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It's always interesting to note what makes the buying public tick. Is there some reason why a certain product carries such value to people.

I'll use an example of a signed OJ Simpson throwback jersey.

Unless you've been living on an entirely different solar system for the past two decades, you've probably heard OJ Simpson's name on the news a time or two.

Now, as a collector of sports autographs & memorabilia, I think most people view the value (whether it be intrinsic or sentimental) of a particular athlete's signature based on how great a player he was, the kind of pop legacy he left behind, and/or how rare he signed autographs.

What makes getting an autographed OJ Simpson throwback jersey so interesting is the reason for it. If you stick strictly to the gridiron, it's a no-brainer. The man was one of the greatest running backs of all time. He was the first to rush for over 2,000 yards in a season. He won the Heisman Trophy in college.

He was truly an iconic figure of the 70s as well, kind similar to Joe Namath. Simpson had the mainstream Madison Avenue crowd. Movies, commercials (who can think of Hertz without this man), endorsements, the man had it all.

If you based OJ Simpson's autograph value prior to 1994, it was definitely in the higher echelon. It might not have been on par with Mickey Mantle for example, but it certainly wasn't second tier. Chances are if you went to an OJ Simpson signing, prior to 1994, you were going to be waiting a while in line.

After all the events of 1994-1995 (I'm sure everyone reading this, knows what I'm talking about, so I won't bother mentioning it) is when things get interesting.

Now, however you may stand on the subject, one thing is very fascinating: His memorabilia increased in value and attention. It was almost as if everything he did on the football field really didn't matter. This national fixation had people lined up for any piece of memorabilia that belonged to OJ Simpson.

I suppose its no stranger to any collectible field. For example in art, Van Gogh died penniless and only ever sold one painting. Does the memorable story of Vincent Van Gogh cutting his ear off and his morbid death have more of an influence on the price of his paintings than the actual art, who knows? One thing is for certain, I'm sure the story behind these men adds to the fascination.

Shop for OJ Simpson Autographed Memorabilia at Sports-Signatures.com. Updated listings every single day.