Examples
In this section, you will see many photos of Ali's autograph to compare to. They will be divided into sections. So, scroll through you'll see what you're looking for. I hope these pictures help you make a proper decision.
*Photos are from my personal
collection and submitted via email by users. If you wish to submit a
photo, send a large pic of the item in JPEG format to: shawn@aliautos.com if your photo is used, your name will appear in the Site Supporters section.
Ali through the years
Here is a time line of Ali auto's year by year.
1968 (Uncommon M and A) 1969 1972
1974 1975 1977
1979 1981 1982
1986 1987 1988
1989 1990 1991
1992 1993 1994
1995 1996 1997
1998 1999 2000
2001 2002 2003
The 70's
Ali was everywhere in the 70's. If it wasn't for boxing related gatherings it was for Islamic rallies or show appearances. When he was suspended from boxing he did movies, musicals, and speaking engagements. Everywhere he went there were dozens (if not more) of people who wanted the Champ's autograph. Ali singed for everyone he could. Most of the time the signature looks rushed. You'll see them on anything from napkins to airline tickets to newspapers as Ali was on the go most of the time.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
The 80's
In the 80's after Ali retired he signed more than ever before. That's when his autograph looked less rushed and is what I call the 'classic' autograph that we all know today.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
As the years passed Ali's signature got smaller and harder to read due to his health. He is a great person who will still take the time to sign autographs.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Modern Cassius Clay and AKA Clay
Cassius Clay changed his name to Muhammad Ali on March 6, 1964. You will find some early contracts signed with both names but that's about it. Until sometime the late 80's, he would not sign his slave name, so there are not too many of them out there compared to his normal signature. The autographs signed 'Muhammad Ali AKA Cassius Clay' are the most sought after signature of Ali. Here are some examples of modern Cassius Clay and AKA Cassius Clay autographs.
Circa 1995 2001 2001
1985 2002 2001
Circa 2000 2001 2002
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Quotes At times Ali would add quotes along with his signature. These quotes could be Religious, Spiritual, or Boxing related. Some of the quotes are commonly found while others are harder to locate.
Here are some examples of Ali autographs with some "Ali-isims"...
Love is the net where hearts are caught like fish This is the most common spiritual quote that you will find, this is probably the most common quote you will find of them all.
This spiritual quote is a little more rare but can be found with some searching.
Service to others is the rent we pay for our room here on earth Service to God is the rent we pay for our room in the Hereafter/ Heaven
There are two basic versions of this common religious quote.
Serve God, he is the goal This short religious quote can be found quite easily but is still a great find.
Greatest of all time Hmm, I've heard this somewhere before.
King of the ring / King of boxing This short boxing related quote reminded us that Ali was king. Occasionally Ali would substitute a drawing of a ring for the word.
After me there will never be another Another reminder of how great he was
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Pamphlets
Ali wanted to spread the word of Islam, to do this he handed out Islamic pamphlets. Ali signed these pamphlets so people would not just throw them away, it worked like a charm. Almost twenty years later there are thousands of them still in collector's hands. Here are some examples of the different Islamic pamphlets that Ali handed out.
