What is the rarest signature of all time?
Asked by: Mr. Moses Fay | Last update: January 30, 2026Score: 4.3/5 (51 votes)
There isn't one single "rarest" signature, but Button Gwinnett (a U.S. Founding Father) is often cited as the rarest for historical documents due to extreme scarcity (around 51 known), while Archibald "Moonlight" Graham (brief MLB player) is incredibly rare in sports (around 5 known), and William Shakespeare's signature is exceedingly rare, appearing on only four known documents, making it a major "holy grail" for collectors.
What is the rarest signature in the world?
Shakespeare's 400-year-old signature - 4.5 million euros
This makes it one of the rarest signatures in the world. The documents on which the author immortalised himself more than 400 years ago are treated with corresponding value. Experts estimate that a copy could fetch around 4.5 million euros if sold.
What is the hardest autograph to get?
The hardest autographs to get are often from historical figures with few surviving signatures (like Archibald "Moonlight" Graham or Shoeless Joe Jackson) or modern celebrities who rarely sign (like Daniel Day-Lewis or Tiger Woods), due to rarity, illiteracy, privacy, or tightly controlled public appearances, making authenticated examples incredibly valuable and scarce.
How much does Michael J. Fox charge for an autograph?
Michael J. Fox autograph prices vary significantly, ranging from around $250-$400 for a basic signature at conventions or private signings to hundreds or thousands of dollars for authenticated items like photos, Funko Pops, or movie posters on the resale market, with higher prices for signed props or combined signatures with other cast members, often requiring authentication from services like PSA, JSA, or Beckett.
What is the oldest famous signature?
The oldest signature of a well known historical figure is that of legendary Castilian knight, El Cid (AD 1043-1099). Feared across Europe for his battlefield prowess, he's a Spanish folk hero. His name appears on a document dated 1096, in which he bequeaths a substantial donation to the Cathedral of Valencia.
The Rarest Signature
What is the oldest name ever?
Kushim (Sumerian: 𒆪𒋆 KU. ŠIM; fl. c. 3200 BC) is supposedly the earliest-known recorded name of a person in writing.
What is the world's first autograph?
History. What might be considered the oldest "autograph" is a Sumerian clay table from about 3100 BC which includes the name of the scribe Gar. Ama. No ancient written autographs have been found, and the earliest one known for a major historical figure is that of El Cid from 1098.
Who has the highest paid autograph?
The most expensive autograph ever sold is George Washington's personal copy of the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights, which fetched nearly $9.8 million in 2012, while among celebrity autographs, Steve Jobs's signature is considered the most valuable traded item, fetching around $60,000, due to his rarity and iconic status, though sports memorabilia like a Michael Jordan jersey or Mickey Mantle rookie card can also reach millions.
How much is Beyonce's autograph worth?
She's the biggest star on the planet. She has been for some time. And while you'll find plenty of examples of her autograph for sale online for up to $1,000, few major auction houses are dealing in them. There isn't the intense demand you get for performers from previous generations.
Who has the nicest autograph?
The 10 Most Beautiful Sports Autographs
- Derek Jeter.
- Andre Dawson.
- Randy Johnson.
- Ichiro.
- Jesse Owens.
- Mary Lou Retton.
- Ted Williams.
- Ernie Banks.
Who is the easiest celebrity to contact?
The easiest celebrities to contact are often mid-tier stars, influencers, or those with a strong social media presence who manage their own engagement, but for anyone, the best methods involve polite, concise messages via their publicist or manager (found via IMDb Pro or their website), direct messages on platforms like Instagram/Twitter, or engaging with their official website/fan pages; the key is targeting their representatives for professional inquiries or being strategic on social media for a personal connection.
How much is Johnny Depp's autograph worth?
A Johnny Depp signature's worth varies widely, from a couple of hundred dollars for common signed photos (like Pirates of the Caribbean) to over $1,000 for rarer items or those signed with specific characters, especially with professional authentication (COA) from services like JSA or PSA/DNA; it depends on the item's condition, item type (photo, Funko Pop, guitar), and if it's signed as a character (like Jack Sparrow) or personalized.
Who is the most beautiful signature?
