Martin Luther King Jr. was a prominent civil rights leader who fought for racial equality in the United States during the 1950s and 60s.
His legacy lives on, and as such, memorabilia associated with him is highly sought after.
In this blog post, we take a look at 10 of the most valuable pieces of Martin Luther King memorabilia that have been sold at auction.
1. "I Have a Dream" speech manuscript:
Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream" speech is one of the most iconic speeches in American history. In 1999, a manuscript of the speech sold for $1.5 million at auction.
2. Nobel Peace Prize:
Martin Luther King was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964 for his work in the civil rights movement. In 2014, his Nobel Peace Prize medal and diploma sold for $870,000 at auction.
3. "Letter from Birmingham Jail" manuscript:
Martin Luther King's "Letter from Birmingham Jail" is a powerful statement on the struggle for civil rights. In 2014, a manuscript of the letter sold for $293,750 at auction.
4. Martin Luther King's personal Bible:
Martin Luther King was a deeply religious man, and his personal Bible is a highly valuable piece of memorabilia. In 2002, his Bible sold for $20,000 at auction.
5. "I Have a Dream" protest sign:
A sign that was carried during the "I Have a Dream" march on Washington in 1963 is a highly sought after piece of memorabilia. In 2015, a sign sold for $125,000 at auction.
6. Martin Luther King's typewriter:
Martin Luther King wrote many of his speeches and letters on a typewriter, and his personal typewriter is a highly valued piece of memorabilia. In 2013, his typewriter sold for $31,250 at auction.
7. Martin Luther King's suit:
Martin Luther King was known for his impeccable style, and his personal suits are highly sought after by collectors. In 2011, one of his suits sold for $28,000 at auction.
8. "I Have a Dream" reel-to-reel recording:
A reel-to-reel recording of Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream" speech is a highly valued piece of memorabilia. In 2012, a recording sold for $130,000 at auction.
9. Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream" pin:
A pin that was given to those who participated in the "I Have a Dream" march on Washington in 1963 is a highly sought after piece of memorabilia. In 2019, a pin sold for $31,250 at auction.
10. Martin Luther King's sermon notes:
Martin Luther King was a powerful speaker, and his sermon notes are highly valued by collectors. In 2011, a collection of his notes sold for $31,250 at auction.
Martin Luther King memorabilia is highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts.
From his powerful speeches and writings to personal items, these pieces of history provide a glimpse into the life and legacy of one of the most important civil rights leaders of all time.
These ten pieces of King memorabilia sold at auction for hundreds of thousands of dollars, demonstrating the enduring interest in this important figure and the impact he had on our society.
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.