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one of the most iconic pieces of psychedelic rock art: the "Skeleton and Roses
" (or "Skull and Roses") concert poster for the Grateful Dead.
Designed by legendary artists Stanley Mouse and Alton Kelley, it was created for a performance at the Avalon Ballroom in San Francisco on September 16–17, 1966. The central skeleton image was discovered by the artists in the San Francisco Public Library, adapted from a 1913 illustration by Edward Joseph Sullivan for the book The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam.
Collecting & Value
Known in the Family Dog concert series as FD-26, this poster is considered a "Holy Grail" for collectors.
Original First Printings: These are extremely rare and valuable. A high-grade (9.6) original set a world record by selling for $137,500 in 2022.
Second and Third Printings: These were authorized later in 1966 and 1967. While still valuable, they typically sell for a few thousand dollars depending on their condition.
Modern Reprints: Because the design became the band's signature icon, it has been reprinted countless times. Modern posters and high-quality canvas prints are widely available for $15 to $60.
How to Identify an Original (FD-26-OP-1)
To tell if a copy is an original 1966 printing, collectors look for specific details:
The "Blue Box": Original first printings have a small, darker blue rectangle just to the left of the skeleton’s skull.
Printer Credit: The text "The Bindweed Press San Francisco" should appear immediately above the ticket outlet strip on the bottom right.
Paper Type: Originals were printed on vellum paper and measure approximately 14" x 20". |
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