Fans of science fiction phenomenon Star Trek have always tried to collect pieces of their beloved franchise. Props, toys, and costumes are popular, but few things come close to owning an autographed card from a beloved actor or actress.
Star Trek is an entertainment phenomenon. No other science fiction franchise has spawned such a diverse array of TV shows, films, books, and games. Adoring fans (or Trekkies, as they are known) will collect just about any item linked with Trek, including costumes and props. Autographs by anybody and everybody associated with the production will always find a ready market.
While many signed photographs are available, the most valuable autographs come in the form of signed official trading cards.
Origins
Original Series autographs are the most valuable. The show first aired in 1966 and many of the actors, directors, and crew associated with the production have now passed away. There will be no new Leonard Nimoy (Spock), Nichelle Nichols (Uhura), Deforest Kelly (McCoy), or James Doohan (Scotty) autographs appearing, meaning any item signed by a deceased actor will increase in value as time goes on.
Generally, the most expensive Trek autograph is of William Shatner (Captain Kirk). Collectors may want to note that, due to a limited print run, the single most valuable autograph trading card is number A31 of the 1998 set, which bears Shatner’s signature and generally sells for more than $500.
Trek creator Gene Rodenberry also has a valuable autograph, as does his wife Majel Barrett (who fans nicknamed the Queen of Trek). Collectible cards signed by Barrett can sometimes fetch up to $600.
Several famous science fiction authors worked or contributed to those early shows. Harlan Ellison and Larry Niven are two such authors, and anything signed by them will do well on the Trek market.
Later Shows and Films
After The Original Series came The Next Generation, which hit TV screens in 1987. Veteran British actor Patrick Stewart was brought in to head the series, and any cards or items bearing his signature will be highly valuable. For example, the A133 card is generally valued at $350.
The subsequent shows, Deep Space Nine (1993-1999), Voyager (1995-2001), and Enterprise (2002-2005) kept Trek alive as a franchise. However, the autographs of actors in these productions rarely fetch as much. Exceptions include Jeri Ryan (who played ex-Borg drone Seven of Nine in Voyager) and Scott Bakula (who played Captain Archer in Enterprise). The A6 card, for example, can fetch around $300 when signed by Bakula.
Autographs from the actors in modern Star Trek films also fall behind those of The Original Series, the exceptions being Chris Pine and Benedict Cumberbatch (two Hollywood stars famous in their own right). Cumberbatch’s autograph can fetch north of $150, and Pine’s Star Trek: Discovery also includes a smattering of popular signatures, such as those of Jason Isaacs (who played Gabriel Lorca) and Michelle Yeoh (Philippa Georgiou). Cards signed by Yeoh or Isaacs can both go for over $100.
Final Thoughts
Anyone wishing to break into the world of Trek autographs has a lifetime of work ahead of them. Deep pockets will also help. But it is possible to build a decent collection on a budget by spending wisely, not being over-focused on the big names, and searching for online deals. If you are already a Trekkie, it may be worth researching conventions coming to your state or country and finding out which stars will be attending.
Related Reading
Books
Autographs of the Final Frontier by Gerald Gurian.
Star Trek: The Collectibles by Steve Kelly.
Web Resources
Star Trek Trading Cards wixiban.com.
William Shatner Defends Anti-Autograph Policy Amid ‘Star Trek’ Fan Outcry hollywoodreporter.com.
