Having a galaxy piece is a dream come true for Star Wars fans. But what is the most valuable item in Star Wars? Over the years, some amazing memorabilia has gone up for auction, selling for mind-blowing prices that reflect how rare and special they are and how passionate the fans are!
In this post, we're taking you through the 10+ most expensive Star Wars items you can find; we'll show you the franchise's coolest (priciest) treasures and, of course, the reasons why they're so valuable. Let's check it out now!
What Is the Most Valuable Item in Star Wars Auctions?
In this section, we'll delve into the most valuable Star Wars items ever sold at auction, ranked from the most expensive down to those that, while slightly less costly, are no less iconic. Let’s check!
1. R2-D2 Droid Used in Films
An R2-D2 droid used in several Star Wars films fetched a staggering $2.76 million at a Profiles in History auction in 2017; this made it the most valuable piece of memorabilia from the franchise.
R2-D2 is one of the most beloved characters in the Star Wars universe, known for his loyalty, resourcefulness, and humorous beeps and whistles. This particular 43-inch tall unit was constructed from parts used throughout the filming of the original trilogy. He’s had some epic moments alongside heroes like Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, and C-3PO and played an important role in many key moments of the saga.
2. TIE Fighter Filming Miniature
The Imperial spaceships are all over the original trilogy, and this particular TIE Fighter model has a special place in the saga. It was used on-screen during the attack on the Death Star, including the famous moment when it crashes into Darth Vader’s ship, giving Luke the opening to take his shot and blow up the Death Star. That scene alone makes this model a huge piece of Star Wars history.
Because of its significance and screen time, this TIE Fighter model went for big money when it was auctioned at Profiles in History back in 2008. It sold for a jaw-dropping $402,500, including the buyer’s premium. Not bad for a miniature spaceship that's only about the size of your fist! It just goes to show how much fans and collectors are willing to pay to own a piece of the galaxy far, far away.
3. Han Solo’s Blaster
While most fighters in the galaxy wield lightsabers, Han Solo, played by Harrison Ford, chose the more down-to-earth laser blaster. And fans loved it. So much so that the very blaster used by Ford in The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi became a highly sought-after piece of Star Wars memorabilia.
In 2013, it was auctioned at Profiles in History for a whopping $246,000 (even though it wasn’t in pristine condition) because of its status as "possibly the most exciting science fiction weapon for public auction." So, it’s no surprise that Han Solo’s blaster is one of the most iconic franchise props.
4. Luke Skywalker’s Lightsaber
Luke Skywalker's lightsaber is one of the most iconic props in movie history, representing "an elegant weapon for a more civilized age." In 2008, the lightsaber was auctioned at Profiles in History for $200,000, matching the sale price of another famed piece, Han Solo’s blaster. Including the buyer’s premium, the final price reached $240,000, setting a record for a screen-used lightsaber at the time.
This unique piece was sold from the personal collection of producer Gary Kurtz, and since then, its whereabouts remain unknown, though it is likely displayed as a prized collectible. Unlike many props, there was only one lightsaber created for Luke Skywalker, making it a one-of-a-kind item. It remains in pristine condition, though it is merely the hilt without any real light-emitting capabilities.
5. X-Wing Fighter Model from The Empire Strikes Back
The X-Wing Fighter model was used to film those epic space battles where Luke Skywalker and the Rebels take down TIE Fighters, making it a key part of the action. Instead of building every X-Wing model from scratch, they bought regular toy kits, put them together, and painted them up at the ILM workshop. This particular model was given a battle-worn look and used in the Hoth evacuation scenes.
Since these models often got destroyed during filming (thanks to all the pyrotechnic explosions), it’s a miracle any of them survived. One lucky owner cashed in big time, selling theirs for $225,000 at a Profiles in History auction, making it one of the most valuable Star Wars collectibles out there.
6. Han Solo’s Jacket from The Force Awakens
Worn by Harrison Ford when he reprised his role as the iconic smuggler after 32 years, the Han Solo’s Jacket quickly became a prized item for fans and collectors. Ford personally donated the jacket to a charity auction to support a cause close to his heart—the NYU Langone Medical Center’s FACES (Finding a Cure for Epilepsy and Seizures) department, inspired by his daughter’s struggles with epilepsy.
Given its backstory and significance, the jacket became the most important Han Solo costume piece ever auctioned from the entire Star Wars series. In March 2016, it was sold for an impressive $191,000 through the charity site If Only. This not only made it a valuable piece of film history but also a meaningful contribution to a worthy cause, blending Star Wars nostalgia with a powerful charitable impact.
7. Chewbacca’s Headpiece
Chewbacca's headpiece is one of the most iconic props from the Star Wars films, worn by the 7’3” tall actor Peter Mayhew. Only five masks were made for the movies, making them exceptionally rare. Crafted from mohair and yak hair, it might not seem like much to those unfamiliar with Star Wars, but to fans, it's an invaluable piece of the franchise's history. Chewbacca was inspired by director George Lucas's dog, Indiana, who often rode beside him like a "co-pilot," a trait reflected in the character's loyal companionship with Han Solo.
In 2012, one of these screen-worn masks sold for $172,200 (including buyer's premium) at a Profiles in History auction, showing just how cherished it is among collectors.
8. ILM Motion Control Camera
The ILM Motion Control Camera, known as the "Rama," was the second Motion Control camera developed by Industrial Light and Magic (ILM), following the "Dykstraflex," which was created by John Dykstra and his team to film realistic space battles using miniature models. This computer-controlled camera enabled precise movement, making it possible to shoot complex battle scenes between X-Wings and TIE Fighters.
