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Choose Movie Posters & Movie Memorabilia

Used for movie promotion in small theaters and multiplexes alike, movie posters feature bright, glossy images that attract many movie buffs. Consider collecting rare classic movie posters or movie posters from recent films. Or, pick up reproduction movie posters for your bedroom wall.

• Original US movie posters: You can find a large selection of original movie posters on eBay, from classic movie posters to movie posters promoting the hottest films currently playing on the big screen. Original movie posters, especially original classic movie posters, can be hard to find in good condition, making them highly sought by collectors. You might find a rare early Three Stooges movie poster, favorite James Bond movie poster, or even a 1968 Beatles Yellow Submarine movie poster.

• Original international movie posters: International movie posters can promote the new release of foreign films or international release of US films. You could find a Swedish King Kong poster, Mexican window cards featuring films from the 1950’s and 1960’s, Star Wars movie posters from various countries, or Japanese movie posters promoting films such as Godzilla, James Bond movies, and even Resident Evil.

• Movie poster reproductions: Finding an original movie poster in good condition often takes hard work and persistence, but reproduction movie posters look just as good hanging on your wall. Look for reproduction movie posters free from creases, rips, tears, and discoloration.

• Lobby cards: Lobby cards, small 11×14 movie posters used to promote films in movie theater lobbies, feature scenes from a movie and are colorful, dramatic pieces of movie memorabilia. Sets of lobby cards typically include a title card (TC), a card representative of the film, and seven scene cards (SC). Certain movies, such as The Wizard of Oz, have several lobby card designs. Consider looking for lobby cards from popular movies, sequels, and remakes. For example, find Casablanca lobby cards, Citizen Kane lobby cards, The Godfather lobby cards, The Lord of the Rings lobby cards, Snow White lobby cards, Star Wars lobby cards, or Superman lobby cards. Like full-size movie posters, you can find vintage lobby cards from the United States as well as international lobby cards, and reproduction lobby cards.

Movie memorabilia collectors looking for other movie art can consider movie collector plates featuring celebrities such as Elvis or Marilyn Monroe or scenes from movies such as The Wizard of Oz, Gone With the Wind, and The Sound of Music. Movie collector plates can hang on the wall or be displayed on a shelf.

Discover promotional movie memorabilia

Movie success often rests on an effective marketing campaign. Studios produce a number of materials that help spread the word about their films in the media.

• Movie publicity photos: Highlighting celebrity glamour, photos typically feature an actor or actors in character. You can choose color photos or black-and-white photos of your favorite movie or movie star, no matter the movie era or genre. Consider searching out autographed photos signed by movie stars such as John Wayne, Tom Hanks, Tom Cruise, Fred Astaire, Humphrey Bogart, Marlon Brando, Charlie Chaplin, Sean Connery, Kevin Costner, Robert De Niro, Clint Eastwood, James Dean, Robert Redford, Samuel L. Jackson, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Will Smith, Wesley Snipes, John Travolta, Vivien Leigh, Al Pacino, Judy Garland, Frank Sinatra, Christopher Reeves, Julia Roberts, Sandra Bullock, Brad Pitt, or Lucy Liu. Actors may also promote their own image by advertising other products.

• Movie press kits: Movie studios release press kits to media outlets such as newspapers, magazines, popular entertainment websites, radio stations, and television stations. A movie press kit typically contains written materials such as a cover letter, movie synopsis, press release, and promotional images. Some studios also provide a video press kit containing movie trailers, select movie scenes, and interviews that the media can use when referring to the movie.

• Movie pressbooks and standees: Movie studios send movie theaters pressbooks that help them promote films. Pressbooks typically contain photos, ad slicks, and a movie synopsis. They may also include ad copy for print or radio promotions. Movie theaters may also receive standees (life-size cardboard figures) to place in their lobbies. Standees feature the primary character or characters in a movie such as Freddy Kruger from A Nightmare on Elm Street and Marilyn Monroe from The Seven Year Itch.

• Movie flyers and programs: Colorful movie flyers can help draw audiences into the theater. Once inside, movie theaters in many international markets provide movie-goers with a movie program outlining the plot of the movie and introducing its characters.

• Movie swag: Movie studios and their ad agencies often create promotional pins, buttons, hats, and apparel that they can give away at screenings and conventions, in theaters, or just on street corners. Of course, you can typically purchase movie merchandise such as pins, buttons, calendars, hats, t-shirts, and jackets commercially as well.

Some hobbyists collect photos, articles, advertisements, and press releases related to an actor or movie. You can find clippings to start or complement your collection on eBay.

Get movie memorabilia from the set

Jump into the world of moviemaking by searching out items used on a movie set. Once a movie wraps, props, scripts, and wardrobe items often go on the auction block. Keep an eye out for a mink stole worn by Marilyn Monroe, original Darth Vader glove from Return of the Jedi, or even a full-size Ark of the Covenant from Raiders of the Lost Ark. New pieces of movie memorabilia frequently appear on eBay, making every day an adventure for movie fans. You can also find reproductions of famous movie props and wardrobe items.

