The 10 most expensive pieces of John Lennon memorabilia sold at auction
John Lennon was a beloved musician, singer-songwriter, and member of the Beatles.
His music, art, and activism have inspired generations of fans, and his memorabilia has become highly sought after by collectors.
Here are ten of the most expensive pieces of John Lennon memorabilia that have sold at auction.
1. His Gibson J-160E acoustic guitar:
In 2015, the guitar John Lennon used to record some of the Beatles' earliest hits, including "She Loves You" and "I Want to Hold Your Hand," sold for $2.4 million at an auction in California.
2. His handwritten lyrics:
In 2019, a sheet of paper containing John Lennon's handwritten lyrics for the song "Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite!" sold for $354,000 at an auction in New York.
3. His suit:
In 2005, a suit worn by John Lennon in the 1967 film "How I Won the War" sold for $66,000 at an auction in London.
4. His piano:
The piano John Lennon used to compose and record the song "Imagine" sold for $2.1 million at an auction in 2000.
5. His car:
In 2011, a car owned by John Lennon, a 1965 Rolls-Royce Phantom V, sold for $2.3 million at an auction in Arizona.
6. His bed:
In 2011, the bed John Lennon and Yoko Ono used for their "Bed-In for Peace" in 1969 sold for $153,000 at an auction in New York.
7. His sunglasses:
A pair of sunglasses worn by John Lennon sold for $183,000 at an auction in London in 2019.
8. His hand-drawn Christmas card:
In 2017, a hand-drawn Christmas card created by John Lennon sold for $21,000 at an auction in New York.
9. His artwork:
A drawing by John Lennon titled "The Fat Budgie" sold for $143,000 at an auction in 2012.
10. His passport:
In 2013, John Lennon's 1965 British passport sold for $209,000 at an auction in London.
John Lennon memorabilia continues to be highly coveted by collectors and fans alike, with prices often reaching impressive heights at auction.
These pieces offer a tangible connection to the musician, artist, and activist, and they serve as a testament to the enduring impact that John Lennon has had on music and popular culture.
Further reading:
The Celebrity Memorabilia Index
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.