Historical Autographs

Many of history's greatest moments have been commemorated with an autograph. From the earliest artist signatures of ancient Greece to the signors of the Declaration of the Independence, historical autographs add an air of authenticity to documents and create a tangible connection to our shared past.

Though the practice of making one's mark on official documents dates back generations, the collecting of signatures is a more recent phenomenon. Enthusiasm for autographs swelled over the course of the 19th century as collectors realized just how significant signatures can be.

While some autograph collectors directly solicit signatures from their favorite figures, others turn to the retail market, seeking out autograph dealers who can provide authenticated signatures. The tradition of the signature trade continues to be vigorous today, with important historical autographs gaining significance as time goes on.

Quick Facts

• By the 1850s, avid autograph collectors were sending away for the signatures of prominent figures including American author Washington Irving
• The oldest documented signature appears on a relief-carved tablet from ancient Sumer. Listing the titles of the civilization's central figures, the tablet is etched on the reverse with the name of the scribe, Gar.Ama
• An Acts of Congress signed by United States President George Washington sold at a Sotheby's auction in 2012 for $9,800,000