The auction world is a treasure trove of peculiar finds, where the bizarre meets the valuable in spectacular fashion. From historical oddities to celebrity memorabilia, these sales often showcase items that defy imagination. In this list, we’ll explore ten of the strangest things ever sold at auction, each with its own unique story and eye-popping price tag. Get ready to dive into a world where the unusual reigns supreme and where even the most unexpected items can fetch astronomical sums.
1. Winston Churchill’s Golden Grins
Who would have thought that dental work could be worth a small fortune? In a twist of historical oddity, Winston Churchill’s dentures went under the hammer in 2010. These weren’t just any old false teeth, mind you. The former British Prime Minister’s chompers were partially gold-plated, adding a touch of luxury to an otherwise mundane medical necessity.
The dental prosthetics fetched a staggering £15,200 at auction, proving that even the most personal items of historical figures can become valuable collectors’ items. Imagine the dinner party conversations these dentures could spark! It’s said that Churchill’s distinctive lisp was partly due to his ill-fitting dentures, making these golden grins not just a piece of dental history, but a part of political history as well.
2. The Emperor’s New Art
In the realm of “Is this a joke?” auctions, the sale of non-existent art takes the cake. Yes, you read that right. The Museum of Non-Visible Art (MONA) pulled off what might be the ultimate con job or the pinnacle of conceptual art, depending on your perspective. They managed to sell an artwork titled “Fresh Air” for a cool $10,000.
What did the lucky buyer receive for their five-figure investment? A blank frame. That’s it. The artwork existed purely in the realm of imagination, challenging our perceptions of value and art itself. This sale proves that in the art world, sometimes the emperor really doesn’t have any clothes – and people will pay top dollar for the privilege of not seeing them.
3. A Slice of Space History
From the depths of Earth’s history to the vast expanse of space, auctions have seen it all. In 2017, a truly out-of-this-world item hit the auction block: a bag used by Neil Armstrong to collect the first samples of Moon dust. This wasn’t just any old sack; it was a piece of history that had touched the lunar surface during the iconic Apollo 11 mission.
The lunar sample bag sold for an astronomical €1.5 million, proving that even the most utilitarian items can become priceless when they’re part of a momentous event. Imagine owning something that had literally been to the Moon and back! For space enthusiasts and history buffs alike, this bag represented the pinnacle of collectibles – a tangible connection to one of humanity’s greatest achievements.
4. The King’s Pearly Whites
In the realm of celebrity memorabilia, few items are as personal – or as strange – as locks of hair from famous figures. Among the most sought-after follicles are those of Elvis Presley, the King of Rock and Roll himself. These strands of hair, likely collected by his personal barber, have fetched thousands of euros at auction.
But Elvis isn’t the only celebrity whose hair has commanded high prices. Locks from the Beatles, Marilyn Monroe, and even historical figures like Napoleon have all gone under the hammer. It’s a bizarre trend that blurs the line between fandom and fetishism, raising questions about the nature of celebrity worship and the value we place on physical connections to our idols. Would you pay thousands for a few strands of your favorite star’s hair?
5. The Titanic’s Last Words
Few historical events capture the imagination quite like the sinking of the Titanic. In 2017, a haunting piece of that tragic night went up for auction: the last known letter written on board the doomed ship. This poignant artifact, penned just hours before the Titanic slipped beneath the waves, sold for a record-breaking €141,000.
The letter, written by a passenger to their loved ones, offers a chilling glimpse into the final moments aboard the “unsinkable” ship. Its sale demonstrates the enduring fascination with the Titanic disaster and the premium placed on authentic connections to historical events. For collectors of maritime history or Titanic enthusiasts, this letter represents the ultimate piece of memorabilia – a tangible link to one of the most famous shipwrecks in history.
6. A Golden LEGO Brick
Who knew that stepping on a LEGO brick could be worth a fortune? In 2017, a truly unique piece of LEGO history hit the auction block: a solid gold LEGO brick. This wasn’t just any gold-colored plastic brick, but a genuine, 14-karat gold LEGO piece weighing in at a hefty 25.65 grams.