Let's check out few of the most iconic signatures of all times:
- 1.Pablo Picasso:
- 2.Walt Disney:
- 3.Buzz Aldrin:
- 4.Bruce Lee:
- Also Read: DrySign Freemium has Arrived – Here's Everything You Need to Know.
- 5.Albert Einstein:
- 6.Michelangelo:
- 7.William Shakespeare:
What is the oldest signature in the world?
A 5,000-year-old Sumerian tablet that was used to record a sales receipt for beer making supplies and features what is believed to be the oldest known signature in human history.
Whose autograph is the hardest to get?
The hardest autograph to get depends on the category (sports, acting, music), but generally involves elusive figures like retired legends, extremely private actors, or current stars with high demand and few signings, with examples including Moonlight Graham/Shoeless Joe Jackson (sports), Daniel Day-Lewis/Morgan Freeman (acting), and Lionel Messi (current sports), often due to rarity (few ever signed) or extreme selectivity.
Did Mike Tyson's wife give him $5 million?
Yes, there are viral social media stories claiming that Mike Tyson's wife, Lakiha Spicer, added $5 million of her own money to the $20 million he gave her from his fight earnings, returning a total of $25 million for him to invest in his business, showing immense support after his past financial struggles. While these heartwarming posts circulated widely in late 2024/early 2025, they stem from fan tributes and speculation, not official financial reports, celebrating the idea of her support rather than being confirmed transactions.
How much is Kobe Bryant's autograph worth?
Kobe Bryant's signature value varies wildly, from a few hundred dollars for signed photos to tens of thousands for rare, certified items like rookie cards or jerseys, with high-end memorabilia (like dual-signed Jordan cards or final game tickets) reaching over $100,000, all depending heavily on the item, condition, and authentication (PSA, JSA, Beckett). An authenticated signed basketball might fetch $1,000+, while a signed jersey could be $1,500+, but unique items, like a 1996 Score Board rookie card, can sell for over $50,000.
Who is the wealthiest boxer of all time?
The richest boxer of all time is widely considered to be Floyd Mayweather Jr., with career earnings exceeding $1 billion, thanks to his business acumen, self-promotion, and massive paydays from fights against Manny Pacquiao and Conor McGregor. While other boxers like George Foreman also amassed fortunes (partly through his grill), Mayweather's sheer boxing revenue and business ventures make him the wealthiest.
Which celebrity has the best autograph?
1. Top 10 celebrity signature styles
- Taylor Swift. Taylor Swift's signature is an elegant blend of clean, flowing loops, showcasing her ability to combine simplicity with sophistication. ...
- Beyoncé ...
- Elvis Presley. ...
- Johnny Depp. ...
- Adele. ...
- Kanye West. ...
- Angelina Jolie. ...
- Rihanna.
Whose signature is the most expensive?
The most valuable autograph ever sold is George Washington's personal copy of the US Constitution and Bill of Rights, which included his handwritten notes. It fetched $9.8 million at auction, making it the highest-known price for an autograph in history.
Are celebrity signatures worth anything?
It's easy to understand why, as they have the power to create a connection between the person who owns the autograph and the celebrity who signed it, which can be especially meaningful if the signee is no longer with us. This emotional value also creates monetary value, particularly if the autograph is rare.
Who discovered the signature?
Some of the earliest known examples of the signature used to validate an identity date back as far as 3000 BC. Cultures like the Sumerians and Egyptians began using a series of pictures and symbols – pictographs – to convey the identity of the creator.
Why was John Hancock's signature so big?
John Hancock signed his name so big on the Declaration of Independence as a bold act of defiance, making it legible for King George III (according to legend) and as the President of Congress, though it's also said he just signed as he always did, but his large signature became a symbol of bravery and defiance against Britain. The popular story is he wanted the King to read it without spectacles, but this is likely a myth; the signature style was consistent with his usual flamboyant writing, and he was making a clear, bold statement of treason, not necessarily for the King's eyes, but for posterity and to show conviction, notes Constituting America.
How to tell a fake autograph?
A careful look, a feel for the material, and a bit of intuition can often uncover details that separate genuine signatures from forgeries. Inspect the Ink: Authentic autographs usually feature rich, deep ink with natural flow. A fake might have faded, uneven, or inconsistent ink.