The Game of Thrones fever is still alive and kicking, as evidenced by the recent auction in Dallas, US, where iconic props and costumes from the HBO series were sold for a whopping $21 million (€19.2m). The centerpiece of the auction, naturally, was the Iron Throne, the coveted seat of power in the fictional world of Westeros. After a thrilling six-minute bidding war, the throne found a new home for a cool $1.49 million (€1.3m). The replica, made of plastic and meticulously finished with metallic paint and jewels, was crafted from the original screen-used version. In the series, the throne was forged from the swords of vanquished challengers, symbolizing the constant struggle for power that defined the show’s eight-season run.
Beyond the Iron Throne, other items also fetched impressive prices. Jon Snow’s signature sword, Longclaw, wielded by Kit Harington, sold for $400,000 (approx. €366,000) and his Night’s Watch ensemble, including a heavy cape, went for $337,500 (€308,000). Both items sparked intense bidding wars, demonstrating the fervent passion of Game of Thrones fans.
Costumes worn by the show’s iconic female characters also commanded significant attention. A gray suede ensemble donned by Daenerys Targaryen, played by Emelia Clarke, sold for $112,500 (€102,000), a staggering $100,000 over its starting bid. Meanwhile, Cersei Lannister’s red velvet dress, worn in her final appearance on the show, fetched $137,500 (€125,000), exceeding its starting bid by a whopping $122,500.
Suits of armor were also highly sought after, especially those paired with notable weapons. Jaime Lannister’s black-leather armor ensemble went for $275,000 (€251,000), while his Kingsguard armor, including the iconic Oathkeeper longsword, sold for $212,500 (€194,000). Even Gregor ‘The Mountain’ Clegane’s Queensguard armor garnered a hefty $212,500 (€194,500).
The success of this auction, attracting over 4,500 bidders, underscores the enduring impact of Game of Thrones five years after its finale. Jay Roewe, HBO’s senior vice president of global incentives and production planning, aptly noted that the show’s cultural influence extends far beyond the screen. “‘Game of Thrones’ was a zeitgeist moment in our culture. It was a zeitgeist moment in high-end television. It was a zeitgeist moment in terms of HBO,” he said. “It’s impacted the culture.” The high prices achieved for these items are a testament to the series’ lasting appeal and its place in pop culture history.
