Further compounding the tragedy of Amsel's death was the liquidation of his estate due to a substantial tax debt. Many of the artist's most famous pieces, including RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK and MAD MAX BEYOND THUNDERDOME, were put up for auction by Christie's East on May 20th, 1987, scattering his prized illustrations among an assortment of art collectors and movie fans.

Fortunately, much of what was left of the collection was subsequently given to Amsel's alma mater, The University of the Arts in Philadelphia.