A dollar bill that was signed by the Beatles just prior to their famous first performance on the Ed Sullivan Show has appeared on eBay.
 The only $1 note signed by all four Beatles in existence |
The bill holds a reserve of $21,000 and, at the time of writing, has 10 hours left for bidding. The three Ed Sullivan Show performances in February 1964 are responsible for launching the Beatles' dazzling US career, and kick starting the British Invasion in music.
Thought to be the only US dollar bill ever signed by all members of the band, the seller rightly states that "the symbolism of them signing this US dollar at the very point in time that they 'conquered' America is enormous".
John Lennon, George Harrison and Ringo Starr have signed in blue ballpoint, while Paul McCartney's signature is written in black felt tip marker. DJ Murray the K, a New York DJ who championed the Beatles during this period, has also added his signature.
The bill is accompanied by a letter of authenticity from renowned Beatles authenticator Frank Caiazzo, who reportedly states that signatures from this period in the Beatles' career are some of the most desirable as the band was not accessible to the public at any point and therefore, relatively few items were signed.
It was originally offered by the seller on eBay just a few days ago, selling for $24,000. However, in the new listing, the seller says that the winning bidder was not able to pay, and if the item isn't sold in today's auction it will be consigned to Heritage Auctions, "where it will likely sell for much more".
 Harrison has inscribed the album, 'Thanks for the JABS George Harrison' |
In May 2011, a signed copy of Meet the Beatles - the band's second US release - that was presented to Dr Jules Gordon for treating George Harrison's sore throat prior to the all-important first Ed Sullivan, performance sold for $55,000. Having been authenticated by Caiazzo, it then re-sold in October 2011 for $75,400.
Paul Fraser Collectibles specialises in sourcing fully authenticated Beatles memorabilia. We have an incredibly rare signed copy of A Hard Day's Night in stock.
