The PFC40 Autograph Index

PFC40 AUTOGRAPH INDEX 2023 HIGHLIGHTS

33%

Average annual simple growth of the index between 2000-2023

Up 614%

Growth of a Volodomyr Zelensky autograph since 2022 – the biggest rise in the past 12 months: from £350 to £2,500

£4,500

Value of Prince William and Paul McCartney's signatures – the joint most valuable living signatures in the index 

Up 400%

The rise in value of Charles III's signature, the second biggest climber between 2022 and 2023 – from £300 to £1,500

 

Investing in autographs: Paul Fraser Collectibles' PFC40 Autograph Index unveils best performers

The 2023 edition reveals Ukraine leader Volodymyr Zelensky's signature has been the best performer between 2022 and 2023 – up 614% in value from £350 to £2,500. Close behind is Charles III, whose signature has soared 400% from £300 to £1,500 in the past 12 months.

  • At £50,000, Steve Jobs is the most valuable signer, a result of his reluctance to sign, early death and Apple’s iconic status.
  • Volodomyr Zelensky is the best performing autograph of the 21st century, up 10,865% per annum since 2000.
  • Paul McCartney and Prince William are the two most valuable living signers, at £4,500.
Charles III and Zelensky
"Key political and royal events have dramatically impacted 2023's figures,"  explains Paul Fraser Collectibles’ founder, Paul Fraser. "The Queen's death in 2022 has sparked a surge in demand for Charles III's signature - as royal watchers have embraced the new king in the first months of his role. There is a huge amount of goodwill towards him.
"The autograph of Volodomyr Zelensky - a man unknown outside his own country until the war in Ukraine - continues to soar. Freedom fighters - from Nelson Mandela to Gandhi - are traditionally popular autographs. Collectors are predicting that Zelensky will be another such name for the ages."

High inflation attracts buyers to autographs 

The index showed a solid 5% return between 2022 and 2023. In times of high inflation, autographs have traditionally been a safe haven for investors. Look for increased growth ahead, as investors continue to turn to tangible assets such as autographs for some much needed diversity. 

 

Most valuable living signatures (signed photos unless otherwise stated)

  1. Prince William (signature): £4,500
  2. Paul McCartney: £4,500
  3. JK Rowling (signed book): £3,000
  4. Volodomyr Zelensky: £2,500
  5. Ringo Starr and Prince Harry (signature): £2,000 

Most valuable deceased autographs

  1. Steve Jobs (signed magazine): £50,000
  2. Stephen Hawking (signed book): £33,000
  3. James Dean: £18,000
  4. Albert Einstein: £13,000
  5. Princess Diana, Marilyn Monroe, Bruce Lee: £12,500 

Best performing autographs between 2000 and 2023

  1. Volodymyr Zelensky: Up 10,865% per annum to £2,500
  2. Steve Jobs: Up 430% per annum to £50,000
  3. Barack Obama: Up 257% per annum to £600
  4. Kurt Cobain: Up 213% per annum to £5,000
  5. Charles III: Up 126% per annum to £1,500

Best performing autographs between 2022 and 2023

  1. Volodymyr Zelensky: Up 614% to £2,500
  2. Charles III: Up 400% to £1,500
  3. Kurt Cobain: Up 25% to £5,000
  4. Donald Trump: Up 25% to £1,250
  5. Muhammad Ali: Up 20% to £3,000  

About the PFC40 Autograph Index

The PFC40 Autograph Index tracks the values of 40 of the world’s most sought-after autographs since 2000. The prices given are an evaluation of the dealer price for a fully authenticated, best quality 8 x 10 inch signed photo (unless otherwise stated), based on close monitoring of dealer and auction sales. 

A “best quality” example will feature a photograph in superb condition, depicting the subject in their most famous era, with a sharp, clear signature acquired during that period.