Autograph Values

Post by **Xouqoa** » May 24, 2004, 1:36 pm

Does anyone know a good resource for values of autographs? I'm trying to find out what a 1960(ish) race program signed by Fireball Roberts might be worth. I don't know anything about him other than he was a Winston Cup driver and he was pretty good, and was the first casualty of a wreck during a race.

Zamtuk · Post by **Zamtuk** » May 24, 2004, 2:42 pm

While you're checking that out see if you can find the price of a baseball signed by the entire 1969 NY Mets team. (yes, Seaver and Ryan included)

masteen · Post by **masteen** » May 24, 2004, 3:17 pm

You should check http://www.redneck4lyfe.com for all your NASCAR memorabilia.

Truant · Post by **Truant** » May 25, 2004, 2:05 am

I would say to call some local businesses...to see if they could give you an idea...I'd probably make sure and tell them you aren't interested in selling it, but in getting an appraisal...that way they don't try and underhand you in order to get a deal.

At the very least, they'll be able to get you in contact with who you need to ask.

I also should ask my mother, a close friend of hers works in that general field...might can give me some answers, i'll get back to you tomorrow.

Arborealus · Post by **Arborealus** » May 25, 2004, 2:24 am

There are a few good books Becketts etc that give an indication of values...But that kind of stuff has such a wide variability in price based on rarity, condition, popularity/notoriety of the autographer, hell even where and when it is auctioned will impact the value...I would say try and find an auctioneer that specializes in sports memorabilia...They would be most aware of current trends etc...

The upside is that it's a sport growing in popularity and the subject is a very significant figure in the evolution of the sport...

Siji · Post by **Siji** » May 25, 2004, 3:25 am

You can get a price on whatever you want.. but unless you actually find someone willing to pay for whatever autograph you've got, the value is $0. Something I found out when trying to sell comics that cost me over a grand and had a 'book' value of several grand. No buyers, means they're worthless at the moment.

Tenuvil · Post by **Tenuvil** » May 25, 2004, 3:30 am

Individuals get SCREWED when they sell autographed memorabilia or any collectibles.

A long time ago my dad had a baseball that was signed by the NY Yankees. This ball was special in that it was signed by Lou Gehrig (in his last season as a Yankee) and Joe DiMaggio (in his rookie season). He sold the ball for $100 to a dealer. Mind you this was before the whole baseball collectibles market went apeshit, the mid 70s I think. The kicker is I was flipping channels one night a few years ago (1999 I think) when I saw the exact same ball on a memorabilia program. The dealer wanted $10k for the ball.

I saw another show a few months ago, an "Antiques Roadshow" or something hosted by a dealer...there was an exchange between the host and a guest that went like this:

"Joe, I have a 1946 widget autographed by the builder, Wiffley Snidegarb, in excellent condition."

"Well you're lucky, friend, that's worth $1000 in the condition it's in!"

"Really? Wow! Will you give me $500 for it?"

"No."

Winnow · Post by **Winnow** » May 25, 2004, 2:46 pm

Most collectables aren't liquid assets...far from it.

eBay!