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Something I learned from "Antiques Roadshow" is to try and take a picture of the person signing the item, this authenticates the signature (or as close as you can get for free).
March 2006, Darrell and I were lucky enough to be invited to an autograph session with Richard Petty (the "King" of Nascar). I had several Stardust; Richard Petty 1999/2000 $5 chips autographed.
Yeah, yeah I know, crappy camera=crappy picture. But I do have a ton of pictures to (hopefully) prove we were actually there.
And yes, I agree that the value is in the autograph. Naturally, the Ricard Petty chip value has stayed high...people were offering us $150+ for each chip after we had them signed. No, I still have them. They are not for sale (for fear of wrath from our boys).
I now carry several FINE tip Sharpie pens (black and silver) to help make sure that the autograph is legible. Nothing more depressing than a smudgy autograph from a standard Sharpie - the standard's tip can get too fat/smushed to get a "clear" autograph on a chip.
I also made sure that within minutes of having the chips signed (and the ink dry), that I put them into air-tites.
Whatever you do, don't worry - the true value is in the enjoyment of getting the autograph and ENJOYING it every time you look at it!
All the drivers that we have ever met have been truly gracious, accommodating and even without a signed chip (we have tons of signed promo pictures from drivers that have not had chips issued for them - yet), the drivers were well worth the wait to meet!
Next big NHRA race is in November, I already have our room booked!
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