The 10 most valuable pieces of Kurt Cobain memorabilia sold at auction
Kurt Cobain was a musician, artist, and icon of the grunge movement in the 1990s.
Despite his untimely death in 1994, his influence on music and culture has endured, and his memorabilia continues to be highly sought after by fans and collectors.
Here are ten of the most valuable pieces of Kurt Cobain memorabilia that have sold at auction.
1. His 1959 Martin D-18E guitar:
The guitar played by Kurt Cobain during Nirvana's iconic 1993 MTV Unplugged performance sold for a record-breaking $6 million at an auction in 2020.
2. His MTV Video Music Award:
The award won by Nirvana for Best New Artist in a Video at the 1992 MTV Video Music Awards sold for $16,640 at an auction in 2019.
3. His signed yearbook:
Kurt Cobain's high school yearbook, which he signed and decorated with drawings, sold for $28,000 at an auction in 2017.
4. His MTV Unplugged sweater:
The green cardigan worn by Kurt Cobain during Nirvana's MTV Unplugged performance sold for $137,500 at an auction in 2019.
5. His signed guitar:
A guitar signed by Kurt Cobain sold for $21,600 at an auction in 2016.
6. His handwritten lyrics:
A notebook containing handwritten lyrics and drawings by Kurt Cobain sold for $75,000 at an auction in 2015.
7. His passport:
Kurt Cobain's passport, which features a photo of the musician wearing sunglasses, sold for $117,000 at an auction in 2020.
8. His signed and worn shirt:
A shirt signed and worn by Kurt Cobain sold for $17,000 at an auction in 2015.
9. His used guitar strings:
A set of used guitar strings from Kurt Cobain's guitar sold for $4,000 at an auction in 2016.
10. His artwork:
A drawing by Kurt Cobain, titled "Fuck Elvis," sold for $9,000 at an auction in 2017.
These pieces of Kurt Cobain memorabilia offer fans and collectors a unique glimpse into the life and legacy of one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century.
From his guitars and handwritten lyrics to his passport and yearbook, these items serve as a reminder of the enduring impact of Kurt Cobain and the music he created.
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.