Fast Five: Autographs -- or auto types -- I'd grab right now

This one is a new department here on The Buzz ... Fast Five -- a quick list under a simple topic that might offer a basic starting point for a themed collection. It's a basic list of five items that could be fun for a starting collector or a new way to add to a stash that might already seemingly include everything when it comes to cardboard. For some of you, it's probably common sense. For others of you out there, it's perhaps something to ponder.

This time? Five autographs I'd grab now

STARTING OFF DELUXE
Any 2017 Patrick Mahomes autograph
We'll start off with the super-pricey option here but it's not about the money with this choice ... it's about what may not be coming back ... at least for the time being. Patrick Mahomes' second Super Bowl could further launch demand for his autographs in general but if I were to chase one (with any size of pockets) it would be something from his rookie season for cardboard, 2017. Why? His handwriting and his autograph has changed a lot since then -- you can make out a "Patrk Mah" above, but that's light years above what it's now ... more of a P-line-curl-line-curl (at right from a 2020 card). Part of that change is just demand for his time -- a faster sig is inevitable and needed -- and some of this pick of mine comes from the fact that the more he wins and the higher his profile gets, the lower-volume his autos will get while the fees to sign (for his time, also in high demand) also rise. It doesn't happen often, but there's a chance this sig could intentionally revert back ... but I doubt it. Maybe in 20 years, he'll sign more and have a full sig ... maybe ... if he does signings at all. (It would be more choice than for the cash with his record contract, that's for sure.) I'd look at 2017 Elite Draft Picks autos perhaps first here even if they are college uni and stickers -- there are some fuller sigs to be found. Of course, right now everything is pricey ... eBay asking prices for premium 2017 autos are in six-figures ... but this pick is about the ink, not the card. I'd stick to cards ... and avoid all of the illegal (fake) reprints, too.

Keep reading for four more making up the list this time.

HALL OF FAMERS YOU MIGHT HAVE BEEN EYEING 
A number of Hall of Famers have died over the last year or so with former home run king Hank Aaron having been the latest just last month. Some guys are always (and always have been) pricey when it comes to autographs -- and most are also still readily available -- but it's inevitable that people will go seeking an auto that they never grabbed when bad news happens whether they are a legendary first-ballot lock or a guy who took time to get there after a legendary career. According to the Hall, there are just 72 living members out of 333 elected. One example to grab if you haven't might be Sandy Koufax who just signed a new deal with Panini America last year at age 85 -- this will help with new ink (albeit in low volume like seen here from 2020 National Treasures) and he's a little bit less-pricey than he had been in the past. Another obvious legend you should grab is Willie Mays who will be 90 in May. Baseball Hall of Famers might be a little more easier finds than legends in other sports -- arguably there's more demand -- but the same thought applies to all legends from the past. People inevitably chase them after they realize they can't get one at some point in-person later.

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NON-SPORTS GEMS
The non-sports card landscape is a bit different than it was, say, 20 years ago and some of the past companies handling non-sports cards made some real gems that are still strong sellers. Why? Box volumes were limited and most included multiple hits so fresh wax is often long gone (or pricey if it still exists ... but mostly gone) so it's not as easily to find new cardboard when one wants it. And when a notable name in pop culture is in a set? Well, they can surprise you since in many cases they may not have any other autos for people to chase. This 2004 Inkworks Scooby Doo 2 Monsters Unleashed autograph is the only card that Linda Cardellini has ever signed and this particular copy went for $180. She's appeared in many roles since with spots in Dead to Me, Daddy's Home, The Founder, Bloodline, Mad Men, Avengers: Endgame, Avengers: Age of Ultron, New Girl, ER and Brokeback Mountain as well as Freaks and Geeks before taking on Velma. That would be lower had she signed elsewhere ... but that's it for cards.

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AUTOS WITH SOMETHING EXTRA ... 
There are a lot of creative cards being made right now whether it's auto-mem creations, multiple-player cards or just stuff that's different -- and that's the key in my mind ... different. This Juan Soto 2019 Topps Triple Threads booklet card (it's got clear plastic bands attaching the panels) is just that and it will always be a little more interesting than a standard basic card with a sticker auto attached at the same volume. Think 20 years from now, too, where he's done plenty of signings ... stuff like this one should stand out from the pack.

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MEMORABILIA THAT'S STILL CARD-LIKE
If you're struggling to find wax to hit the spot, you might try looking for some memorabilia that's card-like but you're buying exactly what you want. You might find that some items are more affordable and more-unique than you might think even though they can't fit into a PSA 10 slab. One option like this? Panini Instant's Instant Impressions jumbo cards that the company has made for a few sports the last few years -- and something that other companies have done as over-sized cards as redemptions. In Panini's case, a handprint and an autograph on an oversized card with a few options (inscribed, uninscribed) have been offered. Some players sell out immediately and get put online to flip, while others still might be living on the company's site which is where they are offered. This particular piece has a $699 Buy-It-Now (or best offer) price over on eBay right now. Yes, that's pricey ... but it also seems cheap compared to a lot of stuff out there -- and only five were made. Check out how much bigger it is than a card. I'm not sure I'd go crazy with signed jerseys (hard to store), balls or helmets (slightly less hard to store) but I have a couple of these because the price was right for my collection and they seemed more unique than a similarly priced rookie patch auto card.

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What would you want to see in a future Fast Five? Let Buzz know on Twitter or email.

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