The ball – which was also autographed by Michael Jordan – was originally estimated to sell for just $600 before the auction of over 100 pieces of memorabilia, including numerous items related to the ‘Thriller’ singer, in Macau, China, on Saturday (09.10.10).
The basketball was bought by an unknown internet bidder, while another mystery fan paid $180,000 for a black crystal-studded glove and an arm brace the singer wore while filming a promotional video for his 1995 album ‘HIStory’.
A ‘Beat It’ jacket was bought for $156,000 – nearly 20 times more than its estimated value.
Also up for auction was a costume worn by Michael Keaton in ‘Batman Returns’, which fetched over $43,000 and a velvet ball gown once worn by the late Princess Diana, which was bought by a South American museum for $114,000.
In total, over 435 celebrity items were auctioned off, including a black lace bra once owned by Marilyn Monroe, a pair of ‘Star Trek’ character Mr Spock’s prosthetic ears, a pair of Bruce Lee’s shoes and a costume worn by Madonna on her ‘Girlie Show’ tour.
Over $3.2 million was taken in total at the auction.
