Since 1998, PSA/DNA has evaluated several million autographs. Last year alone, PSA/DNA's team of experts reviewed well over 400,000 autographs from collectors and dealers worldwide. Unfortunately, as a result of the popularity and value of many autographs, a good portion of them are forged by unscrupulous individuals.
In fact, it is not uncommon for the rejection rate at PSA/DNA to meet or exceed 50% on some of the more prominent names. What is most startling about that statistic is the fact that PSA/DNA does not often receive obvious forgeries since hobbyists are well aware of our expertise and standing in the industry. In other words, if the rejection rate for a particular autograph approaches 50% with PSA/DNA, you can only imagine how high that percentage of forgeries might be in the overall marketplace.
In addition, remember that forged signatures come in a variety of dangerous forms. Not all forgeries are created with malice. There are also non-malicious types of forgeries such as secretarial signatures, used by everyone from baseball players to U.S. presidents, and clubhouse examples in the world of sports. These forgeries were not made for financial gain or produced to harm anyone else. These were often signed to satisfy autograph requests through the mail or to complete a team-signed item that was missing a player or two.
That is why it is so important to find and buy from reputable sellers - ones who use third-party authentication to protect the interests of their customers. There are a lot of so-called "deals" that can be found on the Internet, at local flea markets and even at some collectibles conventions, but most of these "deals" are too good to be true. Genuine autographs do not often come with a huge discount. As the saying goes, you usually get what you pay for.
Below are the lists of the ten most dangerous autographs in two distinct categories: sports and historical/entertainment autographs. Each list was prepared by the experts at PSA/DNA, based on our observations in 2015.
There were some changes to our list since the last time we generated this report, such as NBA superstar Stephen Curry joining the elite group while golfer Tiger Woods fell out of the Top Ten in our sports section. Now, that is not to say that large numbers of forgeries do not exist of names which didn't make our top ten because there are many autographs that are considered dangerous.
In our opinion, these lists are composed of The Most Dangerous autographs in 2015. Approximate values of genuine autographs are in parentheses for most individual entries on the list. The values provided range from average quality cut signatures or photos to premium items such as high-end baseballs or jerseys. Please note that truly exceptional examples and special items can bring even more than the prices listed.
We also made mention of notable auction prices realized in 2015 for many of the subjects.
For additional information about autographs, please visit our website - PSA Autograph Facts - a free online resource with pricing, articles, biographical summaries and thousands of terrific images.
Sports Autographs
Babe Ruth - ($3,000 for a signed cut to $65,000 or more for a choice, single-signed baseball.)
The King of Swing is the most sought-after autograph in the hobby. As a result, Ruth leads our list with a rejection percentage in the 60% range. With autographed Ruth items worth between a few thousand dollars to well over six figures, it is easy to see why forgers focus on this baseball icon. In fact, a PSA Mint + 9.5 single-signed baseball was auctioned for $388,375 in August of 2012, the highest price ever paid for an autographed Ruth ball. The only signed bat to ever eclipse the $1,000,000 mark did so in 2004 and, of course, it was an autographed Babe Ruth gamer from 1923 which fetched $1,265,000. It is important to note that large numbers of non-malicious secretarial "Ruth" signatures exist. For example, during his final battle with cancer, Ruth's nurse is believed to have signed a large number of items on his behalf due to his failing health. The bottom line is Ruth remains king.
In 2015, a PSA/DNA-certified 1926 Babe Ruth handwritten letter sold for $71,700.
For more information on Ruth's autograph, please visit http://www.psacard.com/AutographFacts/AutographDetail/42/babe-ruth
Lou Gehrig - ($3,500 for a signed cut to $80,000 or more for a choice, single-signed baseball.)
