1962 John F. Kennedy Birthday-Party Ticket - PSA

Sold For:

$630

Year:

1962

Auction:

2020 Summer

Lot #:

2549

Category:

Historical/Political/Pop Culture/Americana

Scarce ticket stub to President John F. Kennedy's forty-fifth birthday party, held at Madison Square Garden on May 19, 1962, in New York City. Encapsulated by PSA, with the ticket certified as "Authentic." This was the event at which Marilyn Monroe, dressed in a revealing, form-fitting dress, sang her sultry version of "Happy Birthday" to President Kennedy, which further stoked the rumors of their alleged affair. (Monroe's performance can be seen on this YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EqolSvoWNck.) The birthday party, held as a fundraising event for the state and national Democratic committees, was attended by over 15,000 guests, who paid varying amounts for the privilege of being entertained by celebrity performers. The offered ticket, which features a photo of Kennedy on the left side, is for a mezzanine seat, which cost $100. The ticket (6.25 x 3.75 inches) displays a heavy vertical crease, two paperclip impressions along the left border, a few light, scattered stains, and a small area of surface paper loss on the reverse. In Good condition overall. Reserve $300. Estimate (open).