Apollo 13 Crew: Who Has the Most Valuable Signature and Why
Apollo 13 Crew Signature Prices
Jack Swigert (died 1982): $3,000–$8,000
Jim Lovell (living): $1,500–$5,000
Fred Haise (living): $800–$2,500
Full crew set (all three signed): $8,000–$25,000
Apollo 13 flown item (Zarelli certified): $40,000–$120,000
The Swigert Anomaly: A Pilot More Valuable Than the Commander
Jack Swigert's story is one of space history's most poignant. He was a late replacement for Ken Mattingly, who was grounded due to measles exposure, and stepped into the most dangerous mission in Apollo history with days of preparation. He performed flawlessly. Then, in December 1982, at age 51, he died of bone cancer — just weeks before he would have been sworn in as a member of Congress from Colorado. He had signed very few items after Apollo 13, making his authenticated signature among the rarest in the entire astronaut corpus.
Jim Lovell: Exceptional Career, Lower Scarcity
Jim Lovell is the only person to fly to the Moon twice without landing — Apollo 8 (the first lunar orbit) and Apollo 13. He is arguably the most experienced deep-space traveler of the Apollo era. He has remained publicly active for 50+ years, writing his memoir ("Lost Moon," basis of the 1995 film), appearing at events, and signing consistently. This prolific accessibility keeps his signature values at $1,500–$5,000 — significant, but below what his historical stature might suggest.
| Crew Member | Role | Status | Signed Photo | Rarity Driver |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jack Swigert | Command Module Pilot | Died 1982 (age 51) | $3,000–$8,000 | Minimal post-mission signing; early death |
| Jim Lovell | Commander | Living | $1,500–$5,000 | Fame premium; supply is moderate |
| Fred Haise | Lunar Module Pilot | Living | $800–$2,500 | Accessible; sole surviving crew member |
Fred Haise: The Long-Term Appreciation Candidate
Fred Haise has maintained a lower public profile than Lovell, and his signature is the most affordable of the Apollo 13 crew. As the last surviving Apollo 13 crew member, his death will trigger the same supply-ceiling appreciation seen with other astronauts. Collectors who purchase authenticated Haise signatures now at $800–$2,500 are in a position similar to those who bought Collins pre-2021.
For Apollo 13 crew signed items and flown memorabilia from this historic mission, visit Gauntlet Gallery's space authentication resource.
