The Art of Collecting: Iconic Star Wars Posters Immortalized in Pure Silver

At this year’s New York Comic Con, one item stole the spotlight—and it wasn’t just another rare comic or exclusive release. On display at the Goldin booth, our life-sized, pure silver 1-of-1 BATMAN™ cowl had fans, collectors, and industry insiders buzzing. The craftsmanship, the weight of its presence, and the sheer rarity of this piece had everyone talking. Crafted from pure 9999 silver, this cowl is anything but ordinary. It took over 150 painstaking hours to bring it to life, and the result is nothing short of extraordinary. Even Jim Lee, the President and Chief Creative Officer of DC Studios, was impressed when he saw it, stating, “This falls into the priceless category.” That’s high praise coming from one of the most influential figures in the comic world, For us, that endorsement means everything. Fans who visited the Goldin booth were equally amazed, many calling it one of the highlights of the entire convention. Ken Goldin, the king of collectibles, also stopped by to admire the cowl and add his own take. As if that wasn’t enough, we were joined by the cowl’s creator, Adrian Ward, who shared the story behind his painstaking work on the piece. Fans were given a rare glimpse into the process that brought this one-of-a-kind masterpiece to life, thanks to the eBay Live stream. With just 5 days left in the auction at Goldin, and proceeds supporting Save the Children International, this is a unique opportunity for collectors. Owning a true piece of BATMAN™ history is a dream for many, and with only one available, the bidding is fierce—already nearing $10,000 at the time of writing. As we look back at this year’s Comic Con, there’s no doubt that our BATMAN™ cowl has been a standout moment. Whether it’s the artistry, the rarity, or the charitable cause behind it, this piece has made a lasting impact. For those lucky enough to see it in person, it’s an experience they’ll never forget (and neither will we). But the question remains: Who will claim this legendary piece of silver?Stay tuned and follow the auction here.

At the completion of the BATMAN™ Cowl creation, we took a moment to sit down with Adrian Ward, the artist behind the masterpiece. With a unique ability to transform raw metal into intricate and awe-inspiring forms, Adrian blends traditional craftsmanship with innovative techniques, creating sculptures that captivate collectors and enthusiasts alike. We explored the inspiration behind this project, the intricacies of sculpting in silver, and how he continues to push the boundaries of this incredible art form. Can you share a bit about your journey as a silver artist? How did you get started in this field?  After finishing a degree in Fine Art Sculpture at Melbourne University, I chose to follow my passion for art, despite the financial risks. Fifteen years ago, I took a leap and liquidated my assets to invest in silver, discovering it to be an extraordinary medium for sculpting. However, pure silver is not designed for casting like sterling silver, which is an alloy, leading to a series of early, expensive failures. It felt like I was battling the odds, and over time, I developed a method to cast fine silver with increasingly higher sculptural resolution and became the only sculptor in the world able to do so. What drew you to working with fine silver as a medium? What do you find most inspiring about it?  Silver is an incredible element—literally created in the heart of a star. Its history, purity, and versatility make it an inspiring material for artistic expression. How did you feel when you were approached to create this one-of-a-kind silver BATMAN Cowl? What was your initial reaction?  When I met the Agoro team in Melbourne, I was immediately drawn to their vision of reinvigorating silver with a fresh identity. The idea of crafting this representation of DC’s BATMAN—a figure who embodies the fusion of man and myth—was captivating. I’ve long been a fan of the BATMAN character, he’s timeless, and silver, with its mystical qualities, seemed like the perfect medium for it. Can you walk us through the design process?  After our initial meeting, I began with the mask provided, using it as an armature (internal structure) to build upon. I layered materials like auto products, including car bog and spray, to achieve the sharp, angular look inspired by the early comic, and BATMAN: THE ANIMATED SERIES. Seeing the positive response to the final sculptural piece, I proceeded to create a silicone mold and then refined the wax version before using the ancient lost-wax casting technique to cast the final piece. Were there any particular challenges you faced while crafting this piece? How did you overcome them?  Silver is a notoriously soft material, which makes it prone to scratching. I had to be meticulous, gradually sanding the surface from a rough 180 grit to a fine 3000 grit before polishing it to a mirror finish. The journey from raw material to a polished sculpture was demanding, but seeing the object transform in my hands was a thrilling artistic experience. Can you talk about the piece being made from 9999 recycled silver?  The silver was sourced from a factory where old x-rays are burned and refined to extract pure silver. For every 330 x-rays processed, only 1kg of silver is retrieved. This sustainable approach adds another layer of significance to the piece. The Cowl is handmade—what are some of the unique techniques you used in its creation?  It took over 150 hours to complete the Cowl, involving conceptualization, detailed modelling, and a lot of trial and error. The most time-consuming aspect was refining the original artwork and then polishing the final silver piece to a mirror finish. What specific details or elements are you particularly proud of in this piece?  The turning point came while polishing—the moment when the mirror finish finally emerged. Watching the cowl come alive, transforming from raw material into something entirely new, was an exhilarating artistic high. When you reach that level of reflection, it’s a deeply rewarding experience. What was your artistic vision for the Cowl? How did you balance staying true to your style while also meeting the expectations of the collaboration?  The concept of merging ancient archetypes with modern superhero lore guided my vision. Agoro and Warner Bros. were incredibly supportive throughout the process, showing genuine excitement at every stage. When I finally unveiled the finished piece at dinner, the team’s reaction was priceless—it felt like we had all created something special together. What story or emotion do you hope to convey through this silver cowl?  I see this piece as a modern-day interpretation of the ancient stories told through art. Like Michelangelo, who tackled blockbuster narratives in his time, I believe these superhero tales are our contemporary mythologies. The Cowl embodies the idea of unity and duality—man and myth; human and the personification of vengeance—and explores the boundaries between them. How do you think this piece will resonate with those who see it, especially knowing it’s a one-of-a-kind creation?  I hope viewers will see the intersection between ancient storytelling and contemporary culture. The craftsmanship and the rarity of the piece should make it something truly memorable. What does this project mean to you in the broader context of your career as an artist?  As someone who works with a financialized element like fine silver, I’m focused on creating art that resonates with people while pushing artistic boundaries. I see this project as a step towards blending high artistic aspirations with cultural relevance—making art that’s not only collectible but also deeply meaningful. Are there any future projects or collaborations that you’re excited about?  I always have projects on the go; currently, this includes a revival of realistic relief bronze portraiture for Libitina funeral memorials. But whatever comes next, I aim to bring a sense of reality and artistry to mainstream intellectual properties, reinterpreting them through a creative lens. I’m in a space without templates or rules, but as they say, "audentes Fortuna iuvat"—fortune favors the brave.

