The Top 5 Most Expensive Star Wars Collectibles Ever Sold
Above: The Screen-used X-Wing Miniature sold for over $3 million
Post Author - Ellis Nolan
When Star Wars debuted in theaters on May 25th, 1977, it launched an international phenomenon spanning decades of film history. Today, the series has had countless spinoffs, TV shows, books, and merchandising emblazoned with its characters and symbols, for which fans are ready to part with a pretty penny. Here are the top five most expensive Star Wars memorabilia items ever sold:
Red Leader X-Wing Model - $3.1 Million
Above: Detail shot of the X-Wing Miniature
Industrial Light and Magic (ILM) prop maker Greg Jein created this X-Wing Model for one of the final scenes of Episode IV: A New Hope, as the Rebel fleet takes on the Death Star. Since many battle scenes in Star Wars required miniatures to be destroyed with explosives, ILM artists would make many multiples of ships in order to have enough for multiple takes. Despite being screen-used, this model was spared that fate: Jein says he found it in a cardboard box in his home!
Full-Scale R2D2 Model - $2.7 Million
Above: This R2D2 model sold for over $2 million!
Another iconic machine from A New Hope that fetched a massive price tag at auction: a full-scale model of R2D2, Luke Skywalker’s loyal astromech droid. This particular droid was assembled out of pieces from various production models used in Episode IV, but collectors beware, according to Heritage Auctions, there is a current offer for the droid for $4.1 million.
Rebellion Y-Wing Model $2.3 Million
Above: The Rebel Y-Wing is one of the more oddly shaped ships in Star Wars
Another miniature used in the Episode IV Death Star assault sequence: the rebel Y-Wing ship. With a different layout than the iconic X-Wing, this model has many intricate details created by ILM model makers, and can be seen flying behind an X-wing pilot in A New Hope.
Boba Fett Rocket Launching Figure Prototype - $1.3 Million
This toy was created by the Kenner company, known for their action figures of Star Wars characters as well as those from many movie and TV franchises. Some sources note that this particular figure was sent to fans who purchased other items through the mail, but was eventually shelved since the “rockets” posed a choking hazard. Thus, it is unknown how many items are actually in circulation, since it was never made available in stores.
Darth Vader Episode IV Helmet - $1.1 Million
Above: I find your lack of faith... disturbing.
Last but far from least, the Sith Apprentice himself. This piece, said to have been used in the filming of Episode IV, is Lord Vader’s iconic helmet, which struck fear into Rebel soldiers and Imperial commanders alike.
Want your own piece of film history? Visit our pop culture collection here!
Krayt Dragon - Star Wars IV
Krayt Dragon - Star Wars IV
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