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Celebrity Checks Collecting Themes

Checks that are signed by famous people are an autograph collectors' dream. Not only is the autograph on a lawfully executed check authentic, but is has an associated date and maybe an interesting recipient named on the document. The celebritys' bank account has already confirmed the authenticity of the autograph on a check; otherwise the bank would be liable to charges for conducting a fraudulent transaction. The banks' processing stamp or cancellation mark on the document is their "certificate of authenticity."

Souvenir Celebrity Checks

Checks signed by celebrities that are distributed for their intrinsic value as a collectible are often referred to as souvenir checks. These checks are not distributed as instruments for ordinary financial transactions. Rather, their collectible value is associated with features such as the autograph of the maker or the signature endorsement of the recipient of the check.

For many years checks bearing the signature of a famous individual were distributed by famous family members in response to autograph requests. In 1902, Lucretia Garfield, widow of President James Garfield, wrote to an admirer, "On my return from California I found your request for one of General Garfield's autographs. I have very few left for distribution bit inclose [sic] this token from a canceled check."

Celebrity Autographed Checks

Autographs from celebrities have been collected for centuries. For many years the most common form an autograph available to collectors a letter, either handwritten or typed, a document, or on a photograph. Many autograph collectors prefer cancelled checks signed by celebrities.

Why are cancelled checks so attractive for autograph collectors? Checks signed by celebrities are desirable for many reasons. The primary reason is that signatures on cancelled checks are usually real. Unlike photographs, slips of paper, or index cards where a signature may be open to question, a cancelled check is a legal document where a signature has been authenticated by a financial institution. Forgers would not bother to forge a celebrity signature on a cancelled check because it is usually not a cost-effective method of deception. Besides, forgers of cancelled checks are subject to a variety of commerce laws where punishments can be quite severe.

Collecting Checks for Fun and Profit

Check collecting is a growing field that is enjoyed by thousands of people around the world. There are innumerable reasons for collecting checks. Some of the primary reasons for check collecting include the following:

Aesthetic Appeal
Many checks have inherent aesthetic appeal because of their decorative design, artful company logo, or recognizable signature.

Affordable
Cancelled checks from a specific source are usually available in large quantities. This means that collections can be assembled on a theme or topic of interest for a number of collectors.