Identification
Photo reference
3 uploaded photos
Overview
This is the definitive 'Style A' theatrical one-sheet poster that introduced the world to the Star Wars saga in May 1977. Featuring the legendary artwork of Tom Jung, it depicts a heroic Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia against the looming shadow of Darth Vader.
Story
The 1977 'Style A' theatrical one-sheet introduced George Lucas's Star Wars to the world, successfully selling a visionary new sci-fi mythology to skeptical audiences.
Maker / Origin
Commissioned by 20th Century Fox, artist Tom Jung delivered a high-fantasy, Frazetta-style 'good vs. evil' composition that instantly became one of cinema's most recognizable images.
Condition & Value
Premium collector value relies on pristine rolled preservation or professional archival linen-backing; surviving folded copies with standard edge wear typically face a 30-50% market correction. The poster exhibits heavy wear, including significant foxing (brown spotting), edge tears, and deep creasing.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
The market for authentic 1977 Star Wars one-sheets is exceptionally active, demanding strict attention to print variants and condition. The ceiling for this format is represented by our $5,280 Heritage Auctions and $5,475 Vintage Gallery comparables, but these represent rare rolled (unfolded) examples or slightly larger printer's proofs (28.5" x 41") professionally mounted to linen. Because the subject item's exact preservation state is unknown, the $1,500 to $4,500 FMV range is anchored by standard 27" x 41" theatrical releases, which were historically machine-folded prior to shipping. A Sotheby's sale of a standard first printing realized roughly $3,100, serving as a solid midpoint for an excellent folded copy. Fold separations, color breaks, or tape marks will aggressively pull the value toward the $1,000 to $1,500 floor seen at Propstore. A confirmed NSS code of 77/21-0 is critical; subsequent 1977 printings (NSS 77/21) fetch noticeably less.
▲ Presence of National Screen Service (NSS) code '77/21-0' indicating a true first printing
▲ 'Rolled' condition (absence of original factory machine folds)
▲ Exact dimensions of 27 x 41 inches, typical of authentic theatrical releases
▲ Professional, archival linen-backing stabilizing the acidic paper and flattening folds
▲ Strong provenance linking the item to original theater distribution
▼ Prevalence of 1977 bootlegs (identifiable by a printed 'hairline' flaw on Luke's belt)
▼ Commercial reproduction sizing (commercial reprints commonly measure 24 x 36 inches instead of 27 x 41)
▼ Color breaks, cross-fold separation, or edge tears common to unrestored theatrical paper
▼ Subsequent 1977 print runs (NSS 77/21) which dilute collector premium compared to the first run
Best Venue
Heritage Auctions
Upside Potential
Confirmation of a pristine, unfolded 'rolled' state, or identification as a rare uncut 28.5 x 41 inch printer's proof could push value beyond $5,500.
Authenticity Notice
High Risk. The 'Style A' poster is one of the most heavily counterfeited prints in cinematic history. Owners must verify exact measurements (27" x 41"), the lack of the infamous 'hair' flaw on Luke Skywalker's belt, and proper vintage paper texture under magnification. Counterfeits trade for decorative value only ($20-$50).