Jackson memorabilia in high demand

Anytime a big name celebrity like Michael Jackson dies the collectible markets go crazy. Demand soars and prices jump.

Buying collectibles is risky business. Experts say you should never judge a book by it's cover. You need to know what you're buying and who is selling it to you.

"He had A's, B's and there were a couple of things he just needed a little more help with," Jackson collector Star Johnson said of a picture of Michael Jackson's 9th grade report card.

It is just one of more than 400 Jackson pictures in Star Johnson's collection. A collection she's had for some 15 years. A collection she hopes might make her some money.

"Wanting to take those photos and create a memorabilia book that would actually establish the very beginning of his career all the way to the hype of his career," said Johnson.

Check out on line auction sites like eBay and there is plenty of Jackson memorabilia for sale. Everything from inexpensive items with an asking price of less than ten dollars to more expensive ones like an autographed fedora with an asking price of more than $4,000.

"Buyer beware, especially on line," Steve Tuffnell said.

Tuffnell works at the Collector's Den in Castleton says his store hasn't had Michael Jackson memorabilia for awhile. But he says the rule of thumb is the same when a celebrity dies, items with autographs are the most valuable.

"Obviously the autograph won't be signed from now on because he's gone so demand goes up and price follows," Tuffnell explained.

Tuffnell says demand for pictures will go up too but unless it's signed the value won't necessarily increase. And he says you need to watch out for forgeries, especially on line which often hit the market right after a celebrities death.

"Make sure you get a certificate of authenticity. But just that certificate alone doesn't mean it wasn't signed by someone else. Know who you're buying from so you can go back to that person to ask questions if you have questions later," said Tuffnell.

Tuffnell says the value of celebrity collectibles often fades after awhile. But in some cases, like that of NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt, it may take years for demand to fall off. He says, Michael Jackson, with his worldwide recognition will fall into that category.