Editor's note: The following is the third of a three-part series on autographed notes that appears in the Nov. 2, 2015, issue of Coin World.

• Part I: Exploring the collecting of autographed Colonial, modern notes
• Part II: Declaration of Independence signers also signed notes in Colonial times

Collecting autographed notes is a solid access point to begin collecting paper money, just as these notes provide a way for an experienced collector to delve deeper in the hobby. 

Typically, what comes to mind regarding signed notes are modern U.S. notes with a handwritten autograph, a “courtesy signature,” of the treasurer of the United States or the Treasury Secretary above the plate signature that is printed on every note. 

Celebrities sign their name on many things, sometimes including money, which makes the signed note fall in both the numismatic and entertainment memorabilia categories. 

Hollywood royalty on money

The world of Hollywood offers many glamorous signed note options, including multi-signed notes that are coveted by entertainment memorabilia collectors. 

Heritage sold a Series 1934C $5 silver certificate signed from the set of the James Dean and Elizabeth Taylor 1956 movie Giant. Beyond Taylor and Dean, it was also signed by Sal Mineo, Chill Wills, Carroll Baker, and Paul Fix. The grade of the note was not included in the description (the primary market for this kind of collectible is not with numismatists but with entertainment memorabilia collectors, and the note itself was common), but it sold for $4,000 at an April entertainment memorabilia auction earlier this year. 

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A Series 1935G $1 silver certificate signed by the reclusive Greta Garbo in black ink on the face, inscribed “To Jenny” sold for $896.25 back in an April 5, 2008, auction. Like many signatures of those who have achieved mainstream fame, authenticity with Garbo signatures can be an issue, and this one came with a certificate of authenticity from PSA/DNA. 

As Heritage notes, “Known to shun publicity and shy away from fans, Garbo rarely autographed anything other than personal letters or MGM contracts — making this autograph an incredibly unique item.” The price is in line with what her personal checks sell for when they come to market.