I know this is a sports card focused website, but I did some writing about Americana last week for the sister magazine, Sports Collectors Digest. I spoke with Larry Rosenbaum at EAC Gallery about presidential collectibles and other historic and political items that have been popping up with more frequency in sports auctions. And I'm not talking about the 1-of-1 cut sig presidential cards or the other inserts found in packs today.

I'm talking about real documents with the presidents' signatures. Can you guess who the top three are in the category. Good ahead and think about it.

Got it?

It's Washington, Lincoln and Jefferson.

OK, now how about the rarest signatures as president? Think it's the top three mentioned above? Nope.

The two rarest signatures as president are William Harrison and James Garfield. Why you ask? Well, Harrison caught pneumonia at his inauguration (hey, someone get him a coat!)  and he died 30 days later. That doesn't leave a lot of time to have documents signed by Harrison as president, much less have enough available today in decent condition.

Garfield was assassinated while in office, not long after he took the oath, so the same scenario exists for him as to the rarity of documents with his signature as president.

I had never thought of it in this fashion. I just assumed that the holy trinity of presidents were the most coveted and that was that. If you take a step back and realize the facts behind the history, it makes sense. Rosenbaum said a Garfield signature as president can run into $15,000. That's quite the jump from a Garfield signature while he was in the Army that brings $500-$600.

Just some food for thought before all my attention turns to my bracket this week. Happy selecting everyone.