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

Superior signatures

Courtesy Princess Diana Autographs

Got the odd celebrity autograph gathering dust in your loft? It could be worth a fortune. Read on as we reveal the most valuable signatures in the world, from stars who are still with us, to those who have sadly passed away, according to Paul Fraser Collectibles' PFC40 Autograph Index. Let's start with those you can still get a signature from... All dollar values in US dollars.

Vladimir Putin: $275 (£200)

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A signed photograph by Vladimir Putin, just like the one from 2001 pictured here, is worth around $275 (£200). This is a 14% increase since 2018 when Putin's signature was worth $239 (£175).

Barack Obama: $480 (£350)

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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)

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A signature from the Queen of Pop is currently on sale for $649 (£475). Other items were on sale for far more. Handwritten lyrics by the star were on sale for $10,000 ($7.5k), while a signed basque that may have been worn by the singer was on sale for $9,400 (£6.9k).

Donald Trump: $1,025 (£750)

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An autograph from former POTUS Donald Trump is worth around $1,025 (£750). This is a 15% increase from 2018, when a signature was worth $889 (£650).

Ringo Starr: $2,050 (£1.5k)

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Ringo Starr's signature may not seem like a rare thing to get hold of, but the former Beatles drummer announced via video message in 2008 that he was going to stop signing memorabilia. Now, the 81-year-old's signature can fetch up to $2,050 (£1.5k).

Prince Harry: $2,390 (£1,750)

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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)

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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)

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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)

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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)

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Queen Elizabeth II has the most valuable signature of any other living person. A signed photograph of the British monarch is worth $6,100 (£4.5k).

The real autograph money...

Courtesy Princess Diana Autographs

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)

Paul Fraser Collectibles

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

Courtesy Autograph Magazine

Unscrupulous dealers have no qualms selling fake John Lennon autographs to unsuspecting collectors, so it pays to swot up on the real deal. This fake would be obvious to a collector. The handwriting style is too angular for John Lennon . His script was more 'curvy' and the flow is all wrong.

Winston Churchill: $10,800 (£7.9k)

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The wartime British prime minister was a prolific writer and note-taker, and many examples of his highly desirable signature exist, from signed government documents to personal correspondence and informal notes. His signature is worth $10,800 (£7.9k).

Identifying fake Winston Churchill autographs

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Look for handwritten letters or inscriptions rather than lone signatures as these are more tricky to fake. Again, only do business with reputable dealers. This signature was faked by a forger in Southampton, England, who was sentenced to 10 months' imprisonment back in 2012 for the crime.

Jimi Hendrix: $10,900 (£8k)

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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

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Jimi Hendrix autographs are some of the most faked, according to the latest PSA/DNA Autograph Report, which lists the most 'dangerous', ie forged, celeb signatures. On first inspection, this dubious example may look genuine but the overly flamboyant capital 'J' and uncharacteristic flow actually show it's bogus.

The Rolling Stones: $10,900 (£8k)

Paul Fraser Collectibles

Autographs of legendary 60s bands are much sought-after. Signed Rolling Stones memorabilia is particularly valuable. A signed photo from the original 1960s line-up worth is $10,900 (£8k) according to latest figures, a 15% increase from 2018.

Identifying fake Rolling Stones autographs

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Bogus Rolling Stones autographs are all too common and, according to former bassist Bill Wyman, the band even used to forge each others' signatures when signing piles of records or photos for fans. To avoid fakes, do your homework, familiarise yourself with the band members' signatures and only buy from reputable dealers.

John F. Kennedy: $12,300 (£9k)

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JFK's signature is extremely collectable and, while there are many examples in existence, the vast majority of them are either autopenned or printed. The rarer autographs that are signed by hand attract the highest prices.

Identifying fake John F. Kennedy autographs

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In addition to looking out for fakes, you'd want to make sure you're not unknowingly snapping up an autopenned or printed JFK autograph (pictured). Although they are valuable, the real deal handwritten signatures are worth a lot more.

Neil Armstrong: $13,600 (£10k)

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The first person to walk on the Moon reportedly signed thousands of photos, letters and cards during his lifetime, so while Neil Armstrong autographs aren't the rarest, collectors will pay top dollar for the best examples.

Identifying fake Neil Armstrong autographs

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Neil Armstrong autographs are considered high risk and the internet is littered with fakes. This is a prime example. Experts and amateurs with a keen eye will notice it lacks flow and 'speed', and the pressure is too uniform. All tell-tale signs of a forgery.

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

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Dubbed 'the pinnacle of royal collectables', the average item autographed by Diana, Princess of Wales commands a price tag now of around $13,600 (£10k).

Identifying fake Diana, Princess of Wales autographs

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Princess Diana had the sort of handwriting graphologists describe as 'curvy', a sign of a warm and affectionate nature apparently. A blatant forgery, this autograph is too narrow and angular to be attributed to the late princess.

Albert Einstein: $14,300 (£10.5k)

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Authentic documents or photos that have been signed by the most important scientist of the 20th century are perennially in demand. The current value of a signed item is about $14,300 (£10.5k).

Identifying fake Albert Einstein autographs

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Einstein signature expert Gregory J. Mallon advises potential collectors to pay close attention to: the 'heaviness' of the script as Einstein had a light hand; the difficult capital 'E' – does it flow well; and the break between the 'i' and 'n' – authentic autographs tend to have a small space between these letters.

Marilyn Monroe: $15,700 (£11.5k)

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Another icon who departed far too soon, Marilyn Monroe left behind a wealth of collectables, including many signed items. This 1956 signed photo of the blonde bombshell by society photographer Cecil Beaton sold for $25,265 (£19.5k) in 2012.

Identifying fake Marilyn Monroe autographs

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Experts estimate that only 24% of Marilyn Monroe autographs are genuine. There are so many fakes around, even the experts have trouble sometimes distinguishing the real autographs from the fakes. Unless you're super-knowledgeable, only source your autographs from well-regarded dealers.

Bruce Lee: $16,400 (£12k)

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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

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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)

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James Dean's brooding good looks, acting chops and untimely death at 24 have made him one of the foremost cultural icons of the 20th century. Needless to say, authentic examples of the 50s heartthrob's autograph, such as this inscribed photo, are worth a small fortune.

Identifying fake James Dean autographs

Courtesy Autograph Magazine

Spotting a fake can be challenging but it's worth noting that James Dean's signature pretty much stayed the same throughout his short adult life, so use the authenticated autographs as a visual guide. This signed poster features a rather blatant forgery. The slant is off and the 'J' and 'D' are too small in relation to the other letters.

The Beatles: $40,000 (£29.5k)

Paul Fraser Collectibles

An album page signed by the Beatles is valued at $25,000 (£18.5k), while a photograph signed by the legendary band comes with a staggering $40,000 (£29.5k) price tag.

Identifying fake Beatles autographs

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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)

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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

Paul Fraser Collectibles

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.

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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