Have an autograph collecting story you would like to share? Maybe you have a question about an autograph you have just discovered. Comments or questions, we'd we'd love to hear from you. Go to Your Autographs
Those who are contemplating beginning an autograph collection often look for an area which they not only will enjoy, but something that is likely to appreciate in value. Most collectors aren't looking to get rich with autographs - they just want something that they will stand the test of time and have value for future generations. Many plan on leaving their collections to their children. My suggestion for these people is to consider collecting autographed astronaut biographies.
Most of the big names in the space program have written books and most can still be obtained at a reasonable price - many for no more than twice the price of the book. But the window of opportunity is closing rapidly for autographed astronaut biographies. Three moonwalkers are deceased. The rest are growing older. At some point the supply will dry up and remaining copies will grow more valuable very quickly.
Some Books Signed By NASA Pioneers Are Still Reasonably Priced
If possible, buy first editions of astronaut biographies in hardback and protect the dustcover in mylar. Condition is going to be a major factor in value.
The internet is usually the best source. Some of the NASA pioneers sell copies of their books through agents or even from their home address.
Almost all of them do book tours soon after their books are published. Some make personal appearances at other events and will gladly sign their books.
Some astronauts will sign their biographies through the mail when they will not signed anything else; they genuinely appreciate those who went to the trouble and expense to by their book.
My Collection, Built Inexpensively
These are the books that I have in my signed book collection thus far. I add to them, when I can find a new book, reasonably priced.
Two Sides of the Moon by David Scott and Alexei Leonov
Moonwalker by Charles & Dotty Duke
Schirra's Space by Walter M. Schirra, Jr with Richard N. Billings
Failure is Not an Option by Gene Krantz
We Have Capture by Thomas P. Stafford with Michael Cassutt
The Last Man on the Moon by Eugene Cernan with Don Davis
Return to the Moon by Harrison H. Schmitt
Moon Shot ... The Inside Story of America's Race to the Moon by Alan Shepard and Deke Slayton
Flight ... My Life in Mission Control by Chris Kraft
Apollo 13 by Jim Lovell and Jeffrey Kluger
The Way of the Explorer by Dr. Edgar Mitchell with Dwight Williams
Leap of Faith by Gordon Cooper with Bruce Henderson
John Glenn ... A Memoir by John Glenn with Nick Taylor
For Spacious Skies by Scott Carpenter and Kris Stoever
Reaching for the Moon by Buzz Aldrin (Children's Book)
The Return by Buzz Aldrin and John Barnes (Fiction)
Encounter with Tiber by Buzz Aldrin and John Barnes (Fiction)
Apollo .. An Eyewitness Account by Astonaut / Explorer Artist / Moonwalker Alan Bean with Andrew Chaiken
Add a New Biography to Your Collection Soon After Release
Most of the books in my collection were found soon after release at either cover price or a little above from secondary sources. This is the best method of getting the best price, a first edition, and an authentic autograph.
It is common for collectors to buy more than one at signings and put some of them on eBay or other auction sites in an attempt to recoup their expenses. Sometimes they do, sometimes they fall short. Regardless, if a book signed authentically by any of the early astronauts, especially those who walked on the moon, can be purchased at anything near double cover price, I wouldn't hesitate to add it to my collection. I think autographed astronaut biographies are about as close to a safe investment as an autograph can be.
There is going to be no better time than today to start collecting autographed astronaut biographies.
If possible, buy first editions of astronaut biographies in hardback and protect the dustcover in mylar. Condition is going to be a major factor in value.
