Record-Setting Sale: Priciest ‘Star Wars’ Item Auctioned Off
The Star Wars franchise surged into pop culture prominence following the debut of A New Hope in 1977. Consequently, a competitive, lucrative market for collectibles emerged. Now, this phenomenon has reached unprecedented levels. An original 1977 half-sheet artwork by illustrator Tom Jung has fetched $3.875 million, establishing it as the most valuable piece of Star Wars memorabilia ever auctioned.
The artwork showcases the central characters of the film, with a formidable Darth Vader towering in the background. This piece was the first widely disseminated image used to market A New Hope during its theatrical release. Sold as part of Heritage Auction’s Hollywood & Entertainment Signature Auction, the artwork was consigned directly by the estate of producer Gary Kurtz. The auction also included Margaret Hamilton’s screen-worn Wicked Witch of the West flying hat, and Francis Ford Coppola’s personal script for Godfather Part II.
“This marks not only a significant achievement for Star Wars, but it’s also a pivotal moment for the broader realm of pop culture collectibles and artwork,” remarks Charles Epting, director of Consignments, Pop Culture & Historical at Heritage Auction. “This painting shaped the visual narrative of one of the most cherished films in history, and its influence evidently continues to resonate with top-tier collectors.”
The Tom Jung artwork surpassed the previous record held by Darth Vader’s lightsaber as the priciest Star Wars collectible ever. The renowned weapon was auctioned by Propstore in September 2025, selling for $3.654 million. The lightsaber holds substantial historical significance, having appeared in crucial scenes of both The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. During filming, it was used by both actor David Prowse and stunt performer Bob Anderson.
Heritage Auctions: [Website](https://www.ha.com/)
Sources: [Heritage Auctions Establishes New World Record With $3.875 Million ‘Star Wars’ Painting in Landmark Hollywood & Entertainment Sale](https://www.ha.com/heritage-auctions-press-releases-and-news/heritage-auctions-establishes-new-world-record-with-3.875-million-star-wars-painting-in-landmark-hollywood-and-entertainment-sale.s?releaseId=5370); [Darth Vader lightsaber fetches more than $3.6M at auction](https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Culture/darth-vader-lightsaber-auction-star-wars/story?id=125251261)
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