I was browsing through a huge used bookstore on my lunch break, and I was checking out their coin section. I saw a copy of "The Coin Collector's Survivor Manual" from 1984. I have a different version of that book, so I opened it up to see what the date was, and noticed it was signed "All good wishes, Scott A. Travers." Does this book have any significant value, keeping in mind I have no proof that it's real? It was priced $5.
I expect that his signature only has real value on any check that he writes! As for the book, it pretty much traditional that when authors sell their books, they sign them. I have an Error Coin Encyclopedia thats signed by Fred Weinberg and also have a copy of the Franklin/Kennedy Half Dollar Book thats signed by Rick Tomaska. Neither book has any premium associated with it due to the signatures.
Good question. I personally would not think the signature has much value. At shows, it seems like if you see someone who has published a numismatic book of some sort, they are respected, but still just one of the gang. I would say if you like the book, buy it and the signature is a bonus (should it be true, but who would fake it?).
To some people, me among them, a book autographed by the author does add value since few of them are. If I had two copies of a book in front of me, one autographed and the other not - I'd always by the autographed copy. Even if it cost more.
Thanks guys. I'll probably pick it up next time I'm there. Are there any really old numismatic books I should keep an eye out for while I'm there? They have stuff all the way back to the mid 1800s. Here's a list of the high-price stuff, but there are hundreds more modern books on the shelves: http://www.rarebooklink.com/cgi-bin...4,cat5,cat6,cat7,cat8&searchspec1=NUMISMATICS
If you watch Pawn Stars at all, and see the people bringing in items with alleged genuine signatures of notable people, like former POTUS', movie stars, music icons, etc., they always call in an expert to authentic the signature, or autograph, even without any documentation as to the authenticity. Usually, one of the first questions they ask, "Do you have any documentation about the signature being real?"
Sure, but we're talking about a 5 dollar book. Maybe the store knows something I don't because there are 3 identical copies, and one of them was 6 dollars unsigned...
Actually, one of the items brought in was a signed copy of a of Dwight D. Eisenhower book, Crusade in Europe. He authored it, and signed it as well. The expert valued the book at $1500, Pawn Stars bought it from the seller for $900.
Agreed within reason. I won't pay $50 more for a signed $30 book, but will pay a little more. With incribed books, there are a couple of things you shoudl know. One, its best to have the first blank page or the title page incribed, and two, its best for it to not be personalized. A generic saying with a signature is fine, but if it says, "To Doug, best wishes" then an autograph its worth less than just an autograph. Seems people don't like to be reminded an autographed edition was not autographed specifically for them!
It would appear that most people walking into the bookstore, and wanting a coin strategy book, would not put a premium on the signature. However, take the same 3 books to a coin show, and the signed book could go for $10-$15 or more because the market wanting that signature is present and concentrated.
Sorry folks but the question was "Does this book have any significant value,......." IMO, it does not. Sure, he might be able to sell it for $10 or $15 to the right person. But $10 or $15 is not "significant" IMO. $900 is significant. $10 is only 2 gallons of gas. BTW, I believe that Pawn Stars would laugh at a signed copy of a Scott Travers Book!
Signed Scott Travers Books are very common as he signs many of his books. At the last PCGS luncheon at the Philly ANA show, he was one of the guest speakers along with David Bowers. I was able to attend and have Mr. Bowers sign one of my books which he was more than happy and personalized the message for me. As for Scott, either he or PCGS brought in about 10 boxes of his books and allowed everyone to pick one and he would sign it. For those of us who stayed until they were packing up the room, I was able to pick up two more of his books, both signed. All his good books were taken first, but I still acquired some nice books for my collection.
