generally not of interest for institutions.
Donating your autograph collection to an institution is an alternative to selling, you get some form of tax credit for your donation, but in reality, it will be for a small portion of the value, institutions tend to be very selective and they don't just take everything, your autographs will be out of the market forever, most likely kept outside the public appreciation, never again in the hands of collectors nor anyone else for the beautiful fun of collecting. It is also not so straightforward and easy to do - we do not recommend to go in this direction with autographs, they tend to be very rarely or never exhibited, it goes against the beautiful art of collecting and it is usually a dead end for your collectible pieces.
4. SELL VIA AUCTION HOUSES
You consign your autograph collection to an auction house, and they sell them in auctions. Autograph collections sold this way get mixed results, depending on your choices and the right timing to have it auctioned. No one can predict for sure it will sell nor at what price. Their commissions vary from 10 to 20%, plus, buyers pay a premium of 18-25%, and they know before they bid that they will have to pay that commission on their bids, so they bid less than what they want to pay in order to cover the premium and still be in the amount they are willing to buy something for.
So in the end, all 40-45% cost falls on your item, and you will have to wait 2 months or more after the auction ends to get paid by the auction house for your items.
The upside of this option is that sometimes items can reach unrealistic, high prices in auctions, but it can also happen that the items won't sell if the reserve (minimum price) you set is not met, so you will have the item back.
TAGS: Pawn shops that buy autographs near me, Places that buy autographs, places to sell autographs.
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FAQs
What is the best way to preserve an autograph? ›
The safest option is to store them away from all sources of light, such as in an album which is stored in a cupboard. If you do want to display your autographs, it's essential that you use a frame or case which has UV-protective glass as this will provide the best protection against the harmful effects of sunlight.
Where can I sell signed things? ›Piece of the Past is THE place to sell your autographs, as we are the largest entertainment memorabilia seller in the world! Sell memorabilia online, sell celebrity autographs, or sell your autograph collection — we're interested! Piece of the Past and Kevin Martin are ALWAYS buying collections!
How can I get autographs valued? ›You can also go to an appraiser, who will give you an estimate, if you're just curious about an autograph's value. The appraiser will also give you some idea of whether the autograph is authentic. “Usually you can get a quick opinion for $30 or $40,” Masckauchan says.
Do pawn shops buy autographs? ›Pawnbrokers are constantly looking for new items for pawnshop collections. Sports memorabilia items ranging from autographed baseballs to collectible cards and even jerseys seem to be always in demand. So, pawn shops value these sports treasures too.
What makes an autograph more valuable? ›The condition of the autograph, as well as what the autograph is written on, are among the factors that determine an autograph's value. However, the most important factor is who the autograph belongs to, and whether it is in high demand. Whether or not the autograph is rare also plays a role in its value.
Do autographs increase in value? ›The value of autographs has been on an incredible upward trajectory for decades now.
How much is a signed autograph worth? ›Autographs are big business and can be worth hundreds or thousands of dollars. How much a particular autograph is worth usually depends upon a couple of factors: the popularity or notoriety of the person in question and rarity. The more popular or notorious a person is, the more valuable the autograph.
What autographs are worth the most? ›- Entertainment Autographs.
- Sports Autographs.
- Signed Sports Cards.
- Artist Autographs.
- Political Autographs.
- Signed Books and Manuscripts.
- Astronaut Autographed Memorabilia.
Topping this list is the autograph of Neil Armstrong, the first man on the moon, whose autograph is worth $7,500. Autographs are also a good investment opportunity. The value of these items is sure to rise in the future and therefore it is a sound decision to invest in rare autographs.
Where is the best place to sell autographs? ›Whether you're an experienced collector or simply looking to sell a few pieces around your home, eBay makes selling Entertainment Memorabilia fun. With millions of eBay shoppers looking for posters, concert tees, autographs, scripts, and more, it's easy to turn your stuff into cash on eBay.
Is there a market for autographs? ›
Autographs are big business and can be worth hundreds or thousands of dollars. How much a particular autograph is worth usually depends upon a couple of factors: the popularity or notoriety of the person in question and rarity. The more popular or notorious a person is, the more valuable the autograph.
What will pawn shops pay most for? ›Pawn stores usually pay the most for jewelry like diamonds and gold, timepieces, coins, vintage sneakers, designer purses, and handbags. However, every pawn shop can buy high-ticket items, including vehicles, real estate, and jewelry.
Will I get more if I pawn or sell? ›You get more money when you sell your items than when you pawn the items. When you visit a pawnbroker, the brokers first evaluate the item's authenticity and value. If you decide to pawn, the broker chooses a percentage of the total value they can give as a loan.
How do you make money selling autographs? ›Advertising. Reaching the market of collectors is critical to earning money selling autographs. Seek out websites and forums that collectors visit and post information about your collections, either as a forum post or as a paid advertisement.
