The world of celebrity memorabilia has seen everything from handwritten letters to guitars, costumes, and even locks of hair go under the hammer. But one niche corner of collecting has fascinated historians and enthusiasts alike: the sale of famous teeth. These peculiar artifacts not only reveal extraordinary sums spent at auctions but also shine a spotlight on the cultural icons they once belonged to.
One of the most notable examples is Sir Isaac Newton’s tooth, which fetched an astonishing price at a Sotheby’s auction in 1816. Bought for a sum equivalent to tens of thousands of dollars today, the tooth was mounted in a ring and treasured as a relic of scientific genius. It remains one of the earliest and most expensive human teeth ever sold.
Another remarkable case involves John Lennon’s molar, auctioned in 2011. Gifted originally to his housekeeper in the 1960s, the tooth sold for thousands of pounds to a Canadian dentist who proudly displayed it in his office. The sale illustrated how deeply fans value personal items from the legendary Beatle’s life—no matter how unconventional.
The fascination doesn’t end with scientists and musicians. The tooth of Napoleon Bonaparte also made headlines when a fragment believed to be his was auctioned as part of a collection of personal relics. Historians say it may have been extracted during his time in exile. The sale captivated collectors of military and royal memorabilia, pushing bids into impressive territory.
Even mythic figures have joined the list. A tooth attributed to George Washington—though not one of his famously uncomfortable wooden dentures—was auctioned as part of an early American history collection, drawing a large crowd of bidders eager to own a piece of presidential heritage.
What makes these teeth so valuable? Experts say it’s a rare combination of historical significance, personal intimacy, and the uniqueness of the item itself. Unlike letters or clothing, teeth offer a direct biological connection to the person, making them some of the most unusual yet emotionally powerful collectibles in history.
As auctions continue to push the boundaries of what fans and collectors are willing to pay for, human teeth from notable figures remain among the strangest—and surprisingly expensive—artifacts ever sold. These relics remind us that history can survive in unexpected forms, sometimes preserved not in books or monuments, but in the very bones of the legends we admire.
