Darth Vader’s Iconic Lightsaber Heads to Auction With a $1 Million Opening Bid

• by Shimanta Das
• October 11, 2026

These price tags have been impressive, most impressive, but which lightsaber ends up the master of millions remains to be seen. Darth Vader’s iconic lightsaber from The Empire Strikes Back is going under the hammer next month at Heritage Auctions in New York City, where it’s expected to fetch over $1 million. This lightsaber could slash through your life savings.

The prop was used in Vader’s duel against Luke Skywalker in The Empire Strikes Back, the second film of the original Star Wars trilogy. The lightsaber was also used in Return of the Jedi. The lightsaber used by Darth Vader in the ‘I am your father’ duel is going up for auction in November 2026. The lightsaber is among the highlights of the Ultimate Star Wars Auction to be held by Heritage Auctions on Nov. 2026.

By The Associated Press, published October 9, 2026, and updated on October 9, 2026 at 9:41 am. NBC Universal, Inc. contributed to this report. These price tags have been impressive, most impressive, but which lightsaber ends up the master of millions remains to be seen.

See more of our coverage in your search results. For collectors and fans alike, this auction represents a rare opportunity to own a piece of cinematic history. The lightsaber’s estimated value of over $1 million underscores its significance as one of the most recognizable props in film history. As the auction date approaches, all eyes will be on Heritage Auctions to see just how high the bidding will go for this iconic weapon of the Dark Side.