Is there an app that can read autographs? ›The answer is yes! Autograph ID is a mobile app available for both Android and iOS. It uses a combination of advanced machine learning algorithms and human expertise to accurately identify autographs. It can recognize signatures from over 500 celebrities with a 95% accuracy rate.
Where can I get my autograph authenticated? ›The most recognizable authentication companies include Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA), James Spence Authentication (JSA), and Autograph Certification Experts (ACE). It's a good idea to go with one of these companies, as you want a recognizable company to authenticate your autograph.
What color Sharpie is best for autographs? ›Photos are perhaps the most common medium used for autographs. Signed photo prints look great on display and hold a lot of different types of ink. However, blue and metallic sharpies are usually the most commonly used. Black Sharpies also look great but are prone to fading.
What color marker is best for autographs? ›Blue ball point pen. This color and pen type will ensure a quality autograph that will limit its fading. Sharpies look terrible on baseballs and almost always change colors and fade. They do not last as long as a blue ball point pen.
Can you trust autographs on Ebay? ›Autographs are commonly sold with Certificates of Authenticity (COA) or letters of authenticity (LOAs). COAs and LOAs can offer assurance that an autograph is genuine, but you need to be sure the authenticator is reputable.
How do I find out how much my sports memorabilia is worth? ›You can easily appraise your sports memorabilia at the local auction house. Not every auction house have a sports memorabilia expert on site. Using a qualified sports memorabilia appraiser online is another option.
Are autographs real signatures? ›
An autograph is a person's own handwriting or signature. The word autograph comes from Ancient Greek (αὐτός, autós, "self" and γράφω, gráphō, "write"), and can mean more specifically: a manuscript written by the author of its content. In this meaning the term autograph can often be used interchangeably with holograph.
Are autographs worth authenticating? ›Whether you have purchased an autograph or had it signed in front of you, it may be important to get it authenticated as it provides solid third party verification of its status as a “real” signed piece, as well as increasing its monetary value.
What is the best way to sell memorabilia? ›Currently, eBay is perhaps the best option for selling sports memorabilia online. eBay is an online marketplace with millions of users who check products daily, including sports memorabilia experts and those willing to buy your products. As an online marketplace, eBay has existed since 1995.
Can you sell autographs without authentication? ›Nothing is more important when it comes to selling an autograph than who it is certified by. To get the true top dollar of what your signed item may be worth, you need to get it certified by a nationally recognized authentication company like PSA/DNA or James Spence Authentication (JSA).
How do you authenticate a famous autograph? ›- Always research the example under ultra-violet light, microscope and magnifying glass. ...
- Talk to the seller and find out any known history or provenance that comes with the piece.
- Date the item to within the signer's lifetime.
- Ensure that the paper, ink and method are typical of the date.
The earliest surviving examples of autographs are those made by scribes on cuneiform clay tablets from Tell Abu Salãbikh, Iraq, dated to the early Dynastic III A period c. 2600 BC. A scribe named 'a-du' has added 'dub-sar' after his name, thus translating to 'Adu, scribe'.
What celebrities dont give autographs? ›- William Shatner. William Shatner. / ...
- Bryan Cranston. Bryan Cranston. / ...
- Steve Martin. Steve Martin. / ...
- Ringo Starr. Ringo Starr. / ...
- Bruce Campbell. Bruce Campbell. / ...
- Billie Eilish. Billie Eilish. / ...
- Greta Garbo. Greta Garbo. / ...
- Bonus: Joaquin Phoenix. Joaquin Phoenix. /
No they are worth a lot less an non personalised autographs, if anything at all. As a collecter I don't mind if an autograph is personalised to me, I'm not going to sell them so the value isn't an issue. I ask for an autograph for a collection be it for my own, my partners or a friends.
What is a ghost autograph? ›1907] Clemens first mentioned this odd amusement in a letter of 3 September 1905 to his daughter Clara: "The last fad is 'ghost-autographs. ' You write your name down the crease, then fold & press the paper while the ink is still wet & will blot. It generally makes something resembling a skeleton."
What are the coolest signatures? ›...
10 Best Signature Styles You'll Want to Copy
- 10 Celebrities with Unique Signatures. ...
- George Washington. ...
- Mozart. ...
- Harry Houdini. ...
- Marilyn Monroe. ...
- Bruce Lee. ...
- Diego Maradona. ...
- Elvis Presley.
How much did John Lennon's last autograph sell for? ›
Album John Lennon Signed for Murderer Expected to Get $2 Million at Auction. Ironically, Lennon put his signature on something else that day ... a copy of his "Double Fantasy" album, which Chapman had asked him to sign hours before the shooting. That was auctioned back in 2020, and sold for $900k.