Gehrig's personality and signing habits were the antithesis of his legendary teammate – Babe Ruth – but the demand for the Iron Horse's signature rivals the demand for autographs of The Sultan of Swat. Even a Gehrig-signed passport from 1931 sold for $262,900 in 2014, while a 1934 Gehrig-signed bank note sold for $22,796. While all mediums containing Gehrig's signature are scarce, single-signed baseballs might be the toughest of all, so finding a top-notch example is almost impossible. In fact, the highest grade ever achieved by a Gehrig single-signed baseball is NM + 7.5. This results in very high demand and a large volume of forgeries. Even on team-signed balls, Gehrig would often leave the sweet spot open for his outgoing teammate.
In 2015, a signed 1933 Goudey #92 Lou Gehrig card sold for $37,045.
For more information on Gehrig's autograph, please visit http://www.psacard.com/AutographFacts/AutographDetail/17/lou-gehrig
Mickey Mantle/Ted Williams/Joe DiMaggio
In the world of autographs, these three baseball legends are virtually inseparable. They all were A-level Hall of Famers on the field and top autograph draws during the hobby boom of the 1980s. Mickey Mantle remains one of the most desirable autographs in the hobby. Even though Mantle signed an enormous amount of items in the 1980s and up until his death in 1995, the number of forgeries is greater than the amount of authentic examples available. The majority of those forgeries are attempts at his more recognizable post-career signature style, which is quite different compared to his early-career style. Expect to pay a minimum $150 for an authentic signed photo and $500-$600 for a signed baseball. In fact, a PSA/DNA Mint + 9.5 single-signed baseball sold for $3,107 in November of 2013. The highest price ever paid for a signed Mickey Mantle professional model bat occurred in 2014, when an autographed 1956 All-Star bat sold for $430,200.
In 2015, a PSA/DNA certified 1949 Mickey Mantle signed photo sold for $11,950.
For more information on Mantle's autograph, please visit http://www.psacard.com/AutographFacts/AutographDetail/29/mickey-mantle
Like Mantle, Ted Williams signed a very large amount of items during the 1980s and 1990s. In fact, he eventually signed for his own son through a memorabilia outfit called Ted Williams Family Enterprises after joining Mantle as a part of Upper Deck Authenticated (UDA) in the early 1990s. Authentic signed baseballs tend to sell in the $350-$500 range, but it is not uncommon for inscription baseballs, signed bats and jerseys to command a significant premium with vintage examples carrying the biggest premium of all. Of the three baseball legends who signed significant amounts of material during their post-career years – Joe DiMaggio, Mickey Mantle and Ted Williams – Williams single-signed baseballs are the toughest to find in strict mint condition. In the past 12 months, a 1951 Ted Williams signed/game-used jersey sold for $83,650.
In 2015, a PSA/DNA-certified Ted Williams signed George Burke photo (circa 1939) sold for $10,157.
For more information on Williams' autograph, please visit http://www.psacard.com/AutographFacts/AutographDetail/46/ted-williams
Joe DiMaggio rounds out the big three as he became a hobby fixture during his post-career years while the sports collectibles industry grew. Like Mantle and Williams, DiMaggio signed a large number of items during his lifetime, yet he remains a target of forgers due to his popularity. You can acquire genuine single-signed baseballs in the $300+ range, but as with the two aforementioned legends, special inscription-based items sell for premiums such as items featuring references to his 56-game hitting streak in 1941 or those that include "The Yankee Clipper" in addition to his autograph. In 2014, a 1954 Joe DiMaggio handwritten letter to Marilyn Monroe sold for $78,125 and a 1948 contract sold for $35,850 at auction.
In 2015, a signed 1946 Joe DiMaggio New York Yankee contract sold for $19,297.
For more information on DiMaggio's autograph, please visit http://www.psacard.com/AutographFacts/AutographDetail/15/joe-dimaggio
Michael Jordan - ($175 for a signed cut to $600 or more for a single-signed basketball.)
