Analyzing the Value of Celebrity Autographs

When it comes to sports memorabilia, athletes’ autographs dominate the market on eBay. We focused on the average quantity of athlete signatures available and uncovered some striking trends.

The average number of autographs per athlete in our study is 3,171. At the top of the list is Peyton Manning, with an astonishing 13,000 autographs available—310% more than the average athlete. His remarkable NFL career and enduring popularity make his memorabilia highly sought after.

Following Manning is Michael Jordan, with 8,600 autographs, marking a 171% increase over the average. As one of the greatest basketball players of all time, Jordan’s legacy continues to captivate collectors worldwide.

Tom Brady ranks third with 7,600 autographs, which is 140% more than the average. His multiple Super Bowl victories and iconic status in the NFL drive the high demand for his autographs.

Other notable athletes include Derek Jeter with 6,700 autographs (111% above average) and Shaquille O’Neal with 6,000 autographs (89% above average). Both have left indelible marks in their respective sports, contributing to the substantial number of autographed items available.

Athletes with the Fewest Autographs on eBay

On the flip side, some renowned athletes have significantly fewer autographs listed on eBay. Simone Biles, despite her exceptional achievements in gymnastics, has only 153 autographs available—95% less than the average athlete.

Similarly, Serena Williams has 217 autographs (93% below average), and Michael Phelps has 303 autographs (90% below average). These athletes are legends in their fields, but the scarcity of their autographs could be due to fewer public signings or limited release of autographed memorabilia.

The significant differences in the number of autographs can be attributed to several factors, including the athletes’ engagement in autograph signings, licensing agreements, and the overall demand from fans. High-profile athletes like Manning, Jordan, and Brady have extensive merchandise and memorabilia programs, making their autographs more accessible.

In contrast, athletes with fewer autographs available may choose to limit signings or have fewer licensed products, increasing the exclusivity of their signatures. Collectors seeking autographs from these athletes might face challenges due to the limited supply, potentially driving up the value of available items.

While the number of autographs available provides insight into demand, the average price reveals how much collectors are willing to pay for a piece of sports history. We analyzed the average prices of autographs from famous athletes to identify whose signatures command the highest and lowest premiums on eBay.

The average price for an athlete’s autograph in our study is $3,561. Leading the pack is Tom Brady, whose autographs average a staggering $16,826—that’s 373% more than the average athlete. Brady’s unparalleled success in the NFL, including multiple Super Bowl victories, elevates his memorabilia to legendary status.

Close behind is Patrick Mahomes, with an average autograph price of $11,915, which is 235% above the average. As one of the NFL’s brightest stars, Mahomes’ on-field achievements and growing legacy drive high demand for his signature.

Tiger Woods ranks third, with autographs averaging $11,298—217% more than the average athlete. Woods’ impact on golf and his remarkable career resurgence make his autograph highly coveted among collectors.

Other notable mentions include LeBron James at $9,925 (179% above average) and Michael Jordan at $8,400 (136% above average). Both are considered among the greatest in basketball, and their autographs represent valuable additions to any collection.

Athletes with the Least Expensive Autographs

On the other end of the spectrum, some renowned athletes have autographs that are surprisingly affordable. Alex Rodriguez has an average autograph price of $227, which is 94% less than the average athlete. Despite his successful baseball career, his memorabilia remains accessible to a broader range of collectors.

Similarly, Shaquille O’Neal’s autographs average $266, marking a 93% decrease from the average. As a basketball legend and media personality, Shaq’s widespread merchandise might contribute to the lower average price due to higher availability.

Usain Bolt, the fastest man in the world, has autographs averaging $313—91% below the average. While his achievements on the track are extraordinary, the lower price could reflect less demand in the autograph market compared to athletes from more globally popular sports.

When focusing on singers, actors, and media personalities, the availability of autographs on eBay provides intriguing insights into their popularity and the autograph market dynamics. The average number of autographs per celebrity in this category is 509. Let’s explore which celebrities have the most and least autographs available.

Leading the list is Taylor Swift, with an impressive 1,600 autographs listed—214% more than the average celebrity in this category. Her massive global fan base and the record-breaking success of her Eras Tour likely drive this high demand. Swift’s ability to connect with fans across generations keeps her items highly sought after.

Following Swift is Elton John, with 1,200 autographs, marking a 136% increase over the average. As a music legend with a career spanning over five decades, his autographs remain valuable to collectors who admire his contributions to the industry.

Robert De Niro comes in third with 1,000 autographs, which is 96% more than the average. His legendary status in Hollywood ensures continued interest from movie enthusiasts.

Other notable mentions include Jennifer Lopez with 765 autographs (50% above average) and Paul McCartney with 738 autographs (45% above average). Both artists have maintained successful careers in music and entertainment, fueling ongoing demand for their autographs.

Celebrities with the Least Autographs on eBay

On the flip side, some high-profile celebrities have a surprisingly low number of autographs available, making their signatures rarer finds for collectors.

Justin Bieber has only 185 autographs listed—64% fewer than the average celebrity. Despite his global fame and loyal fan base, the limited availability of his autographs could be potentially due to fewer public signings or dedicated fans choosing to keep his autograph rather than selling it. Similarly, Kanye West has 206 autographs available—60% below the average, however, his autographs are among the highest-priced.

While demand is one aspect of the autograph market, the price collectors are willing to pay tells another story. We examined the average prices of autographs from famous singers, actors, and media personalities to identify those that command the highest premiums. The average autograph price among celebrities in this category is $783.

The average autograph price among celebrities in this category is $783. Leading the list is Paul McCartney, whose autographs average an impressive $5,689—an astounding 626% more than the average. As a legendary member of The Beatles, McCartney’s enduring influence on music makes his signature exceptionally valuable.

Following McCartney is Kanye West, with an average autograph price of $1,789, which is 128% above the average. West’s impact on the music industry and his multifaceted career contribute to the high valuation of his memorabilia.

Tom Cruise ranks third, with autographs averaging $1,000, marking a 28% increase over the average. His status as one of Hollywood’s leading actors ensures sustained interest from collectors.

Rounding out the top 5 is Morgan Freeman at $986 (26% above average) and Beyoncé at $878 (12% above average). Both have made significant contributions to their fields, elevating the value of their autographs.

Celebrities with the Least Expensive Autographs on eBay

Surprisingly, some of the most renowned celebrities have autographs that won’t break the bank. Jennifer Lopez’s autograph averages just $183, which is 77% less than the average celebrity autograph price. 

Similarly, Julia Roberts offers autographs at an average price of $217, making them 72% below the average. Jennifer Aniston’s autographs come in at an average of $258, which is 67% less than the average celebrity price. 

These cases highlight that a celebrity’s fame doesn’t always correlate with expensive memorabilia. Factors such as the frequency of signings, personal choice to make autographs accessible, or a larger number of items in circulation can contribute to more affordable prices.