This extremely rare, encased Star Wars Ben (Obi-Wan) Kenobi action figure was only the third carded specimen of its type ever to be offered by Hake’s and did not need to use its Jedi mind tricks to sell for $79,178.
YORK, PENN. — Financial markets may be taking a breather, but there’s never a time-out for those who pursue investment-grade vintage collectibles. Hake’s, the auction house that lit the fire for America’s pop culture obsession 55 years ago, rang up yet another high-flying auction total on November 15-16, achieving excellent prices across many specialty categories and closing the books at $2.4 million.
The force remained with Star Wars collectibles, which were led by an extremely rare, encased Star Wars (1978) 3¾-inch Ben (Obi-Wan) Kenobi 12 Back-A double-telescoping lightsaber action figure. It was only the third carded specimen of its type ever to pass through the doors at Hake’s. A SKU on the card’s footer identified it as an earlier production, and with an AFA grade of 75 Ex+/NM it flew to greater heights, finally stopping at $79,178.
Only days before celebrating his 94th birthday, Mickey Mouse stepped into the spotlight along with Queen Elizabeth II on a New Zealand Mint 1-kilo Niue coin made of gleaming .999 fine gold. The Disney superstar is depicted on the coin just as he appeared in his debut animated role as Steamboat Willie. Presented in a wooden display box with a New Zealand Mint COA, the precious-metal collectible sold within estimate for $58,410.
Historical Americana, the category that launched Hake’s operation in 1967, is always in great demand, but it’s not often that one encounters a circa 1864 “Don’t Tread On Me” Gadsden Flag anywhere in the marketplace. Recalling Benjamin Franklin’s 1754 political cartoon of a disjointed snake with the caption “Join Or Die,” the flag was published in the textbook series Threads of History by Michael Henry (2006) and came from a private collection where it had resided for many years. It easily surpassed its $10/20,000 estimate to settle at $28,556.
Prices quoted with buyer’s premium as reported by the auction house. For additional information, 717-434-1600 or www.hakes.com.
