George Harrison’s autograph is in high demand – particularly when it appears alongside those of his bandmates.
But what about the market for his solo autograph.
Is there a market for it? Is it rare? And how much should you expect to pay for one?
Here’s everything you need to know.
Harrison died relatively young
George Harrison was 58 when he died in 2001.
(Image: Wikimedia Commons)
As far as rock stars go, he was practically an elder statesman.
When a notable person dies, the number of autographs on the market is capped.
It goes without saying - they will not be signing any more.
And demand also tends to surge following the news.
Fans become more interested in owning a memento of the person who meant so much to them.
When more buyers enter the market, this drives up values.
It also increases the number of consignments, as sellers look to secure the best possible price.
And once prices rise, they tend to stay there.
After all, the number of existing autographs can only go down as some are lost or damaged.
He's a cult figure
Harrison sometimes gets overlooked by less dedicated Beatles fans.
Paul McCartney and John Lennon were the legendary songwriting partnership. Lennon became an icon in his own right, while McCartney continues to play stadiums.
(Image: Wikimedia Commons)
And Ringo Starr’s garrulous personality made him a hugely popular figure.
Harrison was famously introverted.
Once the band split, he rarely appeared in public.
He became something of a cult figure.
His most famous compositions (Here Comes the Sun, Something and While My Guitar Gently Weeps) regularly appear at the top of Beatles fan-favourite lists.
And his solo career produced some real gems.
Demand is second only to Lennon
John Lennon was a figure who stands outside his time period.
He was a Beatle – sure. But he was an icon of the 1960s for different reasons too.
This makes his signature attractive to those with only a passing interest in the band.
But Harrison is the second most valuable solo Beatle.
According to my PFC40 Autograph Index, you can expect to pay an average of £4,250 for a signed photo – up 17% per annum since 2000.
A McCartney signed photograph, by comparison, goes for around £2,950.
This might seem surprising – particularly when you consider the McCartney-Lennon partnership.
But Harrison’s reclusive nature and early death make his signature far rarer than McCartney, who only ceased signing in public over the last decade.
And rarity is the key driver of value in the autograph market.
Paul Fraser.
PS. I have an excellent George Harrison handwritten letter for sale. Click here to take a look.