The golden brick, one of only a few ever made, sold for an impressive €18,498. LEGO produced these rare golden bricks between 1979 and 1981 as gifts for business partners and exceptional employees. This sale proves that even toys can become valuable collectibles, especially when they’re made of precious metals. For LEGO enthusiasts and gold collectors alike, this unique brick represents the perfect fusion of childhood nostalgia and grown-up luxury.
7. Air Jordan’s Million-Dollar Kicks
When it comes to sports memorabilia, few items can top the allure of game-worn gear from legendary athletes. In 2023, a pair of sneakers made history by becoming the most expensive sports shoes ever sold at auction. Michael Jordan’s game-worn sneakers from the 1998 NBA Finals fetched an astounding $2.2 million, shattering previous records.
These weren’t just any old basketball shoes – they were worn by His Airness himself during his legendary “Last Dance” season with the Chicago Bulls. The astronomical price tag reflects not only Jordan’s status as a basketball icon but also the growing market for high-end sneakers and sports memorabilia. For sneakerheads and basketball fans, these shoes represent the holy grail of collectibles, a tangible piece of sports history that you can (theoretically) wear.
8. The $200,000 Thrift Store Find
Every bargain hunter dreams of stumbling upon a hidden treasure, but few can boast a find as spectacular as this. In 2023, a rare painting by N.C. Wyeth was purchased for just $4 at a thrift store. The lucky buyer’s eye for quality paid off in a big way when the painting later sold for nearly $200,000 at auction.
This rags-to-riches story of art discovery captivated the public imagination, inspiring thrift store enthusiasts everywhere to look a little closer at those dusty old canvases. It’s a reminder that sometimes, incredible value can be hidden in plain sight. For art lovers and bargain hunters alike, this tale represents the ultimate thrill of the hunt – turning a few dollars into a small fortune with a keen eye and a bit of luck.
9. The $63,000 Vintage iPhone
In the fast-paced world of technology, yesterday’s cutting-edge gadget is today’s outdated paperweight. But sometimes, holding onto old tech can pay off in a big way. Case in point: a 2007 iPhone that had been left unopened in its original box for over a decade sold for an eye-popping $63,356.40 at auction in 2023.
This first-generation iPhone, with its revolutionary touchscreen and internet capabilities, was a game-changer when it debuted. But who could have predicted it would become a valuable collector’s item? The astronomical price reflects not just the rarity of an unopened original iPhone, but also the cultural impact of Apple’s iconic device. For tech enthusiasts and collectors, this pristine piece of digital history represents a tangible link to the smartphone revolution that changed the world.
10. The Priciest Piece of Sushi
When it comes to strange auction items, sometimes it’s not the object itself that’s unusual, but the price tag attached to it. In 2017, a 212 kg bluefin tuna sold for a whopping €580,000 at the first auction of the year at Tokyo’s famed Tsukiji market. That’s one expensive piece of sushi!
While tuna auctions are a regular occurrence in Japan, this particular fish’s astronomical price made headlines around the world. The sale highlighted the cultural importance of tuna in Japanese cuisine, as well as growing concerns about overfishing and the sustainability of bluefin tuna populations. For food enthusiasts and conservationists alike, this record-breaking tuna serves as a reminder of the complex relationship between culinary traditions, economics, and environmental concerns.
The world of auctions never ceases to amaze, offering a fascinating glimpse into what people value and the lengths they’ll go to possess a piece of history, pop culture, or just plain weirdness. From Churchill’s dentures to million-dollar sneakers, these sales prove that beauty and value truly are in the eye of the beholder. Next time you’re cleaning out your attic or browsing a thrift store, remember: you might just be holding onto the next big auction sensation. After all, in this bizarre world of high-stakes bidding, one person’s trash can truly become another’s treasure.
