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Let’s take a trip, not to a galaxy far far away, but to the toy aisle. It should go without saying that Star Wars is a massive phenomenon no one could have expected, and similarly, the value of the film’s original merchandise has been swept away in the fans’ fever for all things Luke and Leia. Before you blast off and begin bidding on every piece of Star Wars merchandise on the market, we’ve taken a look at every collectible worth coveting. Read on for everything you need to know about making a buck or buying at auction. Bid wisely young Jedis!
As high as $450
There may be only a handful of Toys “R” Us locations left in the world, but back when it was in its heyday, the Times Square location was like a child’s mecca. Fittingly, that’s where a promotional event was put on for the release of the LEGO X-Wing.
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The first 1,000 people in line to purchase were given an extra little goodie to commemorate the occasion. Behold, this LEGO figure of Yoda wearing, of course, an I Love New York t-shirt. If you scooped up this snazzily dressed little guy (for free no less!), you could flip it on eBay for nothing but profit.
As high as $500
Similar to a dollhouse, this Death Star playset was the perfect place to position your figures to their full potential. Although to be clear, action figures were obviously sold separately. Overseas countries opted not to produce the Death Star Space Station citing the size as too costly.
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Kenner put out this cross-section playset of the Death Star in 1978, and it had everything. Gun turret? Check. Hole that Luke and Leia swing across? Check. Trash compactor? Do you even have to ask – of course! New in the box, this playset, in high-quality condition, could cost quite a bit.
As high as $700
Disclaimer: we are not commenting on the appearance of this alien. If Kenner named a figure “Blue Snaggletooth,” who are we to rename him? Admittedly, this guy’s snaggletooth is pretty prominent. Regardless, can you even call yourself a fan if you don’t recognize Blue Snaggletooth?
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Also known as Zutton or Z-Tron (couldn’t Kenner have gone with one of those instead of Snaggletooth?), this guy gets a few seconds of screen time when Luke enters the Cantina for the first time in A New Hope. Somehow Kenner thought every kid would want one of these dentally challenged aliens. Still, this figurine new in the box could net you a surprisingly high asking price at auction.
As high as $725
Although it’s not life-sized for all you adult Star Wars superfans, back when this thing was released, by Kenner of course, this large(ish) model of R2-D2 was probably the right height for a child. Standing at a full 8 inches, this radio controlled R2-D2 took steps in four directions and required two 9 volt batteries.
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There aren’t so many of these on the market, and while rarity would often contribute to resale value, condition comes into play here. Finding a working model, with the original packaging is a tall order, but if you do happen upon one, it’s gone up in value by $700 in the last four decades.
As high as $800
It may not be her most popular outfit, but it’s definitely up there in the pantheon of Princess Leia’s most iconic looks. White dress, fashion-forward hood, and of course, a classic cinnamon roll space bun hairdo. This figure is from Kenner’s original 1978 Star Wars line, and at $2.27 for such stylishness, it was a steal.
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Given Kenner’s outfitting capabilities, Leia’s gauzy white dress is turned into a far more practical pantsuit. Topped off with Kenner’s famous vinyl cape, and carrying the blaster from A New Hope, this action figure is actually the cheapest entry from this lineup, although who knows why because those wide-flare pants are fantastic.
Anywhere from $900-2,000
Everyone, George Lucas included, expected Star Wars to be a flop of epic proportions. Still, in an act of blind faith, toy company Kenner made an empty tray for Star Wars action figures to fit inside. The thing is, they put the tray out before the action figures were even for sale.
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Parents could buy the empty box for $9.99, with vouchers for the receipt of future figures before they hit the shelves. The containers could’ve kept your collectibles in mint condition, too. The “Early Bird Certificate Package” is a fairly unique piece of Star Wars collector history, and thus, one of these containers could actually bring in the big bucks.
As high as $1,000
If you guessed that a figure of Han Solo would be a prized piece of merchandise, well, you wouldn’t exactly be a genius – he’s beloved. And who doesn’t love Harrison Ford? Clearly, the people at Kenner really love him, because after putting out a Han Solo figure, they decided it didn’t look enough like Han’s portrayer.
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Commonly called Big Head Han Solo by collectors, it was made with the intention of looking more like Harrison Ford, and they definitely get an A for effort. Han Ford, or Harrison Solo, floppy hair and all, is still worth way more than its original $2.49 price sticker.
As high as $2,000
Everyone can agree that the TIE Interceptor is one of the best designed Imperial fighters in the Star Wars universe. It’s got more guns that its predecessor the TIE Fighter, and it’s built for speed. However, what makes this one so valuable to collectors isn’t its inarguable efficiency as a fighter ship.
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The TIE Interceptor, featured in Return of the Jedi, was released in 1988, but oddly, it was only available for retail in Brazil. It would then make sense that the box would have Portuguese writing on it, and perhaps that’s what makes it even more enticing for collectors. This international icon, in its original box, brings in the bidders.
As high as $2,100
This collection is pre-assembled so half the work is cut out for you, isn’t that convenient? Kenner released this six-pack of characters featuring big baddie Darth Vader with the classic Kenner vinyl cape so evil it stands up on its own, a Stormtrooper, AT-AT pilot, a Rebel soldier, IG-88 and Yoda.
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While most of these characters aren’t all that interesting when it comes to the Star Wars canon, (Darth Vader and Yoda excluded, of course), the bang for your buck isn’t half bad. The AT-AT pilot isn’t often included in action figure packs, so his presence here might make this even more valuable as time goes on.
As high as $2,500
As we’ve learned, expectations for Star Wars were super low, and so the reason that so many of the collectibles on this list are rare isn’t because they were looking to make them collectibles. Toy makers actually had little faith in the film to create enough fanfare for profitable merchandise sales.
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That was not the case with Funko Pop’s Holographic Darth Maul, made exclusively for San Diego Comic-Con in 2012. A rare find by design, these big-headed cousins to the bobblehead are valuable both because of how scarce they are on the market, and the bizarre fervor with which people collect Funko Pop figures.
As high as $2,500
Maybe not the wisest marketing Kenner could have come up with, this figurine was named a little too on the nose – meet Yak Face. Yak Face wasn’t particularly popular upon release, making it to store shelves in Europe and Canada, but not the United States. Today, Yak Face is having the last laugh.
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Featured with a force pike, Yak Face was released in the 80s, right before Kenner canceled their line of Star Wars collectibles. As one of the last of his kind to be released for regular retail, Yak Face has far surpassed the projected value anyone could have envisioned. eBay bidders become rabid when a Yak Face is on the auction block.
As high as $2,500
Parents everywhere would argue that LEGO sets are expensive enough as it is, and even at its original retail price, the Lambda Shuttle LEGO set was probably pretty pricey. But that’s nothing in comparison to today’s going rate for one of these flyers.
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Seeing as it’s LEGO, some assembly is obviously required, and as such, a part of the value hinges on whether or not each piece is in its original plastic bag. Although, even a mint condition set isn’t