A selection of 12 photographs from Marilyn Monroe's last shoots are to cross the block at Heritage Auctions from March 10-15.

Six images come from Bert Stern's Last Sitting collection (taken in June 1962), while the other six originate from George Barris' shoot a few weeks later.

The photographs are expected to sell for in excess of $60,000.

Rachel Peart of Heritage commented: "What is less well known is that another photographer, George Barris, took a series of intimate pictures of Marilyn a few weeks after Bert Stern's shoot - so those are technically the last ever studio shots of her. Barris' shoot took place on July 13, 1962, and Marilyn Monroe died on August 5, making these photos very poignant.

"Marilyn Monroe transcends generations and appeals to a wide range of collectors. She is timeless and market for Marilyn memorabilia is very strong. Because Marilyn was so iconic a lot of people took photos of her, however these photos are among the best and most rare out there�Ǫ

"No matter how low we put the estimate there is guaranteed to be a lot of interest."

In the past individual photographs from each of the collections have sold for up to $10,000.