Notable News (March 31-April 3, 2025)

This week’s headlines include Luke Skywalker’s honorary medal, Kentucky coin and bullion tax exemption, the Traveller Collection, and OMSA’s convention.

“The Medal of Yavin,” which Princess Leia presented to Luke Skywalker after he destroyed the Death Star in the original 1977 Star Wars film, sold for over $370,000 at Propstore’s Entertainment Memorabilia Live Auction on March 26. Only two prop medals are believed to have been made for the film.

Photo: Propstore Entertainment

The Kentucky General Assembly has overridden Governor Andy Beshear’s veto of House Bill 2, which exempts sales of currency, bullion, and coins from sales and use taxes. The override allows Kentucky collectors and dealers to buy and sell coins without taxes.

Photo: Getty Images/Janos Varga

The first sale of the Traveller Collection, which is considered to be the most valuable coin collection to appear at auction, will begin on May 20. The vast assemblage of around 15,000 coins, which was buried for more than 50 years during and after World War II, features examples from more than 100 territories and multiple eras, from ancient to modern.

Photo: Numismatica Ars Classica

The Orders & Medals Society of America (OMSA) will celebrate its 75th anniversary at a convention held in Kansas City, Missouri, from July 31 to August 3, 2025. OMSA members collect, research, and preserve military and civilian orders, awards, and medals, often collectively referred to as decorations.

Photo: Orders & Medals Society of America