Select movie memorabilia gifts

Movie memorabilia can make a good gift for someone who loves a particular movie or actor. For a fun anniversary gift, look for memorabilia from the couple’s wedding year. Or search for your gift occasion in keywords (wedding, birthday, or graduate). How about a “Wedding Singer” or My Big Fat Greek Wedding movie poster? To honor a graduate, you might pick an autographed photo from The Graduate or a life-size cardboard standup figure of The Three Stooges wearing graduation caps and gowns.

To determine how much you should expect to pay, search Completed Listings to find out what similar items sold for on eBay in the past 14 days.

Determine the Value of Movie Memorabilia

Check movie memorabilia listing for photos and other important details, such as how, when, and where the item was obtained. Having this back story is critical to determining value. Do your homework and get as much insight into the circumstances surrounding the item’s acquisition as possible. When shopping for autographed movie memorabilia, also research what the person’s signature is supposed to look like. Several key factors help determine the value of a particular piece of movie memorabilia, including age, condition, content, rarity, and authenticity.

• Movie memorabilia age: Like antiques, older autographs and pieces of movie memorabilia often cost more than current autographs and memorabilia, which may be easier to obtain.

• Movie memorabilia condition: Typically, the better the condition of a piece of movie memorabilia, the more valuable it becomes. When you evaluate photos in item listings, look at whether the movie memorabilia looks pristine, clean, and intact.

• Movie memorabilia content: Having an item such as a signed document or handwritten letter that provides some insight into an autograph author’s character or an item’s historical context goes a long way in creating value. In general, less personalized autographs and movie memorabilia hold a higher value. Also, ink signatures tend to fetch a higher price than pencil signatures because they often last longer and fade less quickly.

• Movie memorabilia rarity: Unique movie memorabilia and rare autographs of famous, or infamous, people often have a high value. For example, if a person is no longer living, and therefore no longer producing autographs, the value of their autograph increases significantly. However, rare autographs of poor quality may not be as desirable or as valuable as an excellent specimen from someone less well-known.

• Movie memorabilia authenticity: Authentication is a way of determining whether an item is genuine and described appropriately. Because of their training and experience, experts can often detect counterfeits from subtle details. However, you should know that two expert authenticators may differ on the authenticity of the same item. Proof of authenticity can take many forms, including:

  • Tags: Studio tags, a costumer’s tag, or the name of an actor or actress written in the collar of a particular wardrobe piece.
  • Studio markings: Studio markings on props.
  • Photographs: Still photographs of individuals wearing a certain item or signing a certain item.
  • Testimonials: The personal word of someone associated with the film, the television show, the band, etc.
  • Certificates of Authenticity: Certificate of Authenticity (COA) from the studio or issued by an authenticator with industry credibility or by an entity that has a proven track record of experience and integrity. Some COAs come from divisions of publicly traded companies while others come from individual dealers and collectors offering their own personal guarantees. The credibility of a COA depends on the issuing party’s track record.

You may want to use an authentication and grading service to evaluate an item before bidding on or buying movie memorabilia. For example, an independent, experienced evaluator can help examine a listing on eBay and point out potential problems with an autograph for a small fee. You can also use an authentication and grading service to get a thorough evaluation of a recently purchased item. You’ll find a list of well-known authentication sites and resources on eBay’s Opinions, Authentication, and Grading webpage. This page includes organizations by industry that you can use to grade and authenticate items for sale on eBay. eBay has reviewed the credentials of these authenticators and each has a good reputation in their field. eBay has also obtained a pledge from these evaluators that they will offer services to buyers and sellers, maintain independence from any individual party so that they can evaluate an item without a conflict of interest, and provide eBay users with competitive prices. The authenticators have also pledged not to buy or sell on eBay’s core site, thus keeping them out of competition with the buyers and sellers they serve.

Please note that the opinions expressed by these evaluators are theirs alone. eBay does not examine items listed on its site and does not have the expertise to evaluate items. eBay cannot guarantee the findings of these evaluators—authentication and grading are difficult, often subjective matters where the experts themselves occasionally disagree. Each of the companies listed on the Opinions, Authentication, and Grading page that provides authentication and/or grading services is an independent company, and eBay is not responsible in any way for any action, inaction, opinion, or service in connection with these companies. You should review the credentials of each company and use your own judgment before using a company’s services.

Understand Movie Memorabilia Abbreviations

Sellers use a variety of terms to describe specific editions of movie memorabilia.

