Auctions are fascinating events where items can fetch surprising amounts of money, especially when the items are unusual or unique. Here are eighteen peculiar items that sold for staggering sums, along with two additional entries to highlight the allure of rare collectibles.
Mark Zuckerberg Little League Baseball Card
Sold For: $105,000
Year: 2022
A baseball card featuring an 8-year-old Mark Zuckerberg, dressed in his Little League uniform and autographed by him, made waves in the auction world. This card is a must-have for any tech enthusiast or Facebook fan, given its rarity and the notoriety of its subject.
Dr. Alexander Macklin’s Antarctic Diary
Sold For: $153,573
Year: 2001
Dr. Alexander Macklin, a surgeon on Sir Ernest Shackleton’s Antarctic expedition (1914-1917), chronicled his experiences in this diary. The historical significance of the treacherous journey and Macklin’s firsthand account make this diary a priceless artifact for historians and collectors alike.
Joe DiMaggio and Marilyn Monroe Signed Baseball
Sold For: $191,200
Year: 2006
This baseball, autographed by baseball legend Joe DiMaggio and Hollywood icon Marilyn Monroe, merges the worlds of sports and entertainment. The combination of these two famous signatures on a single item elevates its value and appeal to collectors.
Keith Moon’s Drum Set
Sold For: $252,487
Year: 2004
Keith Moon, the iconic drummer of The Who used this drum set during his peak years from 1968 to 1970. Known for his energetic and wild performances, Moon’s drum set is a coveted piece of rock and roll history.
Pink Diamond Barbie
Sold For: $302,500
Year: 2010
This Barbie, designed by an Australian jeweler, features a real pink diamond necklace. The doll’s extravagant design and the fact that proceeds went to breast cancer research add to its allure and value.
Dorothy’s Ruby Slippers from The Wizard of Oz
Sold For: $660,000
Year: 2000
These iconic ruby slippers, worn by Judy Garland in the 1939 film “The Wizard of Oz,” are a piece of cinematic history. Out of the five pairs made for the movie, this pair stands out due to its rarity and cultural significance.
Narendra Modi’s Gold-Striped Suit
Sold For: $693,174
Year: 2015
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s suit, woven with fine gold threads spelling out his name, holds the record for the most expensive suit ever sold. This extraordinary piece of clothing showcases luxury and exceptional craftsmanship.
Adolf Hitler’s Heuer Watch
Sold For: $1,100,000
Year: 2016
A gold Heuer stopwatch inscribed with Adolf Hitler’s initials “AH” sparked controversy when it sold for over a million dollars. Despite its historical significance, the sale drew criticism for potentially glorifying a tyrant responsible for immense suffering.
Romanee-Conti Wine Collection (114 Bottles)
Sold For: $1,600,000
Year: 2018
Romanee-Conti is renowned for its limited production of exquisite Pinot Noir wines. This collection of 114 bottles from various vintages represents the pinnacle of luxury for wine connoisseurs and collectors, promising both exceptional taste and significant investment value.
Phone Number 666-6666
Sold For: $2,746,498
Year: 2005
Memorable phone numbers, particularly those with repeating digits, are highly sought after for their ease of recall. The number 666-6666, for instance, fetched an astonishing price due to its potential value for marketing and personal prestige.
Buzz Aldrin’s Apollo 11 Moon Jacket
Sold For: $2,772,500
Year: 2016
Worn by astronaut Buzz Aldrin during the historic 1969 Apollo 11 moon landing, this jacket is a rare artifact of space exploration. Featuring the NASA logo, American flag, and Aldrin’s name tag, it represents a monumental achievement in human history.
Soviet Vostok Space Capsule
Sold For: $2,880,000
Year: 2011
Used during the early Soviet space program, Vostok capsules were instrumental in space exploration history. The auctioned capsule, likely a backup or test model, symbolizes a significant technological milestone.
Leica 0-Series No. 122 Camera
Sold For: $2,970,000
Year: 2018
This prototype camera, made by the German company Leica in 1923, is a rare piece of photographic history. Its high sale price reflects its rarity and the esteemed reputation of Leica in the world of high-end cameras.
Lunch with Warren Buffett
Sold For: $3,500,000
Year: 2016
An annual charity auction offers a unique opportunity to dine with renowned investor Warren Buffett. In 2016, this exclusive lunch was auctioned for a record $3.5 million, with proceeds benefiting the Glide Foundation.
1856 British Guiana 1-Cent Magenta Stamp
Sold For: $9,480,000
Year: 2014
Regarded as the world’s rarest stamp, the 1856 British Guiana 1-Cent Magenta was printed by a 12-year-old boy using a newspaper press. Its unmatched rarity and historical significance make it a prized possession among philatelists.
1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar Coin
Sold For: $10,016,875
Year: 2013
Believed to be the first coin minted by the United States Mint in Philadelphia, this 1794 silver dollar is one of the rarest and most sought-after items in numismatics. Its exceptional condition further adds to its value.
1943 Patek Philippe Watch
Sold For: $11,136,642
Year: 2016
This steel-cased perpetual calendar chronograph by Patek Philippe is a masterpiece of horology. The intense 13-minute bidding war over it in 2016 highlights its desirability and the craftsmanship of Patek Philippe.
Michael Jackson’s Moonwalk Socks
Sold For: $2,000,000
Year: 2019
The sequined socks worn by Michael Jackson during his first moonwalk performance in 1983 sold for a staggering amount. These socks, a symbol of one of pop culture’s most iconic moments, attracted immense interest from fans and collectors.
Tyrannosaurus Rex Skeleton (Stan)
Sold For: $31,847,500
Year: 2020
A nearly complete Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton, nicknamed Stan, was sold for an unprecedented price. Discovered in South Dakota, Stan’s well-preserved bones provide invaluable insights into one of the most fearsome predators in history.
Albert Einstein’s Theory of Relativity Manuscript
Sold For: $13,000,000
Year: 2021
A handwritten manuscript by Albert Einstein detailing his Theory of Relativity was auctioned for a record sum. This document, a cornerstone of modern physics, offers a glimpse into the mind of one of the greatest scientists of all time.
