Joe Jackson Autographed Check

Shoeless Joe Jackson autographs are super scarce. Sotheby’s offered this one, obtained directly from the Jackson family, in their April 1994 Important Baseball Cards and Sports Memorabilia auction.

Here’s the item’s description as it was written in the catalog:

Joe Jackson Autographed Check, original 1916 document acting as a promissory payment toward the purchase of “Shoeless” Joe’s new home in Savannah, Georgia. Signed by Jackson shortly after joining the Chicago White Sox, the team he would ultimately be accused of betraying in the 1919 Black Sox scandal only a few years later. Bold, black ink “Joe Jackson” signature graces the lower right portion of this attractively sized document. One of the few authentic autographs known to ever exist of this legendary baseball figure, who over the years has become a part of American folklore. Obtained directly from the Jackson family, the offered legal document is an exceptional example of this extremely rare and very desirable autograph from “Shoeless” Joe’s playing days with the White Sox. 3 3/4 in. by 8 1/2 in. (9.5 cm. by 21.6 сm.)

The expected price was $25,000-30,000.

PSA’s online price guide values Joe Jackson’s signed checks at $85k today.

1913 T200 Fatima Premium Of The Cleveland Americans Including Joe Jackson

The 1913 T200 Fatima Team cards are popular and pricey, but even those prices get dwarfed by the premiums! REA offered this framed copy of the Cleveland Americans (Joe Jackson) at auction in July 2000.

REA wrote:

This large team photograph of the Cleveland Americans was issued as a special premium by Fatima Cigarettes. The Cleveland Americans are considered by many to be the most desirable in this series as this team includes Joe Jackson (standing second from left). T200 premiums, which are giant versions of the T200 Fatima team cards packaged with Fatima cigarettes, feature team photos on thick cardboard mounts and are ideal for display. These large premium team cards are among the rarest of all baseball tobacco issues, and were available only by mail in exchange for forty coupons which were included (one per pack) with Fatima cigarettes. This Cleveland Americans premium was the prize (both in terms of the team and condition) of a find of eight T200 Fatima premiums which surfaced and were sold at auction in June of 1998. Strong Nr/Mt condition with flawless contrast. Beautifully matted and framed. 11 3/4″ x 19 1/2″

More recently, REA sold and re-sold the following example for $18,800 in the spring of 2010 and $29,625 in the spring of 2012.

Also, it looks like someone got a pretty good deal when they picked up this mounted example in the fall of 2018 for “just” $6,000.