India, Dec. 13 -- The Heisman Trophy is college football's most prestigious individual honor. It symbolises exceptional athletic performance, perseverance and legacy each season.

Yet beyond its emotional and sporting significance, the trophy has evolved into a sought-after collectable with substantial financial value, especially when older editions are sold at auction.

Some of the earlier awards are very desirable to collectors and memorabilia investors since the Heisman Trust forbids victors from selling their trophies after 1999. As a result, only medals from before 1999 can be lawfully auctioned.

A Heisman Trophy's monetary worth at auction is mostly determined by its origin, player legacy, and rarity.

Since 1999, winners must sign...