$1.49M for a Plastic Throne? The Wild Bidding War Over a Game of Thrones Icon

Fans of Game of Thrones have once again been given the opportunity to own a piece of television history, with a remarkable auction in Dallas showcasing some of the most iconic memorabilia from the beloved series. Between October 10 and October 12, Heritage Auctions held its “Game of Thrones: The Auction” event, raising an impressive $21.1 million, with over 4,500 bidders from around the globe vying for exclusive items from the show.

One of the most coveted pieces of memorabilia up for grabs was the “original touring Iron Throne,” molded from the screen-used throne seen in the series. This replica, described as a “dragon-forged” chair made from the “swords of the vanquished,” fetched an astounding $1.49 million. The auction house reported that the bidding battle for this item lasted nearly six minutes, culminating in a seven-figure sale that had the entire room erupting in applause. The throne, embellished with jewels to resemble the legendary Iron Throne, holds deep significance for fans, symbolizing the quest for power in Westeros.

Other standout pieces in the auction included Jon Snow’s prized Valyrian steel sword, Longclaw. The “hero” version of the sword, which was used throughout the series by Kit Harington’s character, sold for $400,000, making it the second-most expensive item of the event. Additionally, Jon Snow’s outfit from his “Beyond the Wall” journey in Season 7 earned $137,500, which included a lighter action version of Longclaw. Meanwhile, a third “action” iteration of Longclaw fetched $106,250, and Harington’s iconic Night’s Watch ensemble went for $337,500.

Other fan favorites also drew impressive bids. Jaime Lannister’s black-leather armor ensemble sold for $275,000, while Arya Stark’s boy ensemble, complete with the action Needle sword, was snapped up for $150,000. Daenerys Targaryen’s iconic white-and-gray arctic rabbit fur coat, adorned with a triple-dragon head brooch, went for $156,250.

Joe Maddalena, Executive Vice President of Heritage Auctions, expressed his excitement about the overwhelming success of the auction. “From the moment we launched the Game of Thrones auction, it was clear this was going to resonate with everyone,” he said. “These are extraordinary treasures made by Emmy-winning costume designers and prop makers, who worked tirelessly to adapt George R.R. Martin’s wonderful novels.”

HBO’s Janet Graham Borba also shared her gratitude, saying, “These fans continue to be passionate collectors, and we are grateful to them and our partners at Heritage for making this a giant success.”

The Game of Thrones auction now ranks as the second-highest entertainment auction in history, just behind the $22.8 million raised by the 2011 Debbie Reynolds sale. This event not only celebrated the legacy of the series but also allowed fans to take home a piece of the magic that made Game of Thrones a global phenomenon.

With Game of Thrones concluding in 2019 after eight seasons, this auction served as a fitting tribute to the iconic show and the many treasures that contributed to its lasting impact on pop culture. Whether you’re a collector or a die-hard fan, the items from this auction will undoubtedly remain cherished artifacts from one of the greatest television shows of all time.