The world's most valuable autographs – and how to spot a fake
Superior signatures

Vladimir Putin: $275 (£200)

Barack Obama: $480 (£350)

A signed photograph from the famously left-handed former President of the United States is estimated to be worth $480 (£350). But other items have sold for more. A handwritten letter that he wrote to Jennifer Cline, a skin cancer sufferer who had lost her job, was sold for $7,000 (£5.4k) in 2010. Pencil sketches he drew on White House stationery that included self-portraits sold at auction for $11,000 (£8k) in 2017.
Madonna: $649 (£475)

Donald Trump: $1,025 (£750)

Ringo Starr: $2,050 (£1.5k)

Prince Harry: $2,390 (£1,750)

According to the latest figures, Prince Harry's signature is worth $2,390 (£1,750). This is a 13% decrease from 2018, perhaps due to his shock departure from the British Royal Family in 2020.
JK Rowling: $3,760 (£2,750)

Best selling Harry Potter author JK Rowling is used to signing books, and a signed copy of one of her tomes could get you $3,760 (£2,750). This is a 22% increase from 2018.
Paul McCartney: $4,035 (£2,950)

Worth considerably more than fellow former band member Ringo Starr, Sir Paul McCartney's signature is currently valued at $4,035 (£2,950), though the value has remained stagnant since 2018.
Prince William: $4,790 (£3.5k)

Despite the decrease in value of his brother's signature, the value of the future King's signature is on the rise. According to latest figures, a signature from Prince William is worth $4,790 (£3.5k). This is a 27% increase from 2018.
Queen Elizabeth II: $6,100 (£4.5k)

The real autograph money...

While getting the autograph of a living celebrity can be lucrative, the real money is often to be found in the autographs of those who have already passed away. Read on as we list the most valuable autographs of those no longer with us, and how to spot a fake...
Kurt Cobain: $4,000 (£3k)
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An autograph from the late Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain has increased in value by 50% between 2018-2020, making it the biggest climber of any other signature.
Identifying a fake Kurt Cobain autograph
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Cobain would often misspell his own name, probably for his own amusement. A common variation is 'Kurdt Cobain'. This quirk by the late rock star means that identifying the real deal is a challenge. Due to the increase in value of an autograph, the number of fakes for sale online will also increase. It's always best to do business with a reputable dealer. Pictured: An authentic Kurt Cobain autograph.
John Lennon: $10,800 (£7.9k)

Out of the original members of the Beatles, John Lennon's autograph is the most coveted, for obvious reasons. A signed photograph is valued at $10,800 (£7.9k). Once a smart investment, the value of an autograph has remained stagnant since 2018.
Identifying fake John Lennon autographs

Winston Churchill: $10,800 (£7.9k)

Identifying fake Winston Churchill autographs

Jimi Hendrix: $10,900 (£8k)

Autographs of rock or movie stars who died young, particularly members of the infamous 27 Club, command premium prices. Jimi Hendrix's is no exception. A signed photograph is valued at $10,900 (£8k) according to latest figures.
Identifying fake Jimi Hendrix autographs

The Rolling Stones: $10,900 (£8k)

Identifying fake Rolling Stones autographs

John F. Kennedy: $12,300 (£9k)

Identifying fake John F. Kennedy autographs

Neil Armstrong: $13,600 (£10k)

Identifying fake Neil Armstrong autographs

Diana, Princess of Wales: $13,600 (£10k)

Identifying fake Diana, Princess of Wales autographs

Albert Einstein: $14,300 (£10.5k)

Identifying fake Albert Einstein autographs

Marilyn Monroe: $15,700 (£11.5k)

Identifying fake Marilyn Monroe autographs

Bruce Lee: $16,400 (£12k)

The martial arts legend is a collectors' favourite and Bruce Lee memorabilia is big business. Autographs penned by the Way of the Dragon star attract high prices. Pictured is a good example of a Bruce Lee autograph.
Identifying fake Bruce Lee autographs

Sadly, fake Bruce Lee autographs are ten-a-penny. As with most forgeries, they tend to be a lot more affordable than the genuine article. If something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Another thing to watch out for is signed Way of the Dragon posters. Lee never signed any of these, so if you ever come across one you'll know it's 100% fake.
James Dean: $24,600 (£18k)

Identifying fake James Dean autographs

The Beatles: $40,000 (£29.5k)

Identifying fake Beatles autographs

Experts predict only 6% of Beatles autographs on the open market are authentic. If you're interested in snapping up a genuine example of the Fab Four's signatures, study the authenticated versions and only buy from a reputable dealer. You also want to be extra-cautious with signed album pages post-Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band as these tend to be the most faked.
Steven Hawking: $41,000 (£30k)

As expected, Stephen Hawking's signature is rare and therefore extremely valuable. Due to his battle with Lou Gehrig’s disease, by the end of the 1970s Hawking could no longer write. In the later year of his life, he would occasionally sign books with his fingerprint dipped in ink.
Identifying fake Stephen Hawking autographs
Identifying a fake can be challenging. The shaky nature of the A Brief History of Time author's handwriting means autographs are inconsistent. Due to the rarity of a Hawking autograph business should only be done with reputable dealers. Pictured: A genuine thumbprint from Stephen Hawking.
Steve Jobs: $54,000 (£40k)
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Jobs has the most valuable autograph of any person, living or dead. A signature from the Apple founder is worth a small fortune at $54,000 (£40k).
Identifying a fake Steve Jobs autograph.

The real deal is rare. The tech mogul wasn't a fan of signing autographs. His looping, whimsical script and habit of not capitalising his first and surname are key things to look out for. Pictured: A genuine example of a Steve Jobs signature.
It's not just autographs that can be bogus, read: Fortune or fake: masterpieces on trial
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