Michael Jackson memorabilia continues to wow fans as a rhinestone-covered sock from his 1997 tour sells for over $8,000 at a French auction in Nimes

Michael Jackson memorabilia continues to captivate fans and collectors worldwide, as one of his iconic glittery socks sold for more than $8,000 in France.

Also read: Michael Jackson: Stake in catalogue sells for $600m

The single, rhinestone-covered white athletic sock worn during Jackson’s 1997 HIStory World Tour was auctioned on Wednesday in the southern French city of Nimes.

Originally valued between $3,400 and $4,500, the item sold for a surprising $8,822, according to auctioneer Aurore Illy.

Discovered near the pop icon’s dressing room by a technician after the concert, the sock is now off-white, with yellowed rhinestones and visible stains evidence of its authentic use.

Despite its condition, Illy called it an “exceptional object, even a cult one for Michael Jackson fans.”

Clips from the 1997 performance show Jackson moonwalking to “Billie Jean” while wearing similar socks, enhancing the collectible’s value.

Also read: Kendrick Lamar confirmed as Super Bowl halftime show headliner

This isn’t the first time Michael Jackson memorabilia has made headlines: a glittery glove fetched \$350,000 in 2009, and a hat sold for over $80,000 in Paris last year.