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John Lennon's Tooth Sells for More Than $31,000 at Auction

Originally was a gift to his housekeeper in the 1960s

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November 6, 2011 9:14 AM ET
John Lennon's molar
John Lennon's molar sold at auction. Photo courtesy of Omega Auction House.
Courtesy of Omega Auction House

The tooth fairy's rates have dramatically increased in the last 40+ years, especially when the bounty is a Beatle's molar. John Lennon's tooth fetched £19,000 (about $31,200) at auction in England Saturday.

The tooth had been in the family of Lennon's former housekeeper. Lennon gave it to Dot Jarlett to dispose of sometime between 1964 and 1968, but then he suggested she keep the tooth to give to her daughter, who was a big Beatles fan.

Lennon's molar is too fragile to be DNA tested to confirmed it belonged to him, but the owner of the Omega Auction House, which listed the item, told CNN that because it was coming from Jarlett, they don't doubt the tooth's authenticity.

It was expected to sell for $16,000, so the actual selling price of the molar is almost double the amount. A Canadian dentist says he's the winning bidder, but the auction house had yet to confirm the winner's identity on Saturday.

Related 

• John Lennon's Tooth to Be Auctioned

• John Lennon and Yoko Ono in New York: Photos

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