Celebrities — we love them, we hate them, we can’t get enough of them. Or can we? When it comes to owning celebrity memorabilia, some people are willing to pay top dollar to hold a wealthy piece of history. But does that value ever depreciate?
Below are seven of the most expensive pieces of celebrity memorabilia ever sold and whether these rare collectibles still hold any resale value.
Check Out: 6 Disney Collectibles You Can Flip for a Profit
Explore Next: 4 Low-Risk Ways To Build Your Savings in 2025
Trending Now: Suze Orman’s Secret to a Wealthy Retirement–Have You Made This Money Move?
Judy Garland’s Ruby Slippers
Worn by Judy Garland in “The Wizard of Oz,” the infamous ruby slippers were last sold by Heritage Auctions in 2024 for an astounding $32.5 million. And according to owner and fine art expert at Dallas Auction Gallery Reyne Hirsch, their value has consistently gone up over the years because they remain synonymous with Hollywood. Additionally, their value exponentially shot up this past year because of the release of the movie “Wicked,” which brought “The Wizard of Oz” back to the forefront and introduced it to a whole new audience.
“It was the perfect time to sell something like that,” Reyne said, who explained that value is created by rarity as well as supply and demand — which are all influenced by timing.
Read Next: 7 Lesser-Known Collectibles Worth Thousands of Dollars
Fun fact: There were several pairs of ruby slippers worn during the filming of “The Wizard of Oz,” but only four managed to survive. One of them is on display at The Smithsonian National Museum of American History. Meaning there is actually more than one pair of ruby slippers in circulation. Even still, demand remains high.
Babe Ruth’s 1932 World Series Jersey
Babe Ruth’s 1932 World Series jersey was last sold by Heritage Auctions in 2024 for $24.1 million. According to Reyne, most sports memorabilia have ebbs and flows when it comes to resale value — and right now sports memorabilia is pretty hot. Additionally, Babe Ruth is an iconic player.
“Players like that — as long as there are sports — there will always be someone who wants something like that,” Reyne said. “Babe Ruth is the GOAT of baseball; Michael Jordan is the GOAT of basketball.” Reyne explained that unlike certain athletes known mostly because of their famous personal lives (no shade to Travis Kelce), players whose sportsmanship is top notch will remain iconic through the years. And so will their memorabilia’s resale value.
Paul Newman’s Rolex Daytona
Paul Newman’s Rolex Daytona watch was last sold by Phillips Auction in 2017 for $17.8 million. Reyne explained that Rolex Daytona watches are incredibly desirable all on their own. Similar to an Hermes Birkin bag, these watches have limited availability with long wait lists — and Paul Newman’s Rolex Daytona, in particular, is the most elusive and desirable of them all.
“If it was his jacket, it might age out,” Reyne added, who explained that collectors of items from Paul Newman’s era are often older. Since younger generations do not have the same exposure to his films, etcetera, it would be expected that most Paul Newman memorabilia would depreciate in monetary value as other, more current celebrity collectibles take its place.
“But I don’t see it aging out, because it’s this watch,” Reyne said. “This one has been talked about by Rolex enthusiasts forever.”
Michael Jordan’s 1998 NBA Finals Jersey
Per CNBC, Michael Jordan’s 1998 NBA finals jersey was last sold by Sotheby’s in 2022 for $10.1 million. While LeBron James has given Jordan a run for his money in terms of pure stats, Jordan remains the GOAT of basketball for many — especially when it comes to his record in the finals. Reyne said this jersey will absolutely continue to increase in value over time.
Diego Maradona’s ‘Hand of God’ 1986 World Cup Jersey
The jersey Maradona wore in the 1986 quarterfinal against England when he amazingly palmed the soccer ball past the goalkeeper was last sold by Sotheby’s in 2022 for $9.3 million, according to NPR.
Brahm Wachter, Sotheby’s head of street wear and modern collectibles, said the shirt stands as “a tangible reminder of an important moment not only in the history of sports, but in the history of the 20th century.” Maradona is widely considered one of the greatest soccer players ever. As a result, this item is expected to maintain its resale value.
The Elizabeth Taylor Diamond
The Elizabeth Taylor Diamond (formerly known as the Krupp Diamond) was last sold by Christie’s in 2011 for $8.8 million. According to Reyne, Elizabeth Taylor’s gem collection is some of the finest known — and this particular diamond is a whopping 33.19 carats.
Yet, Reyne feels the value is bound to depreciate. Not only may the younger generation have no idea who Elizabeth Taylor is, but the diamond market took a hit with the increasingly mainstream acceptance of lab grown diamonds — which, according to Reyne, are so hard to distinguish from natural diamonds they now require a $10,000 diamond tester. Plus, not only has the demand for the natural diamond lessened, but the younger generation is not as interested in diamonds.
“They’re not even interested in getting married like people used to be,” Reyne said.
Reyne goes even further in explaining that natural diamonds are nowhere near as rare as the tale the jewelry market has sold us: “They’re a dime a dozen.”
While a 33-carat diamond of this caliber is hard to come by and carries some nostalgic connection to Liz Taylor, Reyne explained it will likely maintain some demand. But depreciation is highly likely.
Kurt Cobain’s 1959 Martin D-18E Guitar
Kurt Cobain’s 1959 Martin D-18E guitar was last sold by Julien’s Auctions in 2020 for $6 million. And, per GroundGuitar.com, apart from belonging to Kobain, this kind of guitar is quite rare, produced only for one year in the late 1950’s and serving as one of the earliest Martins to ever feature electric pickups.
According to Reyne, this guitar will continue to appreciate in value for the immediate future given most Nirvana fans are still alive and well. But the guitar’s long-term prospects aren’t as favorable. Once Gen X fans age out or pass away, demand will decrease.
What Determines Resale Value?
Reyne pointed out that sometimes, despite best predictions, all it takes is two people deciding they want an item in order to incite a bidding war and drive up the price. Additionally, it can be hard to predict if something will spontaneously happen in the culture to either bring an item back into the conversation (and drive up the price) or have it fall out of favor entirely (making it worthless). So, when it comes to celebrity memorabilia, stay tuned.
More From GOBankingRates
-
6 Costco Products That Have the Most Customer Complaints
-
Mark Cuban Warns of ‘Red Rural Recession’ — 4 States That Could Get Hit Hard
-
How Middle-Class Earners Are Quietly Becoming Millionaires — and How You Can, Too
-
4 Low-Risk Ways To Build Your Savings in 2025
This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 7 Most Expensive Pieces of Celebrity Memorabilia — Do They Have Any Resale Value?
