Beethoven’s Hair

When composer Ludwig van Beethoven died in 1827, his total estate was valued at 9,885 florins and 18 kreuzer or about $1,620. But not all of his possessions were accounted for. A lock of Beethoven’s hair, cut by 15-year-old Ferdinand Hiller, eventually made its way to America, where it sold in 1994 for more than $7,000.