Frequently Asked Questions

Evaluating, buying and selling Elvis memorabilia.

Vintage Elvis merchandise, old records, autographs, concert tickets, movie posters, photographs, etc. and times people have that once belonged to Elvis. Every day since Graceland opened to the public, we've received calls and letters from people who have it, want to evaluate it and want to sell it or want to locate such material for purchase. In rare instances, Graceland's Archives Department acquires such memorabilia for our already large collection. Mostly, we remain in the position of trying to offer good advice.

Evaluating Memorabilia - The rule is that there really are no set rules. Knowledgeable collectors can determine a typical market value, which is a good guideline to use. But, in the end, a piece of memorabilia is worth as much or as little as one person wants to sell it for and as another wants to pay for it. Various books about Elvis records and memorabilia have been published over the years. Jerry Osborne is one of the better known experts in this field. We recommend that you check his web site www.jerryosborne.com for information about his books. You can also check Shop Elvis for any books on memorabilia we might be carrying at this time, including Osborne titles and the Steve Templeton/Rosalind Cranor book The Best of Elvis Collectibles. Our archives department could suggest other books that might be useful to you. NOTE: Graceland/EPE cannot offer official evaluation or authentication of any Elvis memorabilia.

Selling Memorabilia - You can offer it for the price you hope to get, based on what you learn about market value, or you could ask for "best offer" and find that someone who's looking for what you have could offer you more than you anticipated. The classifieds in your local paper might be a good place to advertise, as Elvis fans and collectors are everywhere. But, you might have better luck advertising in the classifieds of a publication specifically for collectors, one that tends to have a lot of focus on Elvis. Memorabilia expert Jerry Osborne is a good source of information and opportunities. Various Elvis fan sites and various auction sites you might come across in a web search also offer opportunties for selling memorabilia. Our archives department could have additional suggestions for you.

Purchasing Memorabilia - The same resources for evaluating and selling memorabilia can be used for locating memorabilia you wish to purchase. Various public auction Web sites have Elvis memorabilia, but do be careful about scams.

Elvis Insiders - Graceland/EPE offers very special items through its Elvis Insiders club. Members also have access to private message board to communicate with one another.

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