Bill Gates Signed “An Open Letter to Hobbyists” Cut Autograph – Beckett BAS Authentic

Product Description

Own an authenticated signature from one of the defining figures in the history of personal computing with this Bill Gates signed cut autograph, professionally authenticated and encapsulated by Beckett Authentication Services (BAS).

The signed piece features a reproduction of Gates’ famous “An Open Letter to Hobbyists,” dated February 3, 1976, along with early “Micro-Soft” branding and a large Bill Gates signature across the lower portion.

Written during the formative years of the personal-computer industry, Gates’ Open Letter to Hobbyists addressed the widespread copying of software—particularly Altair BASIC—and argued that software developers needed to be compensated for their work. The letter became an important artifact of early computing history and the emerging commercial software industry.

The autograph itself has been authenticated by Beckett, with the encapsulation label identifying the piece as:

CUT
BILL GATES
AUTHENTIC AUTOGRAPH
Certification #00018208887

Rather than a conventional signed photograph or modern promotional piece, the presentation ties Gates’ autograph directly to one of the most recognizable documents from Microsoft’s earliest years, making it an especially compelling display piece for collectors of technology, business, entrepreneurship, historical autographs, and computing history.

Please note: Beckett’s certification authenticates the Bill Gates autograph and classifies the item as a cut autograph. The printed document itself is not being represented as the original February 3, 1976 letter.

The encapsulated autograph shown is the exact item you will receive.
No stock photos. No surprises.

Product Details

Signer: Bill Gates
Subject: “An Open Letter to Hobbyists”
Displayed Date: February 3, 1976
Company Referenced: Micro-Soft / Microsoft
Collectible Type: Cut Autograph / Historical Autograph
Authentication: Beckett Authentication Services (BAS)
Authentication Result: Authentic Autograph
Beckett Certification #: 00018208887
Encapsulation: Beckett holder
Category: Historical & Entertainment Memorabilia / Technology Memorabilia

Historical Significance

Gates’ Open Letter to Hobbyists was written during Microsoft’s earliest period, when Gates and Paul Allen were developing and distributing BASIC for the Altair computer. In the letter, Gates challenged the practice of copying commercial software without payment and argued that developers needed financial incentive to continue producing professional software.

The letter circulated through the early computer-hobbyist community and was published in venues including the Homebrew Computer Club newsletter and MITS’ Computer Notes. It has since become one of the best-known documents from the formative years of the personal-computer software industry.

That historical connection gives this authenticated signature crossover appeal beyond traditional autograph collecting, particularly for collectors interested in Microsoft, Silicon Valley, computing history, entrepreneurship, and influential business figures.

Condition

The autograph remains professionally encapsulated in its Beckett holder.

Please review all photographs carefully for the exact condition of the signed piece, printed document, Beckett holder, label, and encapsulation.

Normal light surface marks or storage wear may be present on the outer holder.

Shipping

Ships fast and securely from Arthur’s Cards & Collectibles.

Free shipping on orders of $50 or more.

This authenticated collectible will be carefully packaged to help protect the Beckett holder during transit.