When Friends debuted on September 22, 1994, few could have anticipated the enduring success and lasting cultural impact the show about six, twenty-something friends trying to figure life out in the Big City would be.
Now Julien’s Auctions is observing the 30th anniversary of the show by offering fans a chance to own a piece of nostalgia, including a reproduction of the famous couch used in the show and clothing worn by the iconic characters — some of which is expected to sell for up to $1,500.
In addition to the originals, some of the items up for auction include replicas for some of the show’s most iconic set props, including the orange couch the gang sit on in Central Perk as well as window stickers of the beloved coffee shop’s signage.
Here are some of the items up for sale in the Friends memorabilia auction.
Central Perk Couch
The orange Central Perk couch is one of 81 studio-made reproductions of the original props. The original made it through all ten seasons of Friends and saw a lot of activity of the characters catching up at their favorite hangout, Central Perk coffee shop. Though originally anticipated to go for $2,000 to $3,000, the winning bid was nearly $30,000.
Ben Geller’s Blue Metal Bike
In a Season 7 episode of the show, a young Ben Geller learned how to ride the bicycle on this blue metal bike. The Schwinn, Planetary Cruiser, and Aerostar decals refer to a bike model that was popular during Friends’ initial run and parts of the bike like a Planetary Cruiser bike chain.
Ross Geller’s Furniture
Some of the original furniture and decorations in Ross Geller’s third apartment, like a pair of bookends, an Ottoman, and a dresser, are up for auction. They were featured in several episodes from Season 5, when Ross managed to finagle his way into the apartment in one episode and lived there through the show’s end.
The couch that Ross and two of his friends had trouble getting up the stairs in one episode ( Pivooootttt!) does not seem to have made it as far as the auction block.
Clothes Worn by the Cast
Clothes up for auction include a sweater worn by Rachel Green, Monica Geller’s knit top, Phoebe Buffay’s embroidered coat, and Ross Geller’s long-sleeved shirt.
Julien’s Auctions expected many of the clothing items used in Friends to sell for between $1,000 and $1,500. However, the Rachel Green sweater sold for $6,000 and the high bid for Phoebe’s embroidered coat netted over $5,000.
Script Reproductions
Script reproductions for several episodes, including a 2000 episode titled “The One With Phoebe’s Cookies” and a 1998 episode titled “The One With Joey’s Bag,” are up for auction. Many of them include reproductions of annotations and blocking information for various scenes such as one that took place in Central Perk.
Central Perk Sign Reproduction
A Central Perk sign reproduction sounds like a nice way to perk up the coffee station in your kitchen, doesn’t it?
This sign was often featured prominently in the show, including the opening scene in the very first episode of Friends. Although estimated at $500 to $700 by Julien’s Auctions, the bidding ended at over $5,000.
“It’s Not a Boy” Prop Reproduction
This prop reproduction references a clever dig at stores sometimes being sold out of popular products like “It’s a Girl” banners. Having got the wrong banner, Phoebe writes in “Not” to accommodate that Rachael’s baby was a girl, not a boy.
In a Season 9 episode, Phoebe hangs this banner to welcome Rachel home from the hospital after the birth of Rachel’s daughter.
Original “Monica’s Catering” Business Card
Several Monica’s Catering business cards were printed on white card stock for one episode in which Monica Geller and Phoebe have to get tough with a customer who refuses to pay the catering tab. Julien’s Auctions expected this card to go for $100 to $200. Bidding closed at over $5,500.
