Data’s Emotion Chip

The bronze chip is octagonal with one side cut out and is acid-etched in different designs in black on each side. It is ⁵⁄₁₆ in. The names COLEMAN and WHITE appear on the back of the prop. Don Coleman, a puppeteer and special effects artist at Makeup & Effects Laboratories, confirmed details about the prop. While he didn’t specifically remember making it, his wife recalled him mentioning it, and he concluded he must have made it since his name appeared on it. He said the piece would have been brass with an acid-etched pattern, which would have been outsourced. The front design was likely provided by prop master Alan Sims from the production company, possibly Rick Sternbeck, while Coleman probably designed the back—explaining why his name appears there. The name “White” refers to his boss, Doug White.

Handled by Brent Spinner as Data, in the Star Trek: TNG season seven episode #253 “Descent Part II,” which aired the week of September 20, 1993. Lore returned and abducted Data in an attempt to further his creation of a Borg army. The crew of the Enterprise were ultimately saved when Hugh and other Borgs joined the Enterprise crew to defeat Lore. In the final scene of the episode, Data informed Geordi that the emotion chip he received from Lore was damaged during their confrontation. Lore had used the chip to feed Data artificial negative emotions, which caused him to act against his friends and nearly kill Geordi. As a result, Data was hesitant to use a device that had compromised his ethical programming and endangered those he cared about. Although Data initially decided to destroy the chip, Geordi intervened and suggested that he keep it and wait until he felt ready to install it. This decision allowed Data to continue his journey toward humanity through his own experiences rather than relying on an instant, external solution. Heritage Hollywood/Entertainment Showcase Auction #41199, Lot 4195, Wednesday March 25, 2026 - Michael Westmore.

Type: Prop

Character: Data

Actor: Brent Spiner

Show: Star Trek: The Next Generation

Episode: Descent, Part II