Obama Basketball Jersey Sells For $120,000

This handout photo taken in 1979 from Heritage Auctions and obtained by AFP on August 19, 2019 shows Punahou High School student Barack Obama (C) attempting a lay up at a basketball game during his senior year as part of the 1979 Hawaii State Champion boys' varsity basketball team. A basketball jersey worn by former US president Barack Obama at high school has sold at auction for USD 120,000, smashing its pre-sale estimate, the auction house said on August 19, 2019. The number 23 jersey -- which was issued by Hawaii's Punahou School for its 1978-79 season -- had been expected to go for $100,000, Heritage Auctions said in a statement. Handout / Heritage Auctions / AFP

This handout photo taken in 1979 from Heritage Auctions and obtained by AFP on August 19, 2019, shows Punahou High School student Barack Obama (C) attempting a lay up at a basketball game during his senior year as part of the 1979 Hawaii State Champion boys’ varsity basketball team.
PHOTO: Handout / Heritage Auctions / AFP

A basketball jersey once owned by former US president Barack Obama sold on Monday for $120,000, according to the Dallas auction house that sold it.

The number 23 jersey belonged to 18-year-old Obama while he was a senior at Punahou high school in Hawaii, where he lived at the time, according to Heritage Auctions.

The jersey was valued at $100,000 before it was sold.

Obama is a known basketball fan and was often seen playing during his tenure at the White House, with presidential staffers, celebrities or other guests.

AFP