A rare 1787 copy of the U.S. Constitution sold for an astonishing $9 million at Brunk Auctions in Asheville, North Carolina, on October 19, 2023. This document is believed to be the only privately owned copy of its kind, one of about 100 printed by Charles Thomson after the Constitutional Convention. The auction, initially scheduled for September 28, was delayed due to Hurricane Helene, but once it commenced, bidding lasted over seven minutes, starting at $50,000. The document was discovered in a filing cabinet in Edenton, North Carolina, and notably includes a letter from George Washington regarding the ratification of the Constitution. Other significant items sold at the auction included a 1776 draft of the Articles of Confederation, which fetched $1 million, and a 1788 Journal of the Convention that sold for $85,000 [761d946d].
In a separate but related context, the recent auction of a plastic replica of the Iron Throne from Game of Thrones sold for an impressive $1.49 million, highlighting the growing trend of high-value auctions for pop culture memorabilia. This auction, organized by Heritage Auctions, generated over $21 million from more than 4,500 bidders, showcasing the cultural impact of television and film on collectors. Notable sales included Jon Snow's sword Longclaw, which fetched $400,000, and Jaime Lannister's Kingsguard armor, which sold for $212,500. Jay Roewe from HBO noted the continued relevance of the series five years after its finale [723fe793].
Additionally, a couple from Katy, Texas, Betsy and Harry Proctor, have turned their hobby of restoring vintage movie posters into a successful business. They opened The Limited Edition Art & Antiques store in 1994, which is known worldwide for its movie posters. The Proctors got into the poster restoration business fifteen years ago when their son bought a poster and spent $600 to get it linen backed. They now sell the restored posters internationally through their website. The Proctors have sold posters for their art value, sentimental value, and image appeal, with the highest-selling poster being a Star Wars concert poster signed by composer John Williams, which sold for $11,000 to a buyer in Hong Kong.
The auction scene has also seen a rise in the sale of music memorabilia from the 1970s, with high-profile auctions featuring items from musicians like Freddie Mercury and Eric Clapton. Experts recommend considering the popularity of the artist and checking the provenance of items when starting a music memorabilia collection. This trend reflects a broader interest in collecting items that hold historical and cultural significance.
On March 23, 1925, the most expensive film of the silent cinema era, 'Ben Hur', was released, marking a milestone in film history. The film had a budget of $3.9 million and showcased the grandeur of silent films, influencing filmmakers and audiences to this day. The enduring legacy of such iconic films continues to resonate in today's auction markets, where both historical documents and pop culture memorabilia command high prices and attract collectors worldwide.