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TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Getting an autograph from celebrities or famous figures is a source of pride for some fans. Those signed items hold a special value and are irreplaceable.
However, some autographs are just so valuable that they are worth up to millions of dollars! Read on to discover some of the most expensive autographs in the world, citing Under30CEO, Investopedia, and other sources. What makes these signatures so valuable?
1. George Washington’s Acts of Congress (US$9.8 million)
George Washington’s Act of Congress is the most valued autograph to date. Reuters reported that the document, which includes the former president’s personal copy of the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights, sold for US$9.8 million at auction held by Sotheby’s.
In addition to its historical significance, the document's well-preserved condition contributes to its high value.
2. Lincoln’s Election Victory Speech (US$3.4 million)
Another valuable historical document comes from then-U.S. president Abraham Lincoln. His autographed election victory speech was worth US$3.4 million and sold in February 2009. This is not the only document bearing his signature that has been valued at such a high sum.
Forbes revealed that a copy of the Lincoln-signed Emancipation Proclamation went to David Rubenstein, who bought the document for approximately US$2 million.
3. Albert Einstein’s God Letter (US$2.9 million)
Albert Einstein’s theory of relativity remains relevant in the scientific world. Beyond his revolutionary mind, Einstein once wrote a letter that would later be called the “God Letter," in which he stated his religious belief, suggesting that the word God was nothing more than the expression and product of human weaknesses, at least for him.
The handwritten letter was auctioned at Christie’s auction house in New York and landed to a buyer for almost US$3 million in 2018, says The Guardian.
4. Babe Ruth’s New York Yankees Contract (US$2.3 million)
A baseball legend, Babe Ruth’s contract with the New York Yankees is among the items bearing the most valued autograph. According to Investopedia, the signed contract was valued at US$2.3 million.
5. John Lennon’s Murderer Signed Album (US$1.5 million)
No one would expect that John Lennon, a member of the world-renowned band The Beatles, died after signing an album for a "fan." Mark David Chapman obtained the signed Double Fantasy, after which he murdered Lennon in a span of a few hours.
This evidence of a tragic incident is now considered one of the most expensive signature items. The autographed long play was auctioned through Goldin Auctions, with the expected highest bid clocking US$1.5 million.
6. Babe Ruth’s Baseball (US$388,375)
At an auction in 2012, Babe Ruth’s signed baseball sold for nearly US$390,000. Ruth himself was a famous American baseball player, included in the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1936, mostly celebrated for being one of the greatest hitters in the sport’s history, as cited from Britannica.
7. Joe DiMaggio & Marilyn Monroe’s Baseball (US$191,200)
Another signed baseball that might break your back is the one containing the autographs of Joe DiMaggio and Marilyn Monroe. Both individuals were well-known and respected in their respective fields: DiMaggio was a legendary baseball player, whereas Monroe was a prominent icon in Hollywood.
Citing the official website of Guinness World Records, the autographed baseball was sold to a photographer named Harry Harris for a whopping US$191,200.
8. Einstein’s Wacky Photo (US$125,000)
In addition to his controversial letter, Einstein’s silly photo taken in 1951 holds significant value. The photo, captured by Arthur Sasse, showed the German scientist sticking out his tongue after his 72nd birthday party at Princeton University.
According to space.com, the autographed print went to an anonymous buyer and sold at the Nate D. Sanders auction house for a good US$125,000.
9. Jimmy Page’s Guitar (US$55,000)
The guitarist for Led Zeppelin, Jimmy Page’s guitar from Gibson Guitar Corp.’s Custom, Art & Historic Division, reportedly sold for a hefty amount of dollars. Billboard reported that the signed musical instrument was acquired by an unnamed buyer for US$55,000.
10. Jimi Hendrix’s Signed Contract (US$45,960)
Rounding off our list of the most expensive autographs is Jimi Hendrix’s signed contract. The latter refers to a signed settlement contract between Jimi Hendrix, PPX Records, Michael Jeffries, and Warner Brothers Records dated June 24, 1968, as quoted from Ultimate Classic Rock.
The document reportedly sold for more than US$45,000 at an auction listed by Gotta Have Rock and Roll.
Not only do these autographs hold historical significance, they also command immense amounts of dollars, worth up to millions. However, these items are still not comparable to some of the most expensive things in the world, with value hitting US$4.8 billion! Click the link to see more.
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