My dad was a big Beatles fan in his youth and we have some memories that we would like you to cherish.
We have three signed color photographs of John Lennon and Paul McCartney. One has my dad with them, one has other friends and the other is just John and Paul.
They were taken in February 1963, when the Beatles played at Sheffield’s Azena Hall, and were later signed in Liverpool. This was right before they hit the big moment.
We also have a vinyl copy of their debut album, Please Please Me, from the same year, signed (personalized for my dad) by John and Paul.
The photographs are in excellent condition, the album is in 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 to global stardom.
Dan Hatfield, our resident valuation expert, answers: The Beatles not only made music, they created a movement that transformed culture and informed society.
Everything about them had an impact, from their mop hairstyles and tailored suits that changed the fashion landscape, to the music that influenced and reflected the countercultural and anti-war movements of that era.
Baby boomers idolized the Fab Four, making everything they touched, signed, and owned worth incredible amounts of money.
The Beatles meant, and still mean, so much to so many people. They invaded the United States 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 possibly the most influential and popular band of all time. With 22 number one hits in the US and 17 in the UK, this band was not just big, but colossal.
Memories of this band linger fondly in the hearts of the baby boomers who idolized the Fab Four, making everything they played, signed, and owned worth incredible amounts of money.
In general, I find the memorabilia fascinating and there are millions of pieces around the world that vary greatly. The music memorabilia market is thriving, driven by a combination of nostalgia and investment opportunities.
Globally, the collectibles market will be worth just over £296 billion in 2024 and is forecast to reach £416 billion in 2028.
A combination of the biggest band in the world and a market that is growing at an incredible rate means there is exciting potential when it comes to Beatles memorabilia.
I think your items could be worth a decent amount, certainly more than they would have been worth a decade ago.
With such a hot market, I always seek a second opinion on my valuations to make sure my knowledge is solid and that I am doing the best for my clients.
So, I spoke to my good friends at Tennants auction house in North Yorkshire, who have sold many Beatles memorabilia over the years.
Keegan Harris, Tennants’ collectibles specialist, agrees with my analysis. He says: “Beatles memorabilia truly is an enduring collector’s item, with new generations of collectors continually entering the market, just as fascinated by the Fab Four.”
In the presence of greatness: This photo shows our reader Simon’s father with Paul and John.
Inking: All images have been signed by Paul McCartney and John Lennon.
Digging deeper, I explored other signed Beatles memorabilia to see what prices they had fetched at Tennants auctions. They do well in this area, for example selling a set of four autographs for £3,000.
However, the items that really sell are the ones that stand out from the crowd. Keegan says: “Rare items naturally tend to be the most sought after, and complete signature sets command a premium price.”
We know from your articles that you sadly don’t have all four autographs, but still, I’m excited, tempted, and thrilled by your fabulous memories.
The photos of your dad and his friends posing with Paul and John are simply captivating. Taken in Sheffield before The Beatles reached No. 1 in the charts, they capture a fleeting moment of normality before the explosion of Beatlemania.
What stands out is their raw charm: these are not the global superstars we now revere, but rather young musicians on the cusp of greatness.
Photos like these are highly collectible, even when they include non-Beatles. I estimate the group photos cost around £800, and the solo image of Paul and John can fetch between £1,000 and £1,200 at auction.
Your signed Please Please Me album is a treasure. This debut LP marked the beginning of it all, making it highly desirable among collectors.
The album has been personally dedicated to your dad. Personalization can often reduce the value of a collectible, but because Beatles memorabilia is so popular, we do not foresee any negative financial impact in this case.
Keegan at Tennants values this piece at between £1,200 and £1,800, depending on its condition. In my opinion, with its historical significance and the emotional appeal it has to baby boomers, I’d be sure it can hit the high end of that estimate.
Our valuations are based on you selling through a reputable auction house like Tennants, who deal in items like this regularly.
Personalized: The album was signed by Simon’s father Barry, but Dan Hatfield says this should not affect its value as Beatles memorabilia is very popular with collectors.
Iconic: Please Please Me cover shows the Fab Four on a staircase
You can go it alone and try to sell them privately, which can sometimes guarantee a slightly higher price because there are no auction fees.
But the global reach of an auction house can attract buyers from all over the world and help you score a big sale. Opting for a high-end auction house also gives you end-to-end support, making it an attractive and secure option.
It goes without saying that all souvenirs must be authenticated before we can guarantee true value, but I don’t think this will be a problem with your items.
Your father’s love of the Beatles not only brought him joy, but left a legacy of historical importance and financial potential.
Whether you choose to sell or hoard these items, one thing is certain: the magic of the Fab Four continues to work its wonders.
Send your modern treasures
Dan Hatfield: Our columnist is ready to value your modern treasure
Dan Hatfield is This Morning’s money-making expert and resident lender. It is an international specialist in antiques, jewelry, 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 seeking appraisals of its items and collections.
Please send as much information as possible, including photographs, to: editor@thisismoney.co.uk with the email subject: Modern treasures
We are only looking for post war items and may contact you for more information.
Dan will do his best to respond to your message in his biweekly column, but will not be able to respond to everyone or correspond privately with readers.
Nothing in your answers constitutes regulated financial advice. Posted questions are sometimes edited for brevity or other reasons.
As with everything, if you are looking to sell items and collections, it is wise to get a second and third opinion, not rely solely on Dan’s suggestions.
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