Autographs - Cancelled Checks

[jbsports33]

Signed checks, contracts and other similar items can be a great way to start your autograph collection, so you can get to know the player signatures and they are not as expensive as baseballs, gloves or bats. They are more valuable in most cases then the index cards or other items as stated above. I really think they will hold their value well compared to photos or other signed paper items. Even if you do not care for signed checks they seem to be a good investment and you can always trade or sell them for items you maybe more interested in buying instead.

Jimmy

[Exhibitman]

I have 1; Lefty O'Doul from his restaurant. I would only consider something like a check for one of the big prewar stars like Ruth--just too much bad paper out there otherwise.

[BillyCoxDodgers3B]

Ruth checks aren't exactly foolproof, either. Some of his blank checks found their way into the hands of a Philly-area forger (Hi FM!). I would recommend purchasing a Ruth check from a trusted veteran dealer or from an auction house with auction LOA from PSA.

[autograf]

Like Jay, I had a collection of about 200 different checks from HOFers, stars, etc. A great way to collect autographs. Still undervalued somewhat too. Checks of the big guys are strong now and have gone way up over the last 5-8 years. I sold my collection of piecemeal and then in lots via Robert Edward a few years back but still have a few and love the checks!

[danc]

Checks are a great way to collect authentic signatures and especially if made up with a nice frame and photo. Part of the luster that is lost for me is the fact that have handled so many, by the same group, that all I can picture are boxes and boxes of these things and the market simply flooded.

I.E what Bob Gibson did to the market recently, Curt Flood is doing now, Ralph Kiner and especially NFL commisioner Bert Bell who has even assisted in adding some Bill Hewitt signatures into the marketplace.

And too add to the above, let's also not forget about high quality photocopies of Ruth checks, framed and matted and sold as authentic. That's another scam, but no fault to the checks themselves, but the scammers who exist in damned groves.

DanC

[Oldtix]

What's the rule of thumb relative to value of autographed checks vs a 3x5 or a photo?

[J.McMurry]

DanC and Jodi with the point I tried to get across in another thread about checks. Yes, they may be the safest medium to collect, but not fullproof by any means.