Strings to the Past: Vintage Hollywood Memories & Marionette Auction

Lot #75:

15 Roman Coins and Concept Sketch from Ben-Hur

Ben Hur, 1959, MGM. Production used collection of (15) prop coins constructed of cast metal and painted metallic gold, featuring an embossed circular symbol on one side and a narrow dome-shaped symbol on the other. In the film, "Sheik Ilderim" (Griffith) is shown with a chest overflowing with coins, kept in a wooden box at the Roman officers' club, eager to place his bet on the upcoming chariot race. Including 1-"Roman Galley" concept sketch accomplished in pencil, ink and artist's marker on 22 x 7 in. artist's board, featuring the "Deck Plan." Ben-Hur, adapted from Lew Wallace's 1880 novel Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ, made history by winning a record number of Oscars at the 32nd Academy Awards on April 4, 1960, at the RKO Pantages Theatre. The film was later selected by the National Film Registry of the Library of Congress for preservation due to its cultural, historical, and aesthetic significance. Exhibiting age and production wear. Sketch exhibits bumped corners with minor loss, soiling, spotting and creasing. Overall in vintage good to very good condition.