Experts recommend that active autograph collectors have a system for organizing a database for your autographs.  The primary purpose of a database is to avoid unintended duplicate acquisitions and to have a record of their purchase price.   This information will provide a reasonable estimate of their value when your autographs are sold or passed on to others.

A logbook or index card filing system works fine for many collectors.  However, many software programs can be configured as a database for your autographs.  Databases in digital format may be backed up to separate locations to avoid loss of information.  Maintaining your database so that it is complete and up to date may seem like a chore, but you will undoubtedly refer to quite frequently as your collection expands.  The key recommended fields for your database of autographs is shown below.

Database Fields for Autographs

a)     Last Name  b) First Name  c) Document Type e.g. ALS, DS, ANS

d)     Date of Purchase  e) Place of Purchase  f) Cost

g)     Category e.g. Entertainment, Presidential, Literature

h)     Description  i.e. detailed description of autograph including dates, names, condition, size, condition.

i)      Person i.e description of person who wrote the autograph.

j)      Optional field for details regarding breakdown of cost i.e. purchase price, shipping, auction cost.

The database fields shown above will handle the vast majority of your record keeping needs and serve as a useful guidepost for electronic searches in your database of autographs.

Back to Articles home page from Organizing a database for your Autographs

Copyright © FamousChecks