Classical Autographs provides the Price Guide average values for the autographs of several of the people listed on our site. These average values come from The Sanders Price Guide to Autographs: The World's Leading Autograph Pricing Authority, Sixth Edition, which is the highly respected, foremost authority on non-sports autographs. The autograph values are typically classified by what has been signed: plain signatures (typically on an autograph book page, piece of paper, or notecard), signed documents and letters, handwritten letters signed, and signed photos and photo cards. Please note that the values for the autographs of some of the people included on Classical Autographs are not included in the guide and are naturally not included on our site.

The actual value of a specific autograph can vary significantly from its average value, depending upon different factors. One of the major factors in determining actual value is the physical quality. Damage to the autograph or the item signed can significantly lower that signed item's value, depending on the extent of the damage. Some damaged items can still command high prices however because of high demand and/or low supply. An item in particularly superb condition may be valued at a higher price than that listed in autograph value guides.

Also what has been signed is of supreme importance in determining autograph values. A signed picture will almost always be worth significantly more than a signed notecard or album page. What is pictured in a signed photograph can also be of great importance. If a person is particularly associated with a certain role and that person is pictured in that role, then that picture will usually be worth more. For example, a photo from the legendary movie Gone with the Wind signed by actress Olivia de Havilland can cost over a hundred dollars more than a typical signed photo of de Havilland.

The overall general aesthetic appeal is also a factor determining the values of autographs, as well as of course the always important levels of supply and demand. The amount of contrast of the autograph (how much it stands out against the background of the item that was signed) should also be considered. If it is hard to read the autograph, its value may be lower than typical.