Buying & Collection Autographs

Buying & Collection Autographs

Question: What advantages does autograph collecting offer as compared to other collectibles?
Answer: Autographs are often called frozen moments in time.Autograph collectors are curators of history. The most personal item that a person can give is his or her signature. Anything that can be signed can be considered collectible. Letters, photographs, documents, memorabilia, books, etc. Not many objects give a collector the opportunity to own a unique or one-of-a-kind item that is actually part of a person who is known by millions of people. That is the main reason why autograph collecting has become one of the fastest growing hobbies in recent years.


Question: What should I consider when collecting autographs?
Answer: Collect autographs that interest you. Dont ever buy an autograph just because it is promoted as an investments or sold under pressure sales tatics. Study the language of autograph collecting. The more you learn, the easier it will be for you to decide which items are genuine and which itemsare not. Use common sense when buying a signed piece. If the price is too good to be true, it probably is. Buying from reputable dealers, who will help you avoid risks and problems, is most important. Many dealers offer a certificate of authenticity, which is only as good as the reputation of the dealer. If the dealer cannot tell you when and where the item was signed or how it was aquired, go to someone else..

Question: There are many pre-printed autographed photos on eBay. What are these and do they have any value?
Answer: These are usually printed copies of actual signed photos. With today's technology, sellers can easily copy an authentic item with great detail and sell at a drastically reduced price. Beginner collectors or those on a limited budget are usually the target of these sellers. Unfortunately, many buyers are unmindful that the item is a copy because of a very vague description. It is recommend that you avoid these pre-printed copies and be extremely careful when buying autographs online.

Question: What is a COA? Must I have a COA with an autograph I purchase?
Answer: COA is an abbreviation for Certificate of authenticity. Many collectors ask for a COA before they purchase an autograph. But, nevertheless, a COA is just a piece of paper that is only as good as the trust of the buyer and thepromised word of the seller. Always make sure you are buying from someone who knows how and where the signature was obtained and will guarantee the item to your satisfaction.