Collectibles - Autographs

An autograph is a document written entirely in the handwriting of its author, usually a signature. Some popular categories of autograph subjects include entertainers, sports figures, artists, pop culture icons, authors, military figures, and Presidents. Philography is the hobby of collecting autographs.

An issue to consider when pursuing an autograph for collecting is the medium to which the signature is affixed. For example, a signed first edition of a book can become a valuable collector's item while the autograph of the author on a plain piece of paper may not have much value. In other instances, the signature of the individual may be, by itself, quite valuable because of scarcity and the stature of the individual.

In the late 1990s, the FBI asserted that 70 percent of autographed memorabilia on the market was bogus. When buying an autograph, ask questions and look for certification of authenticity from a reputable third party.