Across the nation, millions of Americans spend tons of money each year on their favorite past time, which may seem useless to some: collecting items. Some collect action figures, comic books, or trinkets and knick-knacks; others collect celebrity autographs and signed music memorabilia that can turn a profit.
For years, people were limited to toting their collections from one trade show to the next, or to the nearest convention (which is usually hours away for most). Now, however, with the explosion of the internet and companies like eBay, anyone can sell anything from the comfort of their own home. This is creating a greater trade and purchase market for those in the collectibles niche.
Baseball cards, football cards, and other sports cards are all great collectibles, and only made more valuable by the addition of that prized signature. For some reason, celebrity autographs seem to amaze and impress our society, as if they were some sort of status signature.
The average person will sign their name millions of times in their life, and it's completely worthless in street value. However, if a celebrity autographs a poster, a book, or even something Karate Kid autographs like a napkin or piece of garbage, it instantly becomes highly valuable.
The price of a signed item will vary, depending of course on the item as well as who signed it. All celebrity autographs have some sentimental value to someone, but not all of them have the same street value as others.
For example, in the 90's, an autographed picture of New Kids on the Block would have been worth thousands. Now, even though they've made a come back, it might only be worth a few bucks to the dedicated fan that never gave up hope. Ink on paper doesn't seem that special, but with all the idolization of celebrities, it's not surprising that their autographs have such important meaning in our lives.
It doesn't matter if you are into movies, music, television, or major sports; there are plenty of celebrity autographs to be found on the internet. If you never get the chance to go out and get your own, you can buy just about anything with just about any signature, by simply searching online. One thing to keep in mind is to verify anything you purchase before you agree to buy it.
With all the great memorabilia out there, it's often hard to tell the real items from the fakes and forgeries. Sadly, people do make a living selling fake celebrity autographs, so you should always find someone who can validate the item and it's authenticity through authentic autograph dealers before you pay thousands of dollars for something that is fake and worthless.
