One of the most iconic props in cinema—the legendary “Rosebud” sled from Citizen Kane—has been sold for $14.75 million at Heritage Auctions. The sale took place on July 16 as part of Heritage’s four-day Entertainment auction series. This result makes the sled the second most valuable piece of film memorabilia ever auctioned, surpassed only by the Ruby Slippers from The Wizard of Oz, which fetched $32.5 million earlier this year.

The sled, long thought lost, was rescued in 1984 by director Joe Dante (Gremlins, The Howling) while filming on the historic RKO Pictures lot. A crew member offered him what appeared to be just an old prop destined for disposal—but Dante instantly recognized its significance. Preserved quietly for decades, the sled was even hidden as an Easter egg in four of his own films.

What makes this sled so rare isn’t just its provenance—it’s the mystery and mythology surrounding Citizen Kane itself. Widely regarded as one of the greatest films of all time, Orson Welles’ 1941 masterpiece redefined cinematic storytelling. At its emotional core is “Rosebud,” the childhood sled of Charles Foster Kane, revealed in the film’s final, haunting scene to symbolize innocence lost. That single word, spoken as Kane dies, sends a journalist on a journey to uncover the meaning behind the mogul’s enigmatic final utterance.

Only three original “Rosebud” sleds are known to exist. The first, made from lightweight balsa wood and used in the film’s fiery climax, was acquired by Steven Spielberg in 1982 for $60,500. The second, constructed from pine and featured in earlier scenes with the young Kane, was awarded to contest-winning fan Arthur Bauer in 1942 and later sold in 1996 for $233,500. The newly sold “lost” sled was also made from pine and is believed to have appeared in the 1871 flashback sequence when young Kane plays in the snow.

To confirm the sled’s authenticity, Dante commissioned multiple scientific analyses, including radiocarbon testing, which verified that the wood was harvested prior to atomic bomb testing—consistent with a 1940s-era prop. Microscopic identification by Dr. Harry Alden, a wood anatomy expert, further validated that the sled was constructed from the same pine species as the Bauer sled. Matching paint details, original rope, and even nail holes from removed metal rails (likely scrapped for the WWII war effort) all reinforce the sled’s production origins.

“These aren’t just props. They’re mythic objects. They tell the story of Hollywood’s greatest moments, one piece at a time, each tied to a memory, a performance, a legend. We’re honored to bring them to the fans, collectors and institutions who will preserve them for the generations to come,” said Joe Maddalena, Executive Vice President at Heritage Auctions. Director Joe Dante echoed the sentiment: “I’ve had the honor of protecting this piece of cinematic history for decades. To see Rosebud find a new home — and make history in the process — is both surreal and deeply gratifying. It’s a testament to the enduring power of storytelling.”

As Heritage’s historic event continues, the sale of “Rosebud” serves as a powerful reminder of how cinema can preserve our collective memory. More than a sled, it’s a relic of lost youth, a symbol of longing—and a centerpiece in the pantheon of Hollywood mythology.