Einstein's 'Tongue' Photo Sold for $338,630

The famous photograph of Albert Einstein with his tongue out, has been sold for a record $338,630 at RR Auction at its Remarkable Rarities auction. 

The picture, signed by Einstein, bears the inscription (in German): "This gesture applies only to the rest of the world. Yours, A. Einstein 51."


This rare, original print from March 14, 1951, captured by United Press International photographer Arthur Sasse showcases Einstein on his 72nd birthday. After a taxing day filled with celebrations and press attention at the Princeton Club, Einstein cheekily stuck out his tongue to the cameras as he entered a friend's car. This spontaneous moment became one of the most enduring images of the 20th century.


"Einstein recognized the hilarity of this photo and the fact that he was sticking his tongue out at the world," said Bobby Livingston, Executive Vice President at RR Auction. "He only sent these photos to his closest friends, making them extremely rare, and we know that this photo once belonged to Einstein himself."

The image was initially part of a larger scene including Dr. Frank Aydelotte and his wife, but was cropped at Einstein's request to focus solely on his expression. The photograph was previously owned by Otto Nathan, a close friend of Einstein and the executor of his estate, and later found its way into the hands of Margaret Sanders, daughter of KFC founder Col. Harland Sanders. 

Other highlights from the sale included:


• a Steve Jobs signed Apple Computer business card, circa 1983 ($103,750)
• a George Washington signed letter as President acknowledging the Senate's message on his reelection ($91,506)
• a King Henry VIII signed letter on Archbishop of Canterbury Thomas Cranmer ($63,750)
• an Isaac Newton document signed as Warden of the Royal Mint making a case against a notorious coin counterfeiter ($48,125)