Are you a fervent ornament enthusiast or simply someone intrigued by the allure of exclusivity? Either way, prepare to be captivated! In the vast universe of collectibles, there exists a niche so exquisite that only a select few have the privilege of boasting ownership. We’re unveiling the world of the rarest and most expensive Hallmark ornaments – treasures that transcend mere decorations to become legendary artifacts. Time is of the essence, as these coveted pieces seldom linger in the market, and their tales are as enchanting as their craftsmanship. Ready to embark on this spellbinding journey?
6. 2009 Lieutenant Uhura COLORWAY SDCC Star Trek Edition
Priced at a stellar $1,800, the 2009 Lieutenant Uhura COLORWAY ornament from the Star Trek series emerges as an iconic artifact among Hallmark’s rare and coveted collectibles. What makes this particular ornament so unique? The answer lies in its story and scarcity. Lieutenant Uhura, stationed at the command deck of the Starship Enterprise, is renowned for her iconic phrase, “Hailing frequencies are open.” As the communications officer, she bridges the void of space, connecting humanity with distant alien civilizations. Notably, Uhura embodies the essence of “freedom,” a reflection of her name’s Swahili origins.
Diverging from her regular “engineering and security” red attire, this ornament captures Uhura in her rare “command” gold uniform, which she adorned in just a single episode of the original series, “The Corbomite Maneuver” from 1966. This specific piece is a special event edition repaint of the limited 2007 Lieutenant Uhura ornament, tailored exclusively for major collector events and conventions. Offered only at the 2009 San Diego Comic Con (SDCC), its production capped at a mere 450 pieces, making it one of the most limited and sought-after Hallmark Keepsake ornaments from that year.
Expertly crafted by artist Anita Marra Rogers and standing at 3½” H, this piece isn’t just an ornament—it’s a piece of Star Trek lore. For collectors, this rarity offers a unique chance to own a pivotal moment in Lieutenant Uhura’s legacy.
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5. 2009 Shock Trooper & Shadow Trooper Ornament
With a price tag of $1,900, the 2009 Shock Trooper & Shadow Trooper Hallmark ornament stands out as one of the crowning jewels in the realm of rare and expensive Star Wars collectibles. What sets this piece apart? Firstly, its extremely limited availability. With ONLY 700 pieces produced, it’s clear that this ornament had a VERY LOW PRODUCTION RUN, elevating its rarity and demand.
The significance of the ornament goes beyond its limited availability. Each piece encapsulates an essential fragment of the Star Wars narrative. As the Clone Wars unfolded, the Galactic Republic bolstered its forces with specialized soldiers: the Shock Troopers, instantly recognizable by their bold red armor markings, and the covert Shadow Troopers with armor adept for disguise. These troopers weren’t just foot soldiers; they were pivotal in shaping the galaxy’s history, playing instrumental roles in Chancellor Palpatine’s ascension to Galactic Emperor. Only available at the 2009 San Diego Comic Con, the ornament’s keepsake box is uniquely marked, with each edition number written in black marker. Additionally, a gold sticker affirms its status as a 2009 Comic-Con Exclusive.
This masterfully crafted ornament, brought to life by artists Anita Marra Rogers & Kristina Kline-Gaughran and sized at 4″ H, is not just a mere decoration—it’s a tangible piece of a galaxy far, far away, coveted by both Star Wars enthusiasts and collectors alike.
4. 2011 IG-88 and Dengar, Star Wars Ornament – $2,000
With a valuation standing tall at $2,000, the 2011 IG-88 and Dengar Hallmark ornament from the Star Wars collection epitomizes rarity and exclusivity. This keepsake’s distinctiveness stems from the fact that it was ONLY available at the 2011 San Diego Comic Con (SDCC) held from July 21-24, 2011. With a limited run of just 1,000 pieces, it’s no wonder that collectors are willing to pay a premium for this duo.
Beyond the scarcity factor, the ornament represents a significant slice of the Star Wars saga. Featuring IG-88 and Dengar, these ornaments spotlight two of the notorious bounty hunters, hired by none other than Darth Vader in “The Empire Strikes Back.” Their mission? To track down Han Solo and the Millennium Falcon. For any Star Wars aficionado or ornament collector, this set is more than just a decorative piece; it’s a tangible piece of cinematic history, making it both a valuable and sentimental acquisition.
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3. 2020 Scarlett O’Hara, Gone With the Wind Ornament – $2,400
Priced at an astonishing $2,400, the 2020 Scarlett O’Hara, from the iconic “Gone With the Wind”, emerges as one of Hallmark’s most sought-after and expensive keepsake ornaments. This price isn’t just a reflection of the ornament’s beauty or its association with the classic movie, but mainly because of its extreme rarity. Hallmark Cards, Inc. recalled this ornament even before it could make its debut at the 2020 Hallmark Ornament Premiere Event on July 11, 2020. As a result, it never graced the primary market, making it available exclusively at secondary market prices.
Fashioned from plastic resin and sized at 2.2″ x 4.7″ x 2.31″, this dated keepsake carries a weight of exclusivity that few other ornaments can claim. Collectors and fans should be aware: the price tag is no error. It truly is that rare. And if you’re considering purchasing this exquisite piece, remember, promotional coupons won’t apply. This ornament stands alone in its class and value.
2. 2011 USS Defiant, Star Trek, NYCC Edition – $3,800
The universe of collectible Hallmark ornaments witnesses yet another star with the 2011 USS Defiant from the Star Trek series, priced at an impressive $3,800. This isn’t just any ornament, but one that pays tribute to the 45th Anniversary of Star Trek, blending nostalgia with a futuristic touch. True to the essence of “The Tholian Web”, this ornament boasts of a unique feature – a luminescent paint that lends the ornament a captivating green glow in the dark.
Limited availability has also played a significant role in its high demand. Originally introduced at the 2011 New York Comic Con from October 13-16, 2011, the production of this ornament was capped at a mere 700 pieces. Crafted with precision by artist Lynn Norton and measuring 5.75″ L x 2.5″ W x 1.25″ H, this VERY RARE piece isn’t just an ornament—it’s a slice of Star Trek history. Aspiring collectors and Trekkies should note its value and rarity, ensuring it holds a prestigious place in any serious collection.
1. 2001 Beaglescout, Spotlight on Snoopy ornament – $4,000
The most expensive Hallmark ornament is the 2001 Beaglescout, Spotlight on Snoopy, with a staggering price tag of around $4,000. The justification for this sky-high price is its extreme rarity: this ornament is considered ULTRA RARE, with ONLY 54 in existence! Originating from the 25th Anniversary Keepsake Collectors Club, this unique piece stands out due to its distinct “colorway” or repaint, which showcases Snoopy and Woodstock donning brown hats instead of the typical green, and a red scarf in place of the usual orange.
Created by the artist Bob Siedler, this ornament is sized at 2 3/4″ H, but its value extends beyond its dimensions. Collectors and fans alike vie for this piece due to its scarcity and the deviations in its design, which make it a true gem for any collection. If you’re looking to acquire one, be prepared to make a significant investment, but rest assured, you’ll be owning a piece of Hallmark history that few can boast of having in their possession.
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Conclusion
The world of Hallmark ornaments is vast and varied, but within it lies a select group of pieces that command attention and admiration. These rare and expensive ornaments are more than just festive decorations; they are an embodiment of history, pop culture, and the spirit of collecting. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a newfound enthusiast, the allure of these ornaments is undeniable. As we close this enchanting journey, remember that every ornament, rare or not, holds a story – it’s up to us to cherish and pass it on.