In the world of collectibles, rarity is everything. While many of you may be familiar with our standard rarity tiers—like Masterpiece and Ultimate Mintage—our trading coins follow a different rarity system designed specifically to enhance the thrill of collecting. This article will help explain the difference between the two systems.  The Unique Rarity Scale for Trading Coins  Unlike our standard collectibles, which focus on rarity through limited mintage numbers, our trading coins introduce an exciting twist with an odds-based rarity system. This approach not only makes collecting more dynamic but also adds an element of surprise and exclusivity.  Odds based systems are more common in trading cards or collectibles with a chase component. By assigning different odds to various items, these systems introduce an element of chance and rarity, making the process of collecting more engaging and rewarding.  Here’s a breakdown of our trading coin rarity tiers:   What Makes These Tiers Special?  The rarest of the rare, these coins are nearly impossible to find. With only 0.4% odds, they are the crown jewels of any collection. Still exceptionally rare, Amethyst coins add a touch of mystery to your collection with their deep purple hue and limited availability. These coins offer a balanced mix of rarity and accessibility. Their striking blue color symbolizes the preciousness of the find. Red, bold, and eye-catching, Ruby coins are highly sought after for their vibrant color and moderate rarity. These coins are more accessible, with a warm yellow hue that brightens up any collection. Ideal for collectors who enjoy the thrill of the hunt but want more frequent finds. Every collector is guaranteed an Emerald coin in each box. These serve as the cornerstone of our trading coin collections, ensuring everyone has a precious piece to enjoy. Note: Every box includes one Emerald coin and one coin from another odds tier.  Bigger Markets, Bigger Ranges  For larger markets, like Major League Baseball®, we sometimes extend the mintage ranges, allowing for more opportunities to discover these beautiful coins while maintaining the excitement of rare finds.  Why This Matters  The odds-based rarity system for trading coins adds a layer of excitement that goes beyond traditional collecting. Not only are you purchasing a collectible, but you’re also engaging in a game of chance, where every box could hold the key to a highly coveted treasure. This unique system allows us to cater to a wider range of collectors, from those just starting to seasoned experts.  So, whether you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind Onyx coin or excited about the guaranteed Emerald, our trading coin rarity tiers offer something special for everyone. Happy collecting!  Still confused? That’s okay. Our friendly team are here to make the most of your collecting experience.