The 6 Strangest Items Sold to Collectors in the Last Decade
Most collectors look for playing cards, stamps, coins, or other mainstream artifacts they can show off to friends and family. But there are some collectibles out there that are rare and rather strange. From hair to ashes and even underwear, these are the six strangest items sold to collectors in the last decade, along with their selling price.
6. Einstein’s Theory on Happiness, $1.56 million/$250,000
Sixth on our list of strangest items sold to collectors begins with a theory. Albert Einstein was known for his scientific advances, and in 1922, he won the Nobel Prize. Overwhelmed with emotion and attention, he put some thoughts to paper, passing it on to a Japanese bellboy when he couldn’t find change for a tip. One read “A calm and modest life brings more happiness than the pursuit of success combined with constant restlessness,” while the other read “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.” The two papers sold at an auction in 2017 for $1.56 million and $250,000, respectively.
RELATED: How Have Online Auctions Changed the Collector’s Market?
5. Elvis ball of hair, $72,500
While it may seem like one of the strangest items sold to collectors, hair is a surprisingly common collectible, especially when it comes from famous heads. One of the most famous locks is Elvis Presley’s, with strands and chunks of his dark strands being sold over the years. The biggest sale came in 2021 through Kruse GWS Auctions for a “baseball-sized” ball in a jar. Selling for $72,500, the air came from Presley’s personal barber, Homer Gilleland.
4. Truman Capote’s ashes, $45,000
The next item on our list of strangest items sold to collectors is one of the most personal, Truman Capote’s ashes. Author of stories like Breakfast at Tiffany’s and In Cold Blood, Capote was one of the most prolific writers during his time before passing in 1984. His ashes were given to Johnny Carson and his wife, and when they passed, the ashes ended up at Julien’s Auctions in 2016. The lot sold for $45,000 to an anonymous buyer.
CHECK OUT: 10 Things You Didn’t Know Were Collectibles
3. George Washington’s hair, $30,000
Jumping into the top three strangest items sold to collectors is another lock of hair, this time from the first President of the United States. George Washington’s hair is coveted in the collector’s community, and finding authenticated strands is key. These strands are often packaged in elegant containers, including being set in a fancy ring with pearls. The ring with Washington’s locks sold at Sotheby’s in 2016 for $30,000.
2. Banana duct-taped to the wall, $120,000
Art is a popular collectible, but some are just downright one of the strangest items sold to collectors. Most people may think of the Mona Lisa, while others may think of a banana duct-taped to a wall. Yes, you read that right. Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan’s controversial piece was bought at the Art Basel art fair in Miami for a whopping $120,000. The point of the piece was to question what “art” is, and this strange item is a perfect fit.
1. Queen Victoria’s underwear, $16,300
Last but not least, our strangest items sold to collectors list ends with royal history. Royal memorabilia and collectors are prized all over the world, but British royal collectibles often draw the most attention. This is especially true for a pair of Queen Victoria’s underwear. Ruling from 1837 to 1901, the monarch’s undergarments were sold by auctioneer Richard Edmonds in 2015, grabbing a staggering $16,300.
READ NEXT: 14 Most Valuable Artifacts from the Victorian Era
More About:Rarities