Hold on to these…

Souvenirs from presidential campaigns can become valuable collectibles. What to look for…

McCAIN OR OBAMA?

Barack Obama campaign memorabilia is likely to be worth significantly more than John McCain memorabilia, particularly if Obama wins the election (or loses in 2008 but is elected president in the future). Obama is the first African-American with a legitimate chance at the presidency, and he is viewed by many as a historic figure. John McCain is not widely seen as a historic figure, but memorabilia from his campaign could have value if he wins the election.

Don’t forget Hillary Clinton. Memorabilia from failed presidential campaigns rarely become valuable (unless the candidate later becomes president), but as the first woman to have a real shot at winning, Hillary is a historic figure in her own right. Her campaign memorabilia also is of interest to collectors of Bill Clinton memorabilia.

WHAT TO SAVE

The rarer an item is, the more likely it is to become valuable. Look for…

  • Regional or local campaign items. Example: “Texans for Obama.”

  • Paper items, such as campaign signs, posters and bumper stickers. These often are lost or damaged, making those that survive in mint condition more valuable as the decades pass.

    • Example: Signed Ronald Reagan campaign bumper stickers go for $100.

  • Items with a picture of the candidate generally are more valuable than those with text alone.

  • Memorabilia from the candidate’s life before the campaign. Items from Obama’s academic career or McCain’s military career could become collectible, depending on who wins. Example: School yearbooks containing pictures of future presidents can be worth hundreds or even thousands.

  • Memorabilia from a president’s previous local or state political campaigns can be more valuable than items from the successful presidential bid, because they are so scarce.

  • Notes written by future presidents can be valuable, particularly when they feature topics related to politics.

    • Example: A short handwritten note by Ronald Reagan, circa 1965, “Governments don’t tax to get the money they need — govt.’s always need the money they get,” sold at auction for more than $3,500.

    GET IT SIGNED

    The value of your campaign souvenir increases dramatically if you get it autographed by the candidate. Barack Obama autographs already sell for more than $100.

    Do not have the autograph dedicated to you or anyone else by name — this detracts from its value. Instead, ask the candidate to sign and date the item. Items signed and dated during a president’s term in office are particularly valuable, but even those dated during the campaign are more valuable than those without dates or those dated after a president leaves office.

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