When Jordan was still an active NBA player in the 1990s, a massive amount of forgeries entered the hobby. Despite signing thousands upon thousands of autographs while under contract with UDA, the supply was not nearly enough to satisfy the demand. Most signed photos, basketballs and jerseys range from several hundred dollars to several thousand dollars if authentic. Today, since Jordan remains one of the toughest modern autographs to find, forgeries remain a major problem. In fact, it appears as if Jordan's legacy has improved with time, with all new stars ultimately compared to him. Jordan, like Babe Ruth in baseball, has become the standard that all others are measured against. As time goes on, Jordan's legacy seems to improve with each passing year. Earlier this year, a PSA/DNA-certified signed pair of Michael Jordan game-worn shoes from 1984 sold for $71,553.
In 2015, a PSA/DNA-certified signed/game-worn 1998 Michael Jordan Chicago Bulls jersey sold for $173,240.
For more information on Jordan's autograph, please visit http://www.psacard.com/AutographFacts/AutographDetail/54/michael-jordan
Muhammad Ali - ($150 for a signed cut to $500 or more for a single-signed boxing glove.)
Even though Ali has been somewhat of a prolific signer in the past, the number of authentic Ali autographs fresh to the marketplace has decreased in recent times. This has caused Ali to vault onto the list of most dangerous autographs in recent years. Even when he was making public appearances at collectibles conventions not too long ago, the autograph fees started at a few hundred dollars. So, today, be prepared to pay at least several hundred dollars and higher for items such as photos and boxing gloves. Vintage "Cassius Clay" versions of his autograph sell for a premium due to the relative scarcity, but both versions of his signature are forged in large quantities. Since Ali's autograph has deteriorated with age, earlier "Muhammad Ali" signatures will also often sell for premiums for aesthetic reasons.
In 2015, a 1966 Muhammad Ali signed letter written to the Draft Board (requesting an exemption) sold for $334,600.
For more information on Ali's autograph, please visit http://www.psacard.com/AutographFacts/AutographDetail/60/muhammad-ali-cassius-clay
Mike Trout - ($75 for a signed photo to $150 or more for a single-signed baseball.)
There are several other bright young stars in the game like Bryce Harper, Clayton Kershaw, Andrew McCutchen and Buster Posey, but it would be hard to dispute Mike Trout's ascension to the head of the class. Trout has been nothing short of amazing in his first few years in MLB and, at only 24 years of age, his potential seems limitless. Trout has all the tools and the smile to go with it. In arguably his "worst" statistical season, Trout was named AL MVP in 2014 after being named runner-up the prior two seasons. That's how good he is. In 2015, he finished second in the MVP voting, once again showing his elite consistency at such a young age. Trout has been signing autographs and offering game-used items since his rookie year, although in limited quantities. It will be interesting to see how accessible he remains as his career continues.
In 2015, a PSA/DNA GU 10 2014 Mike Trout signed/game-used professional model bat used to hit home run #30 of the season sold for $19,520.
For more information on Trout's autograph, please visit http://www.psacard.com/AutographFacts/AutographDetail/103/mike-trout
Tom Brady - ($150 for a signed photo to $500 or more for a single-signed jersey.)
Some people just love to hate the New England Patriots and, of course, their field general Tom Brady, but there is no denying his place in football history. As a result, Brady's legacy continues to improve with each passing regular-season win and Super Bowl ring. In 2014, Brady earned ring number four, which tied him with fellow quarterback legend Joe Montana, but Brady's career is still going strong. For a modern-era athlete, authentic Brady signatures are somewhat tough to locate, which results in a hefty price for those seeking this future Hall of Famer's autograph. The good news is that Brady has signed a reasonable quantity of items through companies such as TRISTAR Productions, so hobbyists have some authentic autographed collectibles to choose from.
In 2015, a Tom Brady-signed 2002 Super Bowl XXXVI Lombardi replica trophy sold for $2,772.
For more information on Brady's autograph, please visit http://www.psaautographfacts.com/AutographDetail/739/tom-brady
Derek Jeter - ($150 for a signed photo to $400 or more for a single-signed baseball.)
