Original Donkey Kong Poster That Was Nearly Thrown Away Sold at Auction for Record-Breaking $329,400
A 1981 promotional poster for the original Donkey Kong, featuring the first public appearance of Mario, has become the the most expensive piece of original video game art ever sold at auction.
A 1981 promotional poster for the original Donkey Kong, one of the earliest appearances of Mario, has sold for an impressive $329,400 at auction. This artwork nearly ended up in the trash, but was saved by former Nintendo of America employee Donna Darbous. Designed by artist Leslie Cabarga as an arcade flyer, the poster depicts Donkey Kong carrying a barrel on his head and Mario, then known as 'Jumpman,' climbing a building to rescue Pauline.
The record-breaking sale surpasses the previous record holder, the original cover of Prince of Persia, which sold for $63,000 in 2023. The poster's sale is part of an auction called "Landry Pop Auctions Jumpman: The Beginning of an Icon," which also includes original artwork from Super Mario Bros. and other historic Nintendo pieces.
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