Each week Quartz highlights the upcoming and ongoing sales at auction houses across the world. Among the items available are works of art, historical artifacts, and pop culture memorabilia that collectors won’t want to miss out on. While some of these objects go for millions, others are simultaneously affordable and unforgettable.
You can read previous weeks’ roundups here and here.
Continue reading to see the most fascinating objects being sold at auction this week.
The contents of this glass disk changed the course of medical history: this was the mold that enabled Alexander Fleming to revolutionize medicine and create penicillin. Fleming presented mold specimens to several family members and friends – this particular sample belonged to his niece. The mold is valued between $30,000 and $50,000 and will be sold at a Bonhams auction between October 13 and 23.
This personalized scrapbook, from Christine McVie’s archives, contains dozens of newspaper and magazine clippings documenting Fleetwood Mac’s 1977 tour of Australia and New Zealand. The scrapbook is worth an estimated $2,000 to $4,000 and will be available at Julien’s Property from the Life and Career of Christine McVie auction, which will run from October 16 to October 17.
Famed portrait photographer Richard Avedon took this photograph of Marilyn Monroe in May 1957. The photograph – which shows the vivacious actress looking distracted and melancholic – is considered one of Avedon’s most iconic works. Bidding opens on the photo – worth an estimated $80,000 to $120,000 – on October 10.
This first edition copy of Adam Smith’s “The Wealth of Nations” was printed in 1776. This two-volume set was one of an estimated 500 to 750 copies that were originally printed in the 18th century. The set will be available at auction on October 10 and 11. Bidding on the volumes begins at $75,000.
Many of Senator Dianne Feinstein’s personal effects will be available at Bonhams’ Legacy of Stateswoman sale, beginning on October 10. This gold rose petal necklace and earrings set was manufactured by Tiffany and Co. in 1979 and is worth an estimated $2,000 to $3,000.
The buyers of this collection of more than 30 titles will get a unique insight into the interests of the longest-tenured female senator in American history. The set of books includes works about American politics and policy. The set is worth an estimated $400 to $600 and will be available on October 10.
This sleek Art Deco poster was first printed in 1939 to advertise the 20th Century Limited, a passenger express train that ran from New York to Chicago. Designed by artist Leslie Ragan, this poster is considered one of the most iconic images of the Art Deco era and has been featured on American postage stamps. The piece is worth an estimated $12,000 to $18,000 and will be available at Swann Auction Galleries’ Rare and Important Travel Posters sale on October 10.
