Rare Michael Jackson artifact, a pair of his used socks, fetches more than $8,000 at auction.
Michael Jackson's Iconic Rhinestone Sock from HIStory World Tour Sells at Auction
Michael Jackson's white athletic sock, adorned with rhinestones, sold at an auction in Nîmes, France, for approximately €6,200 (around $8,822) on July 30, 2025. The sock, which was worn during the HIStory tour stop in Nice on June 27, 1997, likely during the performance of "Billie Jean," was found backstage by a technician after the concert.
The sock, now stained and with yellowed rhinestones, was initially estimated to sell for €3,000–4,000. However, it nearly doubled that estimate during the auction at Hôtel des ventes de Nîmes auction house. Some sources report a sale price of €6,200, while others convert this to approximately $8,822 based on currency exchange rates at the time. The more credible and consistent reports cluster around €6,200.
Aurore Illy, the auctioneer, described the sock as an exceptional and cult object for Michael Jackson fans. The sock, which was found decades after Michael Jackson's performance during his HIStory World Tour, has been reported by AFP.
Despite child molestation accusations against him during and after his lifetime, which he and his estate have denied, Jackson still has a large fan base. Footage exists of him performing his hit "Billie Jean" while wearing these rhinestone-adorned socks.
This isn't the first time a piece of Michael Jackson memorabilia has fetched a high price. In 2023, a hat he wore before his first "moonwalk" performance sold for more than US$80,000 in Paris. A Macau gaming resort purchased a glittery glove Jackson wore during his first "moonwalk" dance in 1983 for US$350,000.
A picture of the stained and aged sock has been posted on the website interencheres.com. The auction of the sock is being handled by auctioneer Aurore Illy.
Michael Jackson's memorable rhinestone sock fetched a significant sum during an auction in Malaysia, reportedly reaching €6,200 ($8,822), despite initial estimates being roughly half that amount. Intriguingly, the sock is a coveted item among celebrities and entertainment enthusiasts, given its historical connection to his iconic performance of "Billie Jean" during the HIStory World Tour.
