The item, donated by Keith Richards himself (there's provenance for you), is currently carrying a bid of $4,250 and can be expected to break through its very cautious estimate of $5,000 long before the close of the auction on June 15.

Proceeds will benefit Artists for Alzheimer's and the item could make an excellent alternative investment for collectors.

Collectors are getting what they want from the Rolling Stones' memorabilia

With sales estimated at more than_200_million worldwide and a ranking of #4 in Rolling Stone magazine's 100 Greatest Artists of All Time, you don't need to be a musicologist to know that the Stones are near the very top of the rock pantheon.

Not surprisingly, their legend has resulted in much activity on the auction markets. Rolling Stones signed photographs have grown in value by 498% over the last 10 years (according to the industry's PFC40 Autograph Index) - making them among the most bankable and up there with the likes of  The Beatles or Bob Dylan.

For instance, one of the most coveted Stones collectibles dates to years before they became rock's elder statesmen and were still young firebrands unafraid of controversy. Indeed, this is one of the most controversial Stones singles to ever come out in the US...

The Stones' 1968 single Street Fighting Man caused a stir in the US

Street Fighting Man, released from the album Beggars Banquet in 1968 was heavily criticised for its subversive lyrics and timing of release which was within weeks of the 1968 riots at the Democratic National Convention.

Consequently, the song received little radio airplay at the time, further exacerbated by its cover photograph of an American riot. Needless to say, Street Fighting Man is a bona fide rock 'n' roll classic, and an original vinyl 7" single could set you back £10,400 ($16,000).

With historic value rises of 498%, Rolling Stones autographs – like this example for sale - are certainly more exciting and profitable than any savings account

And, bearing in mind that Stones' autographs have risen in value by 498% in the last decade, original Street Fighting Man singles could bring alternative investors plenty of Satisfaction in years to come.

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