Who has the most valuable signature in the world?

Picking out the stars who might have the most valuable signatures is something autograph hunters and traders must spend a lot of time thinking about.

But for most people, it is an almost impossible question to answer, with many Britons perhaps thinking the likes of David Beckham or One Direction may be the most prized scrawls to get on a piece of paper.

However, new research by Bristol-based Paul Fraser Collectibles has revealed the most valuable signature in the world actually belongs to former Cuban leader Fidel Castro, reports Metro.

The 87-year-old ex-president is said to be extremely rare, with very few of them appearing on the market, while there is also a high demand for it. These factors combine to make it extremely lucrative, with the autograph likely to fetch £3,500 at auction.

Paul Fraser of the firm said: "His signature appeals to a wide global demographic. No collection of important figures of the 20th century is complete without his signature, such was his importance to international politics.

"What's more, there are many collectors in the US who enjoy the thrill of owning the autograph of America's greatest Cold War foe."

Mr Fraser went on to explain signed photos of Castro have surged in value by more than 20 per cent since 2000, which he mused is "something of an irony" for an anti-capitalist figurehead.

Behind Castro in the list was Prince William, whose signature is said to be worth £2,000, while Paul McCartney was third with a valuation of around the same mark.

Next came Bob Dylan (£1,950), Tiger Woods (£1,750), the Queen (£1,500) and Muhammad Ali (£1,500). Finishing off the top ten were JK Rowling (£1,250), Ringo Starr (£1,200) and Madonna (£995).

Such a list might just give autograph hunters some inspiration for who they should aim to track down next.