Iron Throne Fetches $1.49 Million; Buyer Seeks Dragon
In a bidding war that would make even the Iron Bank of Braavos blush, the replica Iron Throne commanded a staggering $1.49 million at a Dallas auction featuring over 900 lots from the 'Game of Thrones' saga.
The auction not only set hearts racing and wallets weeping as bidders forked over a jaw-dropping total of over $21 million, but it also showcased a cornucopia of beloved memorabilia, including Jon Snow's sword Longclaw, which went for $400,000. With a replica throne made of plastic fetching such a princely sum, you might start questioning the real cost of sitting on a throne—or at least how much one would pay to avoid all the inevitable backstabbing.
While the Iron Throne may have sold for a small fortune, it was just one gem in a treasure trove of items that left fans grappling with their budgetary priorities. The auction, held by Heritage Auctions, took place over three days in the heart of Dallas and included more than 900 lots, ensuring that even shoppers in search of unique trinkets had plenty of options to choose from. Perhaps you could say it was a high-stakes yard sale, minus the lawn and flip-flops.
Among the array of coveted items, Jon Snow’s Night’s Watch ensemble attracted a respectable amount of attention, ultimately selling for $337,500. One has to wonder whether the buyer had any intention of wearing it to a future Halloween party or if it will simply remain ensconced behind glass, a symbol of allegiance to the Watch or just a particularly pricey conversation starter at their next dinner party. Keeper of secrets or keeper of wealth? You decide.
In addition, Cersei Lannister’s stunning red velvet dress—perfect for a woman on the edge of a power trip—was sold for $137,500. Shockingly, this did not include a complimentary vial of poison, which might have been a worthwhile add-on. Meanwhile, Jaime Lannister’s black-leather armor, an ensemble that could easily suggest a fashion-forward knight in modern-day Manchester, went for $275,000, proving once again that looking good is important—even when you're busy fighting your siblings for the throne.
For those who weren't quite sure how to measure their feelings toward Daenerys Targaryen, her gray suede outfit sold for a somewhat modest $112,500. Maybe it was the lack of dragons that caused the price to dip a bit, or perhaps people are just too hesitant to invest in anything that might represent their own latent need for fire and destruction.
And let us not forget the grand prize of the evening: the Iron Throne itself. This replica was molded from the original screen-used version and was exquisitely painted with metallic highlights and adorned with jewel embellishments. It was the kind of throne you’d expect to see not just at a fantasy series, but in the office of a high-powered CEO who refuses to sit in anything less than majestic. However, given its origins in plastic, it might just come with a warning: Not intended for actual battling of armies or disgruntled family members, but perfect for the occasional dramatic photo op.
Jay Roewe, HBO’s senior vice president, commented on the auction’s success by highlighting the enduring cultural impact of 'Game of Thrones.' Whether this impact manifests through selling overpriced replicas or people awkwardly quoting the show at parties, it’s clear that many hold the beloved series close to their hearts—or at the very least, their very thin wallets.
In terms of prestige, this auction turned out to be quite illustrious, marking itself as the second-best entertainment event for Heritage Auctions. It took a close second to a 2011 Debbie Reynolds sale, in case you were wondering what could possibly rival the charms of dragons and ice zombies. While it's unclear what would fetch more—Debbie Reynolds memorabilia or the fictional household items from Westeros—it’s evident that the allure of these items is strong enough to break a bank or two.
Ultimately, for those who entered the fray hoping to score a piece of the 'Game of Thrones' legacy, it was less about the monetary value and more about the thrill of the chase. The Iron Throne sold for $1.49 million at auction, and the total revenue from the auction exceeded $21 million. However, it's worth noting that this Iron Throne was a replica made of plastic, molded from the original screen-used version, and finished with metallic paint and jewel embellishments. In a world post-Westeros, what truly can be classified as rational is another question altogether.