June 27 (Bloomberg) — Michael Jackson memorabilia auctioned off the day after his death fetched $205,000, exceeding original estimates of $10,000 to $12,000.

The auction, planned before the entertainer’s June 25 death, included a sheer, long-sleeve shirt worn on his 1984 “Victory” tour and a handwritten letter, according to an e- mail today from Darren Julien, chief executive officer of West Hollywood, California-based Julien’s Auctions.

The prices underscore the heightened interest in Jackson’s music and memorabilia following his death from a suspected cardiac arrest this week in Los Angeles. Albums featuring Jackson, who died at age 50, occupied the top 14 rankings for best-selling music at Amazon.com Inc. today, according to the Seattle-based retailer’s Web site.

“Michael was highly collectible in the first place,” Julien said in an interview. “We actually contemplated pulling the lots after his death. We didn’t want anyone to think we were taking advantage of the situation, but a fan told us, we need to celebrate Michael’s life.”

The custom long-sleeve shirt was expected to sell for $1,000 to $1,500 and went for $52,500, Julien’s said. It has a white spandex lining and is completely covered in small pearls on one side and a combination of pearls and Swarovski crystal on the other. It was created by designer Bill Whitten and was once part of the collection of David Gest, former husband of Liza Minnelli, according to the auction house.

Handwritten Letter

The handwritten letter had a presale estimate of $200 to $300 and sold for $12,500, the company said. Other items included a pencil drawing of a boy by Jackson, the company said previously

VIA: BLOOMBERG