Che Guevara was an Argentine Marxist revolutionary who played a significant role in the Cuban Revolution.
He was a popular figure in the world of politics and his image has become an iconic symbol of rebellion and revolution.
As a result, memorabilia related to him has become highly collectible.
Here are 10 of the most valuable pieces of Che Guevara memorabilia that have sold at auction, along with their significance and value:
1. Handwritten letter by Che Guevara:
This letter, written by Che Guevara in 1965 to his friend Carlos Quijano, is a rare piece of personal correspondence. The letter discusses Che's experiences in the Congo and his thoughts on revolutionary struggle. It sold at auction in 2018 for $17,000.
2. Cuban flag signed by Che Guevara:
This Cuban flag was signed by Che Guevara during his time in Cuba. It was sold at auction in 2007 for $37,000. The flag is an important piece of Cuban history and a symbol of Che's connection to the country.
3. Photograph of Che Guevara:
This photograph, taken by Alberto Korda, is one of the most iconic images of Che Guevara. It sold at auction in 2012 for $18,000. The photograph has become a symbol of rebellion and political activism, and is often used on t-shirts, posters, and other merchandise.
4. Poster of Che Guevara:
This poster, featuring an image of Che Guevara and the words "Hasta la victoria siempre" ("Until victory, always"), sold at auction in 2013 for $12,000. The poster is a popular item for collectors and a symbol of revolutionary struggle.
5. Cuban cigar box with Che Guevara's image:
This cigar box, featuring an image of Che Guevara on the lid, sold at auction in 2019 for $5,000. The box is a unique item for collectors and a symbol of Cuba's history and culture.
6. Wooden box with Che Guevara's image:
This wooden box, featuring an image of Che Guevara on the lid, sold at auction in 2017 for $6,500. The box is a unique piece of art and a symbol of Che's continuing influence.
7. Book signed by Che Guevara:
This book, "The Motorcycle Diaries," was signed by Che Guevara in 1952. It sold at auction in 2016 for $16,000. The book is an important piece of Che's personal history and a symbol of his early revolutionary ideals.
8. T-shirt with Che Guevara's image:
This t-shirt, featuring an image of Che Guevara, sold at auction in 2014 for $6,000. The t-shirt is a popular item for collectors and a symbol of Che's continuing influence on popular culture.
9. Set of three posters featuring Che Guevara:
This set of three posters, each featuring an image of Che Guevara, sold at auction in 2019 for $5,500. The posters are a unique and important piece of art, and a symbol of Che's continuing impact on the world.
10. Revolutionary poster with Che Guevara's image:
This poster, featuring an image of Che Guevara and the words "¡Hasta la victoria siempre!" ("Until victory, always!"), sold at auction in 2015 for $7,000. The poster is a powerful symbol of revolutionary struggle and a unique piece of political history.
These pieces of Che Guevara memorabilia are not only significant in terms of their cultural and historical value, but they also represent a connection to Che's legacy and continuing impact on Cuban history.
About your Author:
Adrian Roose has over 30 years’ experience covering all aspects of the rare stamp & memorabilia industry during which he has sold over £50m of unique items, helping build collections for Royalty, household name celebrities and 1,000s of collectors around the world.
Adrian was previously a Director at Stanley Gibbons, a Board Member of Stampex, and Executive Director of Paul Fraser Collectibles, PFC Auctions and JustCollecting, prior to founding The Memorabilia Club.