Are my dad's signed Beatles pictures and vinyl worth anything? DAN HATFIELD replies
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My dad was a big fan of the Beatles in his youth, and we have some memorabilia we'd like you to value.
We have three signed, colour photographs of John Lennon and Paul McCartney. One has my dad with them, one has some other friends, and one is just John and Paul.
They were taken in February 1963 when the Beatles played at the Azena ballroom in Sheffield, and signed later in Liverpool. This was just before they hit the big time.
We also have a vinyl copy of their debut album, Please Please Me, from the same year, which is signed (personalised to my dad) by John and Paul.
The photographs are in excellent condition, the album good condition. Simon
On the cusp: This image was taken in Sheffield in early 1963, just before the Beatles released their first album and were catapulted into global stardom
Dan Hatfield, our resident valuation expert, replies: The Beatles didn't just make music, they created a movement that transformed culture and informed society.
Everything about them had an impact, from their mop-top hairstyles and tailored suits that changed the landscape of fashion, to the music that influenced and reflected the countercultural and peace movements of that era.
The Beatles meant, and still mean, so much to so many people. They invaded the USA and reversed the dominance of American artists, paving the way for British bands to break away from the domestic market and conquer the world.
The Beatles are arguably the most influential and popular band of all time. With 22 number one hits in the US and 17 in the UK, this band weren't merely big, they were colossal.
Memories of this band linger fondly in the hearts of baby boomers who idolised the Fab Four, making anything they touched, signed, and owned worth incredible amounts of money.
I find memorabilia in general fascinating and there are millions of pieces worldwide which vary greatly. The market for music memorabilia is thriving, driven by a mix of nostalgia and investment opportunity.
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Globally, the collectables market is worth just north of £296 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach £416 billion by 2028.
A combination of the worlds biggest-ever band and a market that is growing at an incredible rate means there is exciting potential where your Beatles memorabilia are concerned.
I think your items could be worth decent money, most certainly more than they would have been worth a decade ago.
With such a booming market, I always secure a second opinion on my valuations to ensure my knowledge is robust and that I'm doing best by my clients.
So, I spoke to my good friends at Tennants Auction house in North Yorkshire which has sold plenty of Beatles memorabilia over the years.
Keegan Harris, the collectables specialist at Tennants agrees with my analysis. He says: 'Beatles memorabilia really is an evergreen collectable – with new generations of collectors continually entering into the market, just as fascinated by the Fab Four.'
In the presence of greatness: This photo features our reader Simon's dad with Paul and John
Inked: All of the pictures have been signed by both Paul McCartney and John Lennon
Delving deeper, I explored other signed memorabilia from The Beatles to see what prices it has secured in Tennants auctions. They have strong results in this area, for example selling a set of four autographs for £3,000.
Items that really sell are ones that stand out from the crowd, though. Keegan says: 'Rare items, naturally, tend to be the most sought after, with complete sets of signatures commanding a premium'.
We know with your items that you unfortunately don't have all four autographs, but none the less, I am excited, tantalised, enthusiastic about your fabulous memorabilia.
The photographs of your dad and his friends posing with Paul and John are simply captivating. Taken in Sheffield before The Beatles hit number 1 in the charts, they capture a fleeting moment of normalcy before the explosion of Beatlemania.
What stands out is their unpolished charm—these aren't the global superstars we now revere, but young musicians on the cusp of greatness.
Photos like these are highly collectible, even when they include non-Beatles individuals. I'd estimate the group shots at around £800, with the solo image of Paul and John fetching between £1,000 to £1,200 at auction.
Your signed Please Please Me album is a treasure. This debut LP marked the beginning of everything, making it highly desirable among collectors.
The album has been personally dedicated to your Dad. Personalisation can often reduce the value of a collectible but as Beatles memorabilia is so popular we don't foresee any negative financial impact in this case.
Keegan at Tennants values this piece between £1,200 and £1,800, depending on its condition. In my view, with its historical significance and the emotional pull it holds for baby boomers, I'd be confident that it can reach the higher end of that estimate.
Our valuations are based on you selling them though a reputable auction house like Tennants, who deal with items like this on a regular basis.
Personalised: The album was signed to Simon's father, Barry - but Dan Hatfield says this shouldn't affect its value, as Beatles memorabilia is so popular with collectors
Iconic: The front cover of the Please Please Me features the Fab Four in a stairwell
You could go it alone and try to sell them privately which sometimes can secure a slightly higher price tag because there are no auction fees.
But the sheer global reach of an auction house can entice buyers from around the world helping you secure a great sale. Opting for a high-end auction house also provides with you end-to-end support which makes it an attractive and safe choice.
It goes without saying, that all memorabilia needs to be authenticated before we can guarantee the true value - but I don't think this will be a problem with your items.
Your dad's love for The Beatles didn't just bring him joy - it left a legacy of historical significance and financial potential.
Whether you choose to sell or treasure these items, one thing is certain, the Fab Four's magic is still working its wonders.
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Dan Hatfield: Our columnist is ready to value your Modern Treasure
Dan Hatfield is This Morning's money-making expert and resident pawnbroker. He is an international specialist in antiques, jewellery, diamonds and collectibles.
Dan's first non-fiction book, Money Maker: Unlock Your Money Making Potential (£16.99, published by Hodder Catalyst) is available now.
This is Money's Modern Treasures column is after your items and collections for valuations.
Please send in as much information as possible, including photographs, to: [email protected] with the email subject line: Modern Treasures
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Dan will do his best to reply to your message in his bi-weekly column, but he won't be able to answer everyone or correspond privately with readers.
Nothing in his replies constitutes regulated financial advice. Published questions are sometimes edited for brevity or other reasons.
As with anything, if you are looking to sell items and collections, it is wise to get a second and third opinion - not just rely on Dan's suggestions.