One of its most notable contributions was creating the legendary shot of the Millennium Falcon jumping to light speed for the first time. The "Rama" was not only used extensively in The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi but also for effects in other classics like E.T., Raiders of the Lost Ark, and Poltergeist. In September 2016, this historic piece of movie-making equipment was auctioned off for $140,000, including the buyer’s premium, at a Prop Store auction.
9. C-3PO’s Head
Throughout the movie, C-3PO plays a key role, whether translating for Jabba the Hutt or being worshipped as a "golden god" by the Ewoks on Endor. The helmet is a significant part of the iconic protocol droid's look, is worn by Anthony Daniels in Return of the Jedi, and it was part of the costume that Daniels wore to bring C-3PO to life.
The helmet came from the collection of Brian Lofthouse, the prop supervisor who oversaw all aspects of C-3PO’s intricate costume throughout the original trilogy. In December 2008, it sold at a Profiles in History auction for $120,000, including the buyer's premium.
10. Darth Vader’s Lightsaber from The Empire Strikes Back
Although Vader was known more for his imposing presence and ability to use the Force, this lightsaber still played a key role in one of the most memorable scenes in the saga (even if it might not be as recognizable as his helmet). Wielded by David Prowse during production, this prop was used in the climactic fight on Cloud City, where Vader reveals himself as Luke's father and cuts off Luke’s hand, a scene that has become legendary in movie history.
The lightsaber itself, like Luke’s, was only a handle on set and didn’t emit any light; the glowing blade effect was added later by George Lucas’s team of special effects experts. Despite its lack of real function, this prop fetched an impressive $118,000 (including buyer’s premium) at a Profiles in History auction in 2005.
11. Darth Vader’s Helmet from The Empire Strikes Back
This particular Darth Vader helmet is a unique piece from The Empire Strikes Back, used during one of the most memorable moments in the Star Wars saga, the epic battle between Vader and Luke Skywalker, where the shocking revelation is made that Vader is Luke's father.
Unlike other helmets used in the series, this one had transparent cheeks and a modified grill, allowing Olympic fencing champion Bob Anderson, who performed the fight sequences, a much clearer view while battling Mark Hamill. This made it specially designed for the intense, climactic duel scenes. In April 2003, it was auctioned off at a Profiles in History auction, fetching a price of $115,000, including the buyer's premium.
12. Princess Leia’s Slave Costume
Princess Leia’s slave costume originally came from Richard Miller, a longtime designer at Industrial Light and Magic who sculpted and designed this unforgettable outfit. The costume included the original rubber elements worn on screen, along with fabric parts recreated from photos to stay true to the original look. Worn by Carrie Fisher in Return of the Jedi, the gold bikini became an iconic piece when Leia was captured and chained by Jabba the Hutt. Since then, both the scene and the costume have been recreated countless times in shows and as a popular Halloween outfit.
As a result, it’s easily one of the most recognizable and frequently parodied looks from the Star Wars series. But unlike all the replicas out there, the original is worth a pretty penny. In October 2015, it was auctioned off for an impressive $96,000 at Profiles in History, showing just how much value is placed on this iconic piece of movie history.
13. Rocket Launcher Boba Fett Action Figure
Made by the British toy company Palitoy (which has been out of business for a while), the Rocket Launcher Boba Fett action figure has become a rare treasure for collectors, even though it never actually appeared in any of the movies.
Instead of going through a big auction house like Profiles in History, it was sold online and ended up going for a whopping $27,000. Pretty wild, considering the original toy would’ve only cost about $20 to $30 in today’s money! What makes it so special is its unique rocket launcher feature, something you don’t see on the usual action figures.
14. The Empire Strikes Back Movie Poster
In 2018, Heritage Auctions sold a concept poster for The Empire Strikes Back, the 1980 sequel to the original Star Wars, for an impressive $26,000. This sale set a record for the most expensive Star Wars movie poster ever auctioned. It was originally estimated to go for around $10,000, but it blew past expectations, showing just how rare and sought-after it is among collectors.
What makes this poster so unique is that it features the full artwork by artist Roger Kastel in its original color palette, which is super hard to come by. Only a handful of these posters exist, making it one of the rarest pieces from the entire trilogy.
What Makes A Star Wars Item Valuable?
The value of a Star Wars item is determined by a combination of factors that appeal to collectors and enthusiasts, including:
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Iconic movie props (lightsabers, helmets, and ships) can fetch a high price due to their screen time and recognition by fans. For instance, a lightsaber wielded by Luke Skywalker or Darth Vader is easily identifiable and a key part of the movie, boosting its appeal.
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Rare and limited-edition finds are also highly sought after, especially when only a few exist. Collectors are willing to pay a premium for items that are hard to find, like early production models or original artwork.
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Unique production equipment (cameras and models used for special effects) offer a peek behind the scenes; so, they’re valuable for fans interested in how the films were made.
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Costumes and props with historical value, especially those worn by lead characters, for example, Han Solo or Princess Leia, carry a high value because of their connection to pivotal scenes.
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Production and filming equipment, such as the Dykstraflex camera used for groundbreaking effects, also hold a special place in Star Wars lore.
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Unique memorabilia and charity auctions often drive up the value as fans not only get a collectible but also contribute to a worthy cause.
Basically, collectors value authenticity and items that have a strong connection to the franchise's history and culture. Understanding these factors can help you appreciate the worth of Star Wars memorabilia.
So, what is the most valuable item in Star Wars? As of now, it’s the R2-D2 Droid Used in Films for $2.76 million. However, from rare lightsabers to screen-used costumes and production models, every item in Star Wars has its own story and brings a bit of that Star Wars magic into your hands. These pricey collectibles prove how much Star Wars means to fans worldwide.
Now, ready to bring some Star Wars vibes into your own space? Check out Fendory's officially licensed Star Wars merch collection for all the coolest gear!
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