This past year was the first one in two decades without seeing Derek Jeter in pinstripes. Jeter's presence on the field was certainly missed, but his popularity hasn't waned a bit. Unlike many of the top stars from his era, Jeter avoided any link to PED use and he was the face of the MLB's most popular team – and the game itself – for nearly two decades. Jeter has been signing for Steiner Sports, a collectibles retailer based in New York, for several years and he has been a somewhat accommodating signer in person as well. During the past year, there were many strong prices paid for autographed Jeter items, including a signed 1999 All-Star Bat graded PSA/DNA GU 9 ($13,145), a signed 2011 game-used bat for career hits #3,001-3,003 graded PSA/DNA GU 10 ($22,705) and a PSA/DNA-certified signed/game-used baseball from career home run #258 ($15,535).
In 2015, a PSA/DNA-certified 2004 signed/game-used Derek Jeter glove sold for $49,980.
For more information on Jeter's autograph, please visit http://www.psacard.com/AutographFacts/AutographDetail/23/derek-jeter
Stephen Curry – ($40 for a signed photo to $400 or more for a signed jersey.)
After being named the league's MVP and leading the Golden State Warriors to their first NBA championship in 40 years last season, Stephen Curry became a household name. With the unprecedented start the Warriors are having this season, the sky seems to be the limit for the young superstar, which is music to the ears of Golden State's rabid fan base. In a league dominated by athletes and sheer size, Curry is a throwback to pure skill. Those skills have been on full display in recent years, as Curry routinely works his magic against what appear to be helpless defenders. While the hobby was a little slow to react to Curry's rise, that is no longer the case as Curry-signed items have started to reach new levels. Curry is regarded as a very accommodating and friendly in-person signer; the star guard has not produced large numbers of autographs via private signings like some other modern athletes have.
In 2015, a signed/game-worn pair of Stephen Curry shoes from the 2014 playoffs against the Los Angeles Clippers (5/1/14) sold for $10,780.
For more information on Curry's autograph, please visit http://www.psacard.com/Autographfacts/AutographDetail/2161/stephen-curry
Sidney Crosby – ($25 for a signed trading card to $150 or more for a signed puck.)
Sidney Crosby, once pegged as "The Next One" as a result of his enormous talent and early comparisons to Wayne Gretzky, has been playing in the NHL since 2005. That said, Crosby is only 28 years old! This two-time league MVP (2007 and 2014) has been named to the All-Star team five times. Named the captain of the Pittsburgh Penguins before the 2007-08 season, Crosby became the youngest captain ever to win the Stanley Cup the very next year when they defeated the Detroit Red Wings. Despite his stature, Crosby has been a fairly productive signer, but don't be surprised if you have to pay in excess of $500 or more for an authentic signed jersey.
In 2015, a signed/game-worn 2003 Sidney Crosby Canada-Russia Challenge helmet sold for $3,346.
For more information on Crosby's autograph, please visit http://www.psacard.com/Autographfacts/AutographDetail/2160/sidney-crosby
Honorable Mention – Clayton Is the New Sandy
Clayton Kershaw – ($65 for a signed photo to $100 or more for a single-signed baseball.)
Clayton Kershaw has been the closest thing to this generation's Sandy Koufax as any pitcher in the league. Kershaw has been so dominant during the regular season that if he shows the slightest bit of vulnerability in any one outing, the fans and the media seem to panic. Despite only being 27 years old, Kershaw has already won three Cy Young Awards, one NL MVP and been named to the All-Star team five times. Kershaw, like many modern-era athletes, does not possess a very visually-appealing autograph, but he is known for being accessible with signature seekers. In addition, Kershaw has participated in some private signings for autograph retailers. While the signings have not been frequent, some volume of authentic Kershaw autographs have been generated in these settings. In 2014, a signed/game-worn 2008 Kershaw jersey sold for $33,180.
In 2015, a 2006 signed/game-worn pair of Clayton Kershaw Nike cleats from high-school and his first Rookie Ball season sold for $2,772.
For more information on Kershaw's autograph, please visit http://www.psacard.com/Autographfacts/AutographDetail/1012/clayton-kershaw
Historical and Entertainment Autographs
The Beatles – ($5,000 for a signed cut to $15,000 or more for a signed photo.)
