The Top 10 Most Iconic Sports Autographs
The most iconic sports autographs of all time are often associated with legendary athletes whose signatures have become symbols of their respective sports. Here’s a list of the top 10 most iconic sports autographs:
1. Babe Ruth: Babe Ruth's autograph is considered one of the most valuable and iconic in all of sports. A baseball signed by the legendary Yankees slugger sold for $388,375 at auction in 2012. Ruth's signature on baseballs and other memorabilia continues to fetch astronomical prices due to his status as one of baseball's greatest players.
2. Michael Jordan: The basketball legend's autograph is highly coveted by collectors. In 2022, Jordan's game-worn jersey from the 1998 NBA Finals (his "Last Dance" season) sold for a record $10.1 million at auction. His signed memorabilia consistently commands top dollar.
3. Muhammad Ali: The boxing great's autograph is extremely valuable, especially on fight-worn items. In 2022, Ali's WBC championship belt from the famous "Rumble in the Jungle" fight sold for $6.18 million.
4. Mickey Mantle: The Yankees icon has one of the most sought-after signatures in baseball. In 2022, a 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle rookie card sold for a record $12.6 million. His autographed items are prized by collectors.
5. Pelé: Considered by many to be the greatest soccer player ever, Pelé's signature is highly valuable, especially on game-worn jerseys and equipment from his playing days.
6. Wayne Gretzky: "The Great One" has one of the most recognizable and valuable autographs in hockey. His signed memorabilia, particularly game-used sticks and jerseys, command premium prices.
7. Joe DiMaggio: The Yankees legend's autograph is extremely desirable. A baseball signed by both DiMaggio and his then-wife Marilyn Monroe sold for $191,200 in 2006.
8. Tom Brady: The NFL superstar has the most expensive autograph among current football players, worth around $1,116 on average. His status as arguably the greatest quarterback ever makes his signature highly coveted.
9. Tiger Woods: The golf superstar's autograph is among the most valuable in his sport. Woods is known to be selective about signing, increasing the rarity and value of his signature.
10. Jackie Robinson: As a pioneering figure who broke baseball's color barrier, Robinson's autograph is both historically significant and extremely valuable to collectors.
These iconic athletes' signatures are not only valuable monetarily but also represent some of the greatest achievements and moments in sports history. Their autographs continue to be highly sought after by collectors and fans alike.
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