• Limited edition (LIM ED, LTD ED, LTD, or LE): Movie memorabilia may be limited by a specific, announced number (such as 5,000 or 10,000) or by time period. Collectible pieces of limited edition movie memorabilia show two sets of numbers, usually on the back or base of the item. The higher number indicates the total number produced while the lower number indicates which one you (or a seller) have. Limited editions often come with a Certificate of Authenticity (COA).
• 30-day-firing limit: Companies such as Bradford Exchange and Hamilton Collection frequently set firing limits for movie collector plates. The company making the plate often sets a limit of 30 firing days, but you may also see higher limits, such as 100-day firing limits.
• Annual edition: Annual edition movie memorabilia is produced for one year.
• Op en edition: Open edition movie memorabilia is not limited and could still be in production.
• Artist Proof (AP): Artist proof movie memorabilia is art of an edition set aside for the artist.

Common abbreviations in the Movie Memorabilia category include:

• NR: No reserve. Seller has not set a minimum price for sale.
• MIB: Mint in Box. A new, never displayed item in mint condition.
• NIB: New in Box. A new, never displayed item.
• COA: Certificate of Authenticity.
• LOA: Letter of Authenticity.
• NLA: No longer available.
• IMP: Import.
• OOP: Out of print.
• ORG or Orig: Original.
• Promo or PR: Promotional.

To see additional terms related to collecting music memorabilia, visit eBay’s Popular Items - Entertainment Collectibles page or eBay Pulse.

Find Movie Posters & Movie Memorabilia on eBay

Once you know what type of movie memorabilia you need, go to the Entertainment Memorabilia category portal, click Movie Memorabilia, and start searching for items on eBay.

• Categories: The Categories list on the left side of each page will help you narrow listings by item type. Initially you’ll find links for Ads, Flyers, Apparel, Calendars, Clippings, Collector Plates, Lobby Cards, Photos, Pins, Buttons, Posters, Pressbooks, Press Kits, Programs, Props, Scripts, Standees, Wardrobe, and Other. Subsequent Categories lists allow you to further narrow listings by subcategory.

• Keyword search: Search eBay listing titles for specific words. For example, if you want to find a Clint Eastwood “Dirty Harry” movie poster from 1971, type “dirty harry” (without quotation marks) into the Search box. If you want to look for an item that’s autographed, type “signed” or “autographed” (without quotation marks) into the Search box. Click “Search title and description” to expand your results. Remember to use a “+” between consecutive words in a keyword phrase. After conducting your initial search, try misspelling the name of the item you desire, trying several variations. You’ll likely come across additional listings. Visit eBay’s Search Commands page for more tips on searching with keywords.

• Advanced search: eBay’s Advanced Search feature allows you to conduct a more precise search and gives you the option to search by seller, buyer, or store. You can also narrow results to “All of these words,” “Any of these words,” or “Exact phrase.” Search All Categories to find movie memorabilia listed in multiple categories on eBay, including Collectibles, DVDs & Movies, Clothing, Shoes & Accessories, Jewelry & Watches, Toys & Hobbies, and more.

If you can’t find exactly what you want, try shopping eBay Stores, tell the eBay Community what you want by creating a post on Want It Now, or save a search on My eBay and eBay will email you when a match becomes available.

Buy Movie Posters & Move Memorabilia With Confidence

Before making your purchase, make sure you know exactly what you’re buying, research your seller, and understand how eBay and PayPal protect you.

Know your purchase

Carefully read the details in item listings.

• Figure delivery costs into your final price. If you spend a lot of money, make sure the seller will insure the item when it ships.
• If you want more information, ask by clicking the “Ask seller a question” link under the seller’s profile.
• Does the item come with a Certificates of Authenticity (COA)? Who issued it?
• Always make sure to complete your transaction on eBay (with a bid, Buy It Now, or Best Offer). Transactions conducted outside of eBay are not covered by eBay protection programs.
• Never pay for your eBay item using instant cash wire transfer services through Western Union or MoneyGram. These payment methods are unsafe when paying someone you do not know.

Know your seller

Research your seller so you feel positive and secure about every transaction.

• What is the seller’s Feedback rating? How many transactions have they completed? What percentage of positive responses do they have?
• Does the seller belong to reputable organizations, such as UACC, Manuscript Society, PADA, or IADA? Do they offer Certificates of Authenticity?
• What do buyers say in their Feedback? Did the seller receive praise?
• Most top eBay sellers operate like retail stores and have return policies. Do they offer a money-back guarantee? What are the terms and conditions?

Buyer protection

In the unlikely event that a problem arises during your transaction, eBay and PayPal are there for you.

• Pay safely with PayPal: PayPal enables you to pay without the seller ever seeing your bank account or credit card numbers. In fact, PayPal protects buyers 100% against unauthorized payments from their accounts. Plus, with PayPal Buyer Protection, your purchase can be covered up to $1,000.
• eBay Security & Resolution Center: Visit the Security & Resolution Center to learn how to protect your account and use eBay’s quick and efficient resolution tools.