by admin | Aug 19, 2016 | Popular Topics, Sports Athlete Autographs
Because of Michael Jordan’s high profile as a professional athlete, and the attention he drew, he was not a prolific signer of autographs. This has helped to drive the desirability of his autograph and any items he signed, up. When purchasing his autograph, or items that bear his signature, buy only those items that have been authenticated by a recognized agency (such as Upper Deck). This is a necessary protective measure because fake signatures have flooded the market. The value of his signature varies somewhat – an autographed piece of paper (while still quite expensive) carries less value than an autographed uniform or piece of equipment. If you possess an autograph or autographed item, visit several on-line vendors to get an idea of its value.
by admin | Aug 19, 2016 | Popular Topics, Sports Athlete Autographs
A Tom Brady autograph, at the present time, has a moderate value in the collectibles marketplace; the most important factor is the object signed. The greatest demand is for game equipment signed by Brady: helmets, jerseys, footballs, and the like. They value increases if the equipment was used in a game, and increases again if the game was notable in some way (a record set or broken, a playoff or championship game). Because these objects are rare, their value is enhanced. There is some debate as to whether or not a signed rookie card has greater value than an unsigned. The general pattern is that signed cards tend to be worth less than unsigned cards; in fact, the value of both the card and the signature drop. When collecting an autograph from Tom Brady, if it is not on a piece of equipment, it is best to get it in an autograph book, on a program, or a plain piece of paper.
by admin | Aug 19, 2016 | Popular Topics, Famous Sports Cards
The Honus Wagner baseball card is considered the most valuable baseball card on the market. Though issued by the American Tobacco Company as part of its T206 series from 1909 to 1911, Wagner halted publication and distribution of the card. There are conflicting stories as to the why he had production stopped, but this inadvertent limited release has only enhanced the cards value over time. There are less than sixty copies known to exist. Most recently, a card in near-mint condition was auctioned for $2.8 million, while a card in poor condition sold for over $250,000.
by admin | Aug 19, 2016 | Popular Topics, Famous Sports Cards
The 1952 Mickey Mantle baseball card, The Mick’s rookie card, is one of the most sought after pieces of baseball memorabilia. That year two companies issued Mickey Mantle Rookie cards, Bowman (card number 101) and Topps (card number 311). The Bowman card is less desirable, with a mint condition card being valued at around $2500. Lesser grade cards fall off from there. The Topps card, in mint condition, has been valued at $30,000. Autographed cards, even though they were signed by Mickey Mantle, command less money. The best way to know the value of one of these cards is to have it professionally graded.
by admin | Aug 19, 2016 | Best Of, The Antiques Road Show
The Antiques Road Show has had many interesting and intriguing items appraised. The rarest and most expensive appraisals are (in decreasing evaluation):
- 18th-Century Qianlong Jade Collection from the 18th century Qing Dynasty received an estimated value $710,000 to $1,070,000.
- A 1937 oil painting by Clyfford Still, one of the leading figures of Abstract Expressionism. Assigned an insurance value of $500,000 (conservative estimate).
- A Hand-woven Navajo Ute First Phase wearing blanket from the 1840s, considered the beginning of Navajo textile creation. Estimated value $350,000 to $500,000.
- A 1790’s card table by John Seymour estimated to be worth $225,000 to $300,000.
- A collection of rubies and diamonds set in platinum Art-Deco jewelry. Worth approximately $260,000.
- A watch by Patek Philippe ca. 1914, in excellent condition, in its original box, with extra mainsprings and crystals in an 18k gold case. $250,000 or more at auction.
- A painting of ships at sea, by an unknown artist but believed to be James C. Buttersworth. $250,000 – $500,000 at auction, pending authentication of the painter.
- A marble sculpture from 6th century China, received an appraisal of $120 – $250,000
- A solid gold (aside from the blade) sword presented to soldier by the President of the United States during the Mexican war. Only one of five still in existence, estimated value of $200,000.
- A large collection of unpublished Peanuts works by creator Charles Schulz. The collection is estimated at 150,000 to 200,000.
by admin | Aug 19, 2016 | Top 5, Top 5 rarest comic books
The five rarest comic books are all considered icons in American cultural history, and each has left its mark on the national identity. Each of these comic books has sold for more than $25, 000 and their value increases every time one comes up for auction. The five rarest, in no particular order (except the first one are:
- Action Comics #1 is the rarest, marking the first appearance of Superman
- Detective Comics #3 features the first appearance of the Batman
- Amazing Fantasy #15 marks the debut of Spiderman
- Zap Comix #1, the first of the underground movement in comics and drawn by the legendary R. Crumb
- Fantastic Four #1 – The debut of the Fantastic Four in 1961.
