Your Old MTV Memorabilia Could Be Worth More Than $1,000

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When the MTV television channel debuted on August 2, 1981, playing music videos 24/7 with commentary by video disc jockeys (veejays), the initial impact was tremendous. Viewers could, for the first time, engage in visual and audio entertainment from upcoming and established musical stars by simply turning on television sets. MTV fans often remember the early years with fondness and great nostalgia — with this feeling reflected in their willingness to pay for vintage autographed memorabilia (with "vintage" defined as being at least 20 years old). 

In July 2025, a vintage autograph of Zack de la Rocha, the former singer of the rock band Rage Against the Machine, was selling on eBay for a whopping $1,124.96.  He'd signed on the packaging of an MTV Funko Pop! ad icon collectible figurine. Another one on eBay was going for $1,249.99, while yet another one was listed on Etsy for $1,099.99. This last one was advertised as Beckett-authenticated with the company's authenticity hologram available to verify that the autograph was genuine. Collectors desire de la Rocha's autograph because of his musical legacy — and also because of controversy. In September 2000, his band received a Best Rock Video nomination. After losing, Rage Against the Machine bassist Tim Commerford swung from a 15-foot prop wire in protest, getting arrested. Then, de la Rocha quit the band, ending the time that he signed autographs as the Rage Against the Machine's singer, which can make ones signed during this era more limited and more valuable.

When cleaning out cupboards, also watch for vintage autographed photos from MTV's early reality TV shows. In 1992, "The Real World" debuted, MTV's first reality show, lasting for 33 seasons and setting the stage for the entire modern genre of this programming type. The show placed a group of young adults who'd never met before in one home and filmed their interactions. Because of the show's groundbreaking nature, autographs from people appearing on the show can be worth money. In July 2025, a photo of seven members from the 2000 season set in New Orleans autographed by participant Tokyo Parker was selling for $150 on eBay. After the success of "The Real World," MTV began making more reality show series, including "Jersey Shore" that aired from August 2009 through December 2012. In July 2025, an 11 x 14 photo of the cast of "Jersey Shore" with six autographs (missing only those of Angelina Pivarnick and Nicole "Snookie" Polizzi) was listed for sale at eBay for $899.99.

Although people may argue about whether MTV's "The Osbournes" served as a reality show or documentary (directors did not set up scenes; they simply followed the family's lead), autographs from Ozzy Osbourne may become more in demand after the singer's death on July 22, 2025. That month, his autograph on a 2002 framed photo of the family who appeared on the show was listed on eBay for $600. A 2002 signed show pass by Ozzy, Sharon, and Kelly Osbourne? $6,900.