A pair of rhinestone-covered socks once worn by the legendary Michael Jackson has been sold for over $8,800 at a local auction in Nîmes, France—more than double the original estimate. The white athletic socks, embellished with sparkling rhinestones, were famously worn by the pop superstar during his 1997 HIStory World Tour performance in the southern French city.

According to the auction house Aurore Illy, the socks were recovered by a backstage technician near Jackson’s dressing area after the show and had been kept in a framed display for nearly three decades. Despite the passage of time, the socks still retained their iconic flair, albeit with visible age marks such as yellowing rhinestones and light stains.

“These socks are more than just a clothing item—they represent a piece of pop culture history,” said Illy. “To own something from a pivotal moment in Jackson’s career is deeply emotional for many fans.”

The socks were believed to have been worn during Jackson’s performance of Billie Jean, the track most famously associated with his signature Moonwalk dance. The listing for the auction, hosted on interencheres.com, highlighted their direct connection to that iconic performance.

Initially estimated to sell for between €3,000 and €4,000 (around $3,400 to $4,500), the final hammer price reached €7,688 (approximately $8,822), which translates to over PKR 2.26 million in Pakistani currency.

This sale joins a growing number of Michael Jackson memorabilia that continue to draw significant sums from collectors. In 2009, his sequined glove from his debut Moonwalk performance fetched $350,000 in Macau. More recently, in 2023, a fedora hat worn just before that same historic performance sold for over $80,000 in Paris. A leather jacket from his iconic 1984 Pepsi commercial also sold for upwards of $300,000.

Although Jackson’s legacy has faced controversy, interest in his personal items remains high, a testament to his lasting impact on global pop culture. More than 15 years after his death in 2009, fans around the world continue to honor his memory through these one-of-a-kind pieces.