Shoeless Joe Jackson autographs are super scarce. Sotheby’s offered this one, obtained directly from the Jackson family, in their April 1994 Important Baseball Cards and Sports Memorabilia auction.
Here’s the item’s description as it was written in the catalog:
Joe Jackson Autographed Check, original 1916 document acting as a promissory payment toward the purchase of “Shoeless” Joe’s new home in Savannah, Georgia. Signed by Jackson shortly after joining the Chicago White Sox, the team he would ultimately be accused of betraying in the 1919 Black Sox scandal only a few years later. Bold, black ink “Joe Jackson” signature graces the lower right portion of this attractively sized document. One of the few authentic autographs known to ever exist of this legendary baseball figure, who over the years has become a part of American folklore. Obtained directly from the Jackson family, the offered legal document is an exceptional example of this extremely rare and very desirable autograph from “Shoeless” Joe’s playing days with the White Sox. 3 3/4 in. by 8 1/2 in. (9.5 cm. by 21.6 сm.)
The expected price was $25,000-30,000.
PSA’s online price guide values Joe Jackson’s signed checks at $85k today.