Is Derek Jeter's autograph worth $1,000?

[markf31]

With regards to the original topic and autograph values, I've always found it frustrating that the valuation of modern autographs is the only segment of the entire sports memorabilia/card hobby where the market value and price can be dictated by the athlete themselves (or those that represent them).

[Lordstan]

Originally Posted by markf31

With regards to the original topic and autograph values, I've always found it frustrating that the valuation of modern autographs is the only segment of the entire sports memorabilia/card hobby where the market value and price can be dictated by the athlete themselves (or those that represent them).

Mark,
I think market value and market price are 2 different things. I disagree with your thought that either are set by the player. Even in Jeter's case, the price for modern days athletes are still dictated by the market. If no one purchased Jeter's auto at these prices, Steiner would lower them or cancel the contract they have with him. Same for anyone else, if people stopped paying these prices for the players at shows or through private signings, the prices would come down. The marketplace also sets his value on the secondary market as on ebay I have seen very few items, of any player, sell from close to what Steiner originally sold that same them for.

Mark

[markf31]

Originally Posted by Lordstan

Mark,
I think market value and market price are 2 different things. I disagree with your thought that either are set by the player. Even in Jeter's case, the price for modern days athletes are still dictated by the market. If no one purchased Jeter's auto at these prices, Steiner would lower them or cancel the contract they have with him. Same for anyone else, if people stopped paying these prices for the players at shows or through private signings, the prices would come down. The marketplace also sets his value on the secondary market as on ebay I have seen very few items, of any player, sell from close to what Steiner originally sold that same them for.

Mark

I agree to a point and maybe I should append my initial thought a little. The player does influence the market value of his signature, the value is not equivalent to the price they charge, but it is impacted by it.

Just a small example would be that Jeter charges north of $400 for a ball at a signing (or has in the past, I don't know what his current rate is for live signings). Whereas Frank Thomas charges around $100 for a ball at a signing. A Jeter ball can not be had for less than $200 typically, where as a Thomas signed ball can be found for between $50-$60 pretty frequently.

There is definitely an effect on the value of an autographed, based on what a player charges for it.

[Lordstan]

Originally Posted by markf31

I agree to a point and maybe I should append my initial thought a little. The player does influence the market value of his signature, the value is not equivalent to the price they charge, but it is impacted by it.

Just a small example would be that Jeter charges north of $400 for a ball at a signing (or has in the past, I don't know what his current rate is for live signings). Whereas Frank Thomas charges around $100 for a ball at a signing. A Jeter ball can not be had on Ebay for less than $200 typically, where as a Thomas signed ball can be found for between $50-$60 pretty frequently.

There is definitely an effect on the value of an autographed, based on what a player charges for it.

I understand what you're saying, but if people on ebay stopped paying $200 for Jeter signed balls, the price would come down regardless of how much he charges. Conversely, if sellers knew that people would pay $200 for a Frank Thomas ball, that's what they would sell it for. It does effect it a little as people may be more willing to spend $200 on a Jeter, knowing it'll cost them $400 at a signing, but I think it's more a function of supply and demand. Total auto amounts controlled by Steiner make for a more limited supply and being a very popular player on a very popular team makes for high demand.

[Deertick]

Originally Posted by markf31

With regards to the original topic and autograph values, I've always found it frustrating that the valuation of modern autographs is the only segment of the entire sports memorabilia/card hobby where the market value and price can be dictated by the athlete themselves (or those that represent them).

Not entirely true. Many game used items are controlled by the players or agents of the players. Also, the market is the market. Just because Steiner is charging $1000, doesn't mean the market value is $1000. Only if you must have that particular ball (base, bobblehead, whatever).

I know many professionals who have such autographed items in their office for perceived status. They did absolutely no research on price, availability or authenticity. It serves as a way to show off, just like their latest car or wife.

Edit: Also what Mark said.

[djson1]

Originally Posted by Deertick

...
I know many professionals who have such autographed items in their office for perceived status. They did absolutely no research on price, availability or authenticity. It serves as a way to show off, just like their latest car or wife.
...)

So true. My family doctor has a huge framed Michael Jordan signed piece in his office...and I'm about 99% sure it's a forgery...but I just can't seem to come around to tell him that. He's really proud of it.