"None of my other investments give me the joy that autographs do because they make me feel that I am holding a piece of history in my hands.
" Malcolm Forbes, Forbes magazine Even before the current state of the world economy, people were collecting autographs as investments expected to appreciate over time.
Besides the fact that autograph collecting can be a fascinating hobby, it might also be profitable.
Did you know there is an index that tracks autograph prices? The Fraser's 100 index has autograph value data from 1997 through today.
From 1997 to 2008, the index rose an average of 12.
9% compounded annually.
Not too shabby compared to most stock mutual funds right now.
The index is named after the top 100 autographs that it tracks.
Some of the individual prices have grown staggering amounts.
For instance, Neil Armstrong could be had for $750 in 1997, now it's a whopping $8,700 - just a 1057.
9% increase! Authenticity of the item is critical if you decide to sell the autograph in the future for the best price.
Be sure to research any autograph and make sure the seller is reputable and the item comes with a lifetime money-back guarantee if ever found to be fake.
Like other forms of investing, there is a large amount of speculation and prospecting involved and there are no guarantees.
Today's hero can fall from grace, and the sure thing might fizzle out.
Some collectors focus on autographs of deceased people, claiming they likely can't damage their reputation now, and the supply is only going to go down.
While this is a somewhat morbid outlook, they do make a point.
With baby boomers wanting to relive their youth, it's suspected that autograph collecting will continue to grow in the next decade.
The same can likely be said for stamps, baseball cards, and other collectibles.
I collect autographs for the fun and enjoyment that it brings.
As I get older, I may sell some of my autographs, and if I do, I certainly want to get the most money in return.
" Malcolm Forbes, Forbes magazine Even before the current state of the world economy, people were collecting autographs as investments expected to appreciate over time.
Besides the fact that autograph collecting can be a fascinating hobby, it might also be profitable.
Did you know there is an index that tracks autograph prices? The Fraser's 100 index has autograph value data from 1997 through today.
From 1997 to 2008, the index rose an average of 12.
9% compounded annually.
Not too shabby compared to most stock mutual funds right now.
The index is named after the top 100 autographs that it tracks.
Some of the individual prices have grown staggering amounts.
For instance, Neil Armstrong could be had for $750 in 1997, now it's a whopping $8,700 - just a 1057.
9% increase! Authenticity of the item is critical if you decide to sell the autograph in the future for the best price.
Be sure to research any autograph and make sure the seller is reputable and the item comes with a lifetime money-back guarantee if ever found to be fake.
Like other forms of investing, there is a large amount of speculation and prospecting involved and there are no guarantees.
Today's hero can fall from grace, and the sure thing might fizzle out.
Some collectors focus on autographs of deceased people, claiming they likely can't damage their reputation now, and the supply is only going to go down.
While this is a somewhat morbid outlook, they do make a point.
With baby boomers wanting to relive their youth, it's suspected that autograph collecting will continue to grow in the next decade.
The same can likely be said for stamps, baseball cards, and other collectibles.
I collect autographs for the fun and enjoyment that it brings.
As I get older, I may sell some of my autographs, and if I do, I certainly want to get the most money in return.