Once again, the Beatles remain at the top of the list in this category. They are, quite simply, the most heavily forged band in the autograph world. George Harrison, John Lennon, Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr made up The Fab Four, a band that was together for a relatively short period of time (about 10 years from 1960-1970). Lennon's early passing, at the age of 40 in 1980, also contributes to the low number of complete, authentic examples of this mega-popular hit machine. In 2012, an autograph purported to be Lennon's last (dated December 8, 1980), sold for $72,000 at auction. Even a few vintage signed baseballs of the group have sold for over $40,000 at auction. A fairly recent example, dating to 1965, sold at auction for $65,725 in May of 2012. In 2013, a signed Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band album sold for an astonishing $290,500, setting a new price standard. In 2014, a Beatles signed photo album cover from their first appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show in 1964 sold for $125,000. During the past year, a Beatles signed baseball from 1966 sold for $100,000.
In 2015, a Beatles signed 1962 managerial contract with Brain Epstein sold for $569,000.
For more information on the Beatles' autograph, please visit http://www.psacard.com/AutographFacts/AutographDetail/111/beatles
Elvis Presley – ($1,500 for a signed cut to $35,000 or more for a signed contract or letter.)
The King of Rock and Roll remains near the top on our Most Dangerous list. Passing away at only 42 years of age in 1977, the amount of authentic autographs is extremely limited. Elvis' popularity is global. For example, large numbers of forgeries can be found in Europe, not just the United States. More specifically, Germany and the Netherlands. Very few handwritten letters, which are extremely desirable, are known of this American icon. Signed photos are the most prevalent type of authentic Elvis autographs, but they still have been known to sell for thousands of dollars at auction. In fact, even a 1953 draft card, signed by the music legend, sold for $26,290 within the last few years. In 2014, a 1956 Elvis signed contract with the William Morris Agency sold for $30,000. During the past year, a 1955 Elvis double-signed song rights transfer agreement sold for $12,500.
In 2015, an Elvis Presley handwritten note sold for $17,500.
For more information on Presley's autograph, please visit http://www.psacard.com/AutographFacts/AutographDetail/105/elvis-presley
Neil Armstrong – ($1,500 for a signed cut to $4,000 or more for a signed photo.)
It may come as a surprise, but astronauts are one of the popular autograph collecting themes in the hobby. With that in mind, it is easy to see why an autograph from the first man to set foot on the moon (1969) would be the pinnacle of these collections, especially in light of his passing in 2012. In fact, authentic signed photos of the entire Apollo 11 crew fetched more than $7,000 each at auction in 2013. Over the past three decades, Armstrong had a virtual no-autograph policy, making it even more difficult for collectors to obtain the genuine article. One of the most sought-after Armstrong signed items is the familiar NASA studio-style photograph, which the late-astronaut signed for fans. But beware, it is also a popular medium for forgeries. During the past year, several authentic Armstrong autographs were auctioned for strong figures, including a 1976 Armstrong signed limited-edition print by Paul Calle ($5,250) and signed $1 bill ($2,312).
In 2015, a Neil Armstrong signed NASA color photo (white spacesuit) sold for $5,250.
For more information on Armstrong's autograph, please visit http://www.psacard.com/AutographFacts/AutographDetail/101/astronauts
John F. Kennedy – ($1,750 for a signed cut to $25,000 or more for a presidential letter/document.)
Beyond being one of the most popular presidents in U.S. history, there has always been a mystique about Kennedy. Shot and killed at the age of 46 in 1963, the number of authentic signatures is very small, especially those signed after his election. In addition to large amounts of forgeries, non-malicious "Kennedy" forgeries were produced by secretaries and via autopen during his tenure in office. A small group of love letters made out to Gunilla von Post of Sweden (a woman he had an affair with prior to his marriage) sold for $115,537 in March of 2010 at auction. In 2013, a JFK signed "First Pitch" baseball from a Washington Senators game in 1961 sold for $47,800 at auction, and a 1963 signed Christmas card sold for $21,013. Like most U.S. presidents, autographs that were signed during his time in office usually sell for price premiums versus examples that were signed before election. In 2014, a 1959 Power of Attorney document signed by JFK sold for $4,560. During the past year, a 1954 JFK signed letter sold for $4,873.
