What is the value of a Babe Ruth autograph in an autograph book signed in October 1939 that includes a certificate of authenticity?

Answer 1

Signatures will vary in price based on condition, the type of authenticity that accompanies the signature, the item signed, and how well the item displays the signature.Baseballs are the most common, and preferred by collectors because of it's connection to the game, low cost, availability and it displays the signature well. The signed Baseball represents the average price for a signature, and by deducting or adding from this price for the Item signed accordingly will give you a good idea on value.

The lowest priced signed item would be for a "cut Signature." A cut signature is a signature on a piece of paper, or "cut" from a larger piece. Index cards are the next step up, and both sell at a fraction (about 10%-20%) the price of an autographed baseball. Autograph photos typically sell at about 40-60 percent the price of a baseball with bats, uniform Jersey's and equipment selling at a higher price due to the higher cost of the item, rarity and display.

In general if an autographed baseball is worth $100. the same autograph on a 8x10 photo $50. a cut signature $20. on a bat $150. The percentage of the price could also vary based on the popularity of the player, and how sought after the signature is.

An "Autograph book" signature is an autograph signed on a piece of paper (page) inside of a book. The signature cannot be displayed well, and has a lower value. For the signature to be displayed it would have to be removed from the book or cut from, putting it in the "cut signature" or index card category. An autograph book can be valued as a whole putting it in the "multi signed item" category, and be valued by what signatures the autograph book holds. Each signature valued on it's own merit as Cut Signatures. You did not mention if there were other ballplayer's signatures, and if there is would be priced accordingly as a Babe Ruth Multi-signed Autograph book. Ruth being the key signature, and the more expensive.

an average price for a Babe Ruth signed baseball sells for about $4,000.-$10,000. Cut signatures sell between $2,000.-$3,000. Prices will vary based on type of authenticity, and condition. If your Autograph book has other desirable signatures it could sell for more. Cut Signatures are often cut from an item that has been ruined to save its value from such items as a cover of a publication, photograph, letter or notebook on which it was originally signed. Cuts are commonly used by collectors to display with a framed photo, or for inserts by baseball card companies.

To help you determine the value of your signatures read my newsletter "How much is my autographed baseball" for more information. I will leave a link below.