And the value of these items keeps rising. Julien said that two pairs of Monroe’s shoes, which a collector bought from Christie’s for $3,000 in 1999, sold for around $15,000 per pair several years later.

In such auctions, the most iconic items tend to be the most popular. For Jackson, potential bidders showed the most interest in the crystal white glove and the gates to Neverland. Although the glove carried a presale estimate of $10–15,000, Julien says there was interest at more than $400,000. “You always underestimate because you want to generate excitement and you want bidders from all over the world,” Julien explained. “It only takes two people around the world who want the same item to drive the price to record levels.”