Official Antiques Roadshow video is available at PBS.org. Fast forward to 1:09 for the segment on Marvin Gaye's passport.
The music memorabilia business is an interesting one, especially when unlikely treasures are discovered. That was the case recently when Marvin Gaye's 1964 passport was found in a vinyl record sleeve that was purchased at a Detroit yard sale for just 50 cents. The appraiser suggested that a minimum value for insurance purposes would be $20,000. If this item were to go up for auction, it could sell for even more money.
The appraiser explains that passports are especially valuable pieces of memorabilia for several reasons: They are very difficult to counterfeit, and include first-hand insight about the artist's life like when and where they were traveling. Plus, the authentic signature and the rarity of the item. The owner's eyes almost pop out of his head when he hears the value could be upwards of $20,000 which adds another element of entertainment value to the video.
Source: PBS Antiques Roadshow
Via: Prefix Mag