Elvis Presley, the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, remains one of the most collectible figures in music history. Fans and collectors worldwide continue to seek items connected to him, often paying astonishing sums. From everyday objects to personal mementos, anything associated with Elvis can command attention in the memorabilia market. This article explores some of the most unusual Elvis collectibles that have sold for significant amounts, offering a glimpse into the enduring fascination with this cultural icon.
10 – A Dental Crown
One of the stranger yet highly sought-after collectibles is Elvis’ dental crown. Canadian dentist Dr. Michael Zuk paid £5,200 for the crown at Omega Auctions in Stockport, Greater Manchester. Zuk already owned a John Lennon tooth and added this crown to his collection. The item was extensively documented, along with a model of Elvis’ teeth, making it a rare and remarkable piece of rock history.
9 – A Shot Television
Elvis had a legendary habit of shooting televisions when displeased with what was on screen. One RCA miniature TV, complete with radio and clock, sold for $14,495 via Gotta Have Rock & Roll. The screen, which Elvis shot while watching singer Robert Goulet, still bears a bullet hole and was signed by the King, making it a vivid reminder of his unpredictable personality.
8 – A Not Shot Television
Not all of Elvis’ televisions were permanently damaged. Another RCA TV, likely shot but later repaired so his father could use it, sold for just over $1,000 at Julien’s Auctions in 2019. This item demonstrates that even repaired or partially damaged objects with a connection to Elvis carry collector interest.
7 – A Ball of Hair
Hair from famous figures has long fascinated collectors, and Elvis’ locks are no exception. Homer Gilleland, Elvis’ personal barber, sold a baseball-sized ball of the King’s hair for $72,500 at Kruse GWS Auctions in 2021. Smaller strands and locks, including pieces from his army buzz cut, have also appeared on the market, reflecting the intimate allure of these collectibles.
Jar containing a ball of Elvis Presley's hair
6 – An Exercise Bike
Elvis’ fitness regimen included a gold-colored exercise bike, which sold for $12,000 in 2008 at Guernsey’s Auctions. The Barkleigh-made machine, certified and previously used, featured advanced tension control and a speedometer for its era, illustrating Elvis’ interest in personal fitness technology.
5 – A Private Jet
Elvis’ 1962 Lockheed Jetstar private plane reflects the extravagance associated with his lifestyle. Expected to sell for millions, it fetched $430,000 in 2017 after sitting unused for three decades. The new owner later sold it for $260,000, highlighting the complex market for high-value memorabilia.
Elvis Presley's 1962 Lockheed Jetstar private jet
4 – An X-ray
A testament to Elvis’ martial arts dedication, an X-ray of his broken wrist sold for $3,500 at a Fame Bureau auction in 2008. The King, known for practicing karate, sustained the injury during training, making this medical record a unique collectible that blends health history with pop culture.
3 – A Pill Bottle
Prescription medications played a role in the tragic early death of Elvis Presley. A bottle of Benadryl 50mg tablets prescribed the day before his death sold for $7,000 at Julien’s Auctions, demonstrating the sometimes controversial nature of collecting intimate personal items from the King.
Prescription pill bottle used by Elvis Presley
2 – A Swab
Even more personal, a 1967 used medical swab preserved by a technician from Baptist Memorial Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, sold for just under $500 in 2010. Items like this show the extreme lengths collectors go to acquire tangible connections to Elvis’ life.
1 – A Used Paper Cup
Arguably the most peculiar collectible, a crumpled paper cup from which Elvis drank during an early 1956 show in Tulsa, Oklahoma, sold for over $3,300. The cup came with supporting documents verifying its provenance, reflecting the extraordinary value fans place on even the most mundane objects associated with the King.
Elvis Presley remains a highly collectible figure, even decades after his passing. With films celebrating his life and the upcoming 50th anniversary of his death in 2027, interest in memorabilia is unlikely to wane. From personal effects to quirky artifacts, collectors continue to find value in anything connected to the King, proving that his legacy endures in the hearts of fans worldwide.