Who is the best autograph authentication? ›PSA is the largest and most trusted autograph authentication service in the world. With over 35 million collectibles certified, PSA authenticates a vast array of signatures, ranging from sports to history and entertainment.
Do people sell celebrity autographs? ›Celebrity autographs are a growing industry. Behind lucrative auction sales and eBay posts lies a community of collectors driven by money, adrenaline and admiration.
Is autographed memorabilia a good investment? ›Is signed memorabilia a good investment? Signed memorabilia can go for thousands or even millions, depending on the item signed and who signed it. A Michael Jordan signed shoe is likely to go for more than a shoe that was signed by an athlete from a minor league team.
Why do people buy autographs? ›Autographs remind people of certain memorable events in their lives. For some, acquiring their favorite personality's autograph is a treasure that helps them reminisce specific periods. Collecting autographs allow you to possess physical versions of your most treasured moments, not just the memories.
Are autographs Nfts? ›About Autograph
Autograph is an NFT platform that brings together the most iconic brands and legendary names in sports, entertainment, and culture to create unique digital collections and experiences for users around the world.
By the early 1830s, a public market for autographs had been established. Auctioneers began holding sales specifically containing books and autographs.
What will pawn shops not buy? ›Pawn shops usually will not accept items that are clearly replicas (such as fake designer purses). They also do not typically accept clothing or books, unless they are very valuable, such as a first edition or signed copy of a popular book. Items should be in full working order when you bring them to be pawned.
What can I sell to make money fast? ›- Old clothes. If you're looking for things to sell to make quick cash, your clothes just might top the list. ...
- Sneakers. Have some cool sneakers you want to get rid of? ...
- Jewelry. ...
- Watches. ...
- Your wedding dress. ...
- Baby items. ...
- Home décor items. ...
- Holiday decorations.
- Hoverboard.
- Flat-screen TV.
- Tablet.
- Bose speakers.
- Firearm — registered to you.
- YETI cooler.
- Apple watch.
- Refrigerator.
Is it better to pawn or sell online? ›
Pawning or selling is a personal choice. It boils down to two options: wanting to get items back or not wanting them back. If customers want their items back, then pawning is the best option. But if they want to get rid of their items, selling is the better choice.
What should I know before selling to a pawn shop? ›- Find the right pawn shop. Do some online research to see what others have said about working with area pawn shops. ...
- Know if you want to pawn or sell. ...
- Negotiate. ...
- Be prepared to prove your claims. ...
- Show things in their best light. ...
- Pay on time. ...
- Do your research. ...
- Negotiate.
Well, kind of. Most pawnshops leave room for negotiation on everything. When they are buying or pawning an item, their first offer might not be their absolute best offer. On the other hand, if you're buying something from a pawnshop, the ticket price on the item isn't always the lowest price they will sell it for.
How do you make an autograph permanent? ›Keep your clothing away from direct sunlight.
Keep it displayed away from windows, and turn off the lights when you leave the room. You can buy display cases specifically for holding autographed clothing or jerseys.
I would suggest always going with a blue sharpie if the photo allows for it. Won't fade as quickly as a black sharpie. If you are having a hockey puck autographed with an inscription, go with an extra fine paint pen. This will allow the athlete to write those legibly.
Do Sharpie autographs fade? ›Conclusions. Blue Sharpie, although a favorite among collectors, is very sensitive to sunlight. While it is likely best to keep any autographed item out of direct sunlight (even the item itself can fade) extra care must be taken when attempting to display autographs in blue.
Is Sharpie ink permanent? ›It is a valve action marker, which requires a pumping action. The black ink in the Fine, Ultra-Fine, Twin Tip, Chisel, Retractable, Mini and Super is permanent ink. The principle solvents are alcohols, but they also contain ethylene glycol monobutyl ether. All other Sharpie ink colors are Permchrome ink.
Can a faded autograph be restored? ›Once a signature is faded, it can only be preserved in this condition and not reinstated. Protecting autographs from fading is extremely important to avoid devastating loss. This can be achieved by using UV protective options in the glass of a frame and window film.
Are Sharpies good for autographs? ›Sharpies are commonly used for autographs and are a popular choice among collectors. They are very affordable, widely available, and the ink dries quickly making it less likely to smudge. They work well on photos, but they can fade over time when exposed to light and the colors don't stand out as much as paint pens.
What photo finish is best for autographs? ›Lustre – My finish of choice, lustre is not as reflective or vibrant as glossy but has a pleasant sheen that looks great and works best—in my opinion—for a display item.
How do I make an autograph unique? ›
Try exaggerating the first letter of your name, or the first letters of your first and last name. If your signature is messy or curly, you can emphasize one letter by making it sharp and clear. Likewise, make a single letter sloppy or fancy if you want it to stand out from an otherwise clean-cut signature.