Music Memorabilia - General

The world of music memorabilia is as varied as the artists and bands that generate it, with collecting options ranging from vinyl and artwork to autographs and musical instruments. With so many choices, some experts advise to build a collection around your interests, such as a particular band or music genre.

Vinyl is a popular type of memorabilia, along with music posters and music t-shirts. These can be some of the more affordable and easy-to-find things to collect. Of course, each has its rarities, which you’ll pay many thousands—even millions for—on the marketplace.

When purchasing artist-used pieces, it’s beneficial if you can trace the piece back to the actual user. Some sellers of music collectibles will offer certificates of authenticity, while others will exhibit a photograph or video showing the artist with the piece.

Quick Facts

• A rare rock poster entitled “Skeleton and Roses” from a 1966 Grateful Dead concert in San Francisco was auctioned for a record-setting $19,000 in May 2015
• Each year, the PSA/DNA Authentication Services publishes a list of “most dangerous” autographs, considered forged by industry experts. Michael Jackson, Jimi Hendrix, The Beatles, and Jim Morrison have all made appearances
• Concert posters are increasingly rare, partly because they’ve been replaced with other forms of advertising. They were once useful tools—printed in limited quantities and posted strategically—to sell concert tickets