Pictures, autographs, worn clothes: fans are willing to pay a fortune for memorabilia when it comes to their favourite artists. And the bigger the artist, the higher the prices. Michael Jackson had an enormous impact on the music industry. He was – and still is – a true inspiration for many. Therefore it's no wonder that King of Pop memorabilia are very valuable. Keep reading for the 5 most expensive Michael Jackson memorabilia ever sold.
5. Autographed 'Jam' Basketball - €249,000
This basketball was bounced around by two of the world’s most legendary Michaels: superstar Michael Jackson and basketball hero Michael Jordan. It was used in the 1992 music video 'Jam' by Michael Jackson. In the video the Michaels teach each other their specialty: Jackson teaches Jordan how to dance and Jordan shows Jackson how to play basketball. The ball is signed by both, making it even more special. In 2010 it went up for auction and fetched €250,000.
Image source: Sports Memorabilia
4. Motown 25th Anniversary Show glove - €297,000
Jackson was famous for his music, his moves and his looks. Wearing a single glove was one of his accessory trademarks. Several have been auctioned and they are very popular amongst collectors. This shiny, cream-leather glove was sold for almost €300,000. Jackson wore it during his performance of Billy Jean at the 25th anniversary television special of record label Motown in 1983. That night, he showed his famed moonwalk dance for the first time.
Image source: Luxuo
3. Michael Jackson (Green) by Andy Warhol - €848,000
Pop artist Andy Warhol often chose international superstars as the subject of his work. Marilyn Monroe, Elvis Presley and Muhammad Ali were all pictured by the artist. Not surprisingly, he also had interest in the King of Pop. In 1984, Warhol made a portrait of Michael Jackson wearing the jacket from the Thriller video. In May 2009, just before Jackson’s death in June, the painting was auctioned for €236,000. A few months later it sold for €848,000.
Image source: NY Daily News
2. 'Thriller' Jacket - €1,526,000
It is probably the most iconic pieces of clothing in music history: the red leather jacket worn in the 'Thriller' music video. The video was directed by John Landis and cost half a million dollars, making it the most expensive music video at that time. It's still considered one of the best ever made. The jacket was made by Deborah Nadoolman Landis, wife of the director and a well-known designer in Hollywood. In June 2011 it was sold for €1.5 million.
Image: Sony/Legacy
1. Michael Jackson and Bubbles sculpture - €4,760,000
The number one on our list of most expensive Michael Jackson memorabilia, is this gilded porcelain sculpture of the late superstar with his pet chimpanzee Bubbles. The statue was made in 1988 by Jeff Koons, who is famous for his sculptures that look like immense balloon animals among others. In 2001, it was auctioned for just under €6.4 million and it is probably worth even more today!
Image source: Jeff Koons
Are you a Michael Jackson fan as well? Take a look at our weekly Vinyl auctions to find a beautiful collection of King of Pop memorabilia. Are you looking to sell your Jackson memorabilia, or those of an other artist? You don't have to be a professional, at Catawiki anybody can sell special objects online. The first step is to become a seller and after that you can offer up your objects for our auctions.
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