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As an autograph collector for over 25 years the demand for various celebrity autographs has fluctuated. For example, about 3 years ago an Audrey Hepburn certified authentic autographed 8x10 photo sold for about $250. This past year, that same autographed photo can fetch as much as $2000. Another example, is a Beatles certified authentic autographed 8x10 photo. About five years ago, such a treasure could be had for about $3000. Today it is common for that same item to sell for well over $20,000. Why? No one knows exactly why consumers behave the way they do when it comes to buying and investing. Just watch the stock market in the last few months, can even the celebrity stock experts predict accurately what is going to happen with stock values from one day to the next?
However, memorabilia like rare autographs has emotional drivers that other investments like real estate and playing the stock market do not. Like a purchase of a Picasso for over $100 Million, the driver is obviously not intrinsic value (which would be about 50 cents for Picasso's paint and canvas). What is the emotional mechanism that triggers a collector to pay $20,000 for an authentically signed Beatles autographed photo or a Babe Ruth signed baseball? It all depends on how we are "wired". Personally a rare autograph from a historical figure like Abraham Lincoln, Albert Einstein or Humphrey Bogart is an exciting experience for me. My friends who collect Picasso don't get the same collector high I get from autographed memorabilia. On the other hand, I'm not so moved by an ugly cubic painting on a piece of canvas either. Hence, the emotional value of that $100 Million Picasso to me is about $10 (but because I know the vale to others, I would easily pay $20 for that Picasso).
In addition to fluctuations in the value of celebrity autographs, there are other dynamics when it comes to buying autographs. One recent trend has been the popularity and demand of specific autographed medium, namely autographed 8x10 memorabilia items such as photos. We recently researched most searched for autographed items and found the standard 8x10 photo to be the most popular autographed item next to "autographed baseball". One possible reason is that photos unlike other forms of autographed memorabilia, illicit a more personal, emotional connection to that celebrity at their best. An autographed 8x10 photo displayed in your home or office requires no explanation. Your guests will experience their own sense of awe when viewing your autographed treasures.
Another dynamic to discuss is how the recession is affecting the autographed memorabilia market. Would you believe the market has never been stronger? Just a few examples from recent auctions include a Teddy Roosevelt autographed photo estimated to sell for $1000-1500 actually sells for $3500, a Harry Houdini signed photo expected to bring $2500 sells for over $5000, and a Judy garland signed "Dorothy" photo currently at auction is at $14000 with a week to go in the auction. These are just a few examples of the emotional buying power of passionate collectors.
In the next issue we discuss "How to Ensure your Autographs are Authentic".
Kevin Conway
Conway's Vintage Treasures
Autographs, Movie Posters, Historical & Sports Memorabilia, Fine Art Oil Paintings
website: http://cvtreasures.com
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