What made signed Lester Piggott prints more valuable than unsigned ones?

Signed Lester Piggott prints carries extra value as they create a direct connection between the artwork and the individual involved in its subject or creation. In horse racing prints, a signature from the artist alone added credibility, though a second signature from a jockey such as Lester Piggott increased appeal further. Signed editions were often limited to smaller runs, sometimes fewer than 300 copies, which made them less common in the market. Buyers placed importance on pencil signatures, which showed that the individual had physically signed the print rather than relying on a printed mark. Auction data from regional sales in Britain during the early 2000s shows unsigned prints selling for around €50, with signed examples of the same image reaching €150 or more. The difference reflected both scarcity and collector interest in authenticity. Over time, well-preserved signed prints tended to maintain stronger resale prices, especially those linked to major racing events or well-known figures.