The Allure of the Unusual
Who doesn't love a good oddity? The world of auctions is no stranger to the bizarre and the unusual, often proving that one man's trash is another man's treasure. From dinosaur bones to famous hair, nothing is off-limits when it comes to what can be sold to the highest bidder. In this post, we're delving into the annals of auction history to bring you the six strangest items ever auctioned. Buckle up, because it's going to be a weird ride.
The King's Locks: Elvis Presley's Hair
In 2002, a jar allegedly containing hair clippings from the legendary Elvis Presley was sold at auction. The hair, reportedly collected by the King of Rock 'n' Roll's personal barber, fetched a whopping $115,000. Presley's infamous coif joins a long list of celebrity hair sold at auction, from Justin Bieber's to John Lennon's. The fascination with celebrity hair is strange indeed, but as long as there are fans willing to pay top dollar, these hair-raising auctions will continue.
Dino-Mite: A Tyrannosaurus Rex Skeleton
In 1997, a nearly complete T-Rex skeleton, nicknamed "Sue," was auctioned off to the highest bidder. The fierce fossil was discovered in South Dakota in 1990 and sparked a legal battle over ownership that lasted for years. After all was said and done, Sue was sold to The Field Museum in Chicago for a staggering $8.36 million, making her the most expensive dinosaur skeleton ever sold at auction.
Intergalactic Auction: Meteorites
In 2012, a collection of meteorites went under the hammer and fetched a hefty sum. The collection, which included a large piece of the moon and a chunk of Mars, sold for over $600,000. These extra-terrestrial rocks provide a tangible connection to the cosmos, making them highly sought after by both collectors and scientists.
A Titanic Meal: The Last Titanic Lunch Menu
In 2015, a lunch menu from the ill-fated RMS Titanic was sold at auction. The menu, which detailed the last lunch served aboard the ship before it sank, fetched a cool $88,000. The menu was saved by a passenger who climbed aboard a lifeboat, and it's one of the few pieces of ephemera that survived the tragic event. This piece of history serves as a haunting reminder of the ship’s tragic fate.
The Ultimate Selfie: William Shatner's Kidney Stone
In 2006, actor William Shatner, famous for his role as Captain Kirk on Star Trek, sold his kidney stone at auction. The stone, which Shatner passed in 2005, was purchased for $25,000 by online casino GoldenPalace.com, which has a history of buying odd items at auction. The proceeds from the sale were donated to charity, making this one of the most philanthropic—and bizarre—auctions in history.
The Scent of Success: A Bottle of Air from a Kanye West Concert
In 2015, an eBay listing for a bag of air supposedly captured at a Kanye West concert went viral. Initially listed at $5, the bidding quickly escalated, with the bag eventually selling for a staggering $60,100. Whether the buyer actually received a bag of concert air, or just a bag of regular old air, is up for debate. Regardless, this sale proves that people are willing to pay an unbelievable amount for the chance to own something unique.
These strange auctions may leave us scratching our heads, but they also offer a fascinating glimpse into the wild world of collectibles. From celebrity hair to bags of air, it's clear that almost anything can become a valuable commodity. As long as there are buyers willing to shell out for these quirky items, the world of auctions will continue to be an endlessly intriguing place.