In 2015, a John F. Kennedy signed book (The White House – Special Presentation Edition) sold for $8,083.
For more information on Kennedy's autograph, please visit http://www.psacard.com/AutographFacts/AutographDetail/150/john-f-kennedy
Michael Jackson – ($350 for a signed cut to $1,000 or more for a signed photo.)
The King of Pop remains on our top ten this year. With his passing in 2009 at the age of 50, Jackson forgeries flooded the marketplace in 2010. A subject of great controversy throughout the latter half of his career, Jackson's contribution to music has received greater appreciation following his death than ever before. While genuine signed photos sell for $1,000 and higher on the open market, forgeries are often listed online for a fraction of that price. In 2010, a ball that was signed by Jackson and basketball star Michael Jordan sold for $294,000 at auction in China. It is not uncommon for Jackson's handwritten lyrics to bring well into five figures at auction. Examples would include a $40,625 price tag for the handwritten lyrics to "Billie Jean" at auction in 2012 and a price of $60,000 for Jackson's lyrics to "Beat It" in 2009. During the past year, a Jackson signed custom jacket sold for $8,960 at auction.
In 2015, a 1972 Michael Jackson handwritten letter to a fan sold for $2,750.
For more information on Jackson's autograph, please visit http://www.psacard.com/AutographFacts/AutographDetail/108/michael-jackson
Marilyn Monroe – ($2,500 for a signed cut to $15,000 or more for a signed photo.)
Monroe is yet another celebrity who passed away at a very young age (36 in 1962), which resulted in a very limited number of authentic autographs for fans of the iconic actress. Forgers tend to target photos of Monroe as their primary medium. Monroe signed checks and documents do exist, and both mediums are very popular with collectors. A dual-signed baseball of Monroe and her former husband Joe DiMaggio sold for an astonishing $191,200 in 2006. A photo signed and personalized from Monroe to the Yankee legend sold for $63,250 in November of 2010. In 2013, a signed letter from Monroe to Lee Strasberg in which she expresses her struggles with the pressures of Hollywood, sold for $156,000. In 2014, a 1946 Monroe (Norma Jean Dougherty) signed release form sold for $11,250 at auction as well as a handwritten letter to Arthur Miller, which sold for $43,750. During the past 12 months, a Monroe signed photo (circa 1950s) sold for $10,755.
In 2015, an oversized Marilyn Monroe signed photo (circa 1954) sold for $13,750.
For more information on Monroe's autograph, please visit http://www.psacard.com/AutographFacts/AutographDetail/107/marilyn-monroe
Led Zeppelin – ($1,200 for a signed cut to $4,500 or more for a signed photo.)
In 1968, an English rock band formed consisting of front man Robert Plant, guitarist Jimmy Page, bassist and keyboardist John Paul Jones and drummer John Bonham. The rest is rock history. They became one of the most commercially, and critically, successful bands of all time, possessing a unique sound that is all their own. In 1995, as expected, they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. From a collecting standpoint, it can be challenging to find Zeppelin-signed items that contain Bonham's signature due to his early death in 1980. Furthermore, they are simply one of the most heavily-forged bands in the hobby. This is due, in part, to their immense popularity and also to their relatively inaccessible nature over time.
In 2015, a 1970 Led Zeppelin III signed album cover sold for $18,750.
For more information on Led Zeppelin's autograph, please visit http://www.psacard.com/Autographfacts/AutographDetail/1908/led-zeppelin
Jimi Hendrix – ($2,500 for a signed cut to $7,500 or more for a signed photo.)
Just like fellow rock legends Janis Joplin and Jim Morrison, this guitar legend died at the young age of 27 after vaulting to the top of the music world. His death was also shrouded in controversy and the way it happened is still a subject of debate today. While there are some similarities surrounding their deaths, Hendrix autographs, a common target of forgers, are considered even tougher than Joplin's or Morrison's. In fact, the earliest known Hendrix contract (1965) sold for about $200,000 at auction in 2009, one of the highest prices ever recorded for a signed contract of any sort...even in the sports genre. During the past year, a Hendrix handwritten note sold for $7,500 at auction.
In 2015, a 1968 Jimi Hendrix signed Swedish police document sold for $21,259.
For more information on Hendrix's autograph, please visit http://www.psacard.com/AutographFacts/AutographDetail/190/jimi-hendrix
The Rolling Stones - ($1,200 and up for a signed photo and $3,500 and up for a signed guitar.)
Since the early 1960s, the Rolling Stones have been making hit records. Their longevity is remarkable. Not only does their music remain popular, but they never seem to age. There have been some changes to the band's lineup over time, but the most recognizable members are Ronnie Wood, Bill Wyman, Keith Richards and, of course, maybe the most charismatic lead vocalist in music history - Mick Jagger. Brian Jones, Ian Stewart, Mick Taylor, Dick Taylor, Tony Chapman and Charlie Watts have also been members of the legendary rock group at different times. Since the two key figures are still alive and well in Jagger and Richards, items signed by the band are actually relatively affordable, compared to those signed by the Beatles (including Lennon), considering their place in history. In 2013, a 1964 Rolling Stones signed Promo LP sold for $18,750 at auction. During the past year, a Rolling Stones band-signed Sticky Fingers lithograph sold for $13,750 at auction.
In 2015, a Rolling Stones signed Jeep Renegade sold for $46,000.
For more information on the Rolling Stones' autograph, please visit http://www.psacard.com/AutographFacts/AutographDetail/192/rolling-stones
Star Wars: The Force Awakens Cast - ($500 and up for a cast-signed photo and $50-$250 for individual key cast members.)
In addition to the key members of the original 1977 cast in Carrie Fisher (Princess Leia), Harrison Ford (Han Solo) and Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker) returning to the silver screen, newcomers enter the saga in John Boyega (Finn), Adam Driver (Kylo Ren), Oscar Isaac (Poe Dameron) and Daisy Ridley (Rey). While most the fresh cast had film and television credits prior to this release, the unquestioned global popularity of this franchise will vault each of them into another level of celebrity. For now, it is relatively difficult to establish market values for each individual, but we are soon to find out just how successful this latest installment will be. If the initial hype is any indication, autograph collectors may be in for an epic battle in landing authentic autographs for any of the new faces of Star Wars. While most of them have been cordial in-person signers, Driver has been the most difficult autograph to obtain of the bunch.
For more information on Star Wars cast autographs, please visit http://www.psacard.com/Autographfacts/AutographDetail/109/star-wars
Honorable Mention - What Do You Mean?
Justin Bieber – ($300 for a signed cut and $600 or more for a signed photo.)
After a little turbulence derailed his career temporarily, The Beebs is back on the list. Not only has Bieber come back strong on the charts with some new music in 2015, but he remains a very tough signature to acquire. Bieber has been roasted on Comedy Central and roasted by the media, but through it all, the pop singer has come back in strong fashion this year. With an estimated net worth in the $200 million range, Bieber is doing just fine. Is this new chapter a sign that Bieber has turned the corner in his career and personal life? Will Bieber find a way to avoid the pitfalls of stardom that plagued him in the past? Am I actually writing about Babe Ruth, Michael Jordan, the Beatles and Justin Bieber in the same article? With an incredibly low number of authentic examples trading in the marketplace, which seemingly flies in the face of his popularity, Bieber joins the aforementioned staples in 2015.
In 2015, a signed pair of Justin Bieber Nike shoes sold for $62,000.
For more information on Bieber's autograph, please visit http://www.psacard.com/Autographfacts/AutographDetail/2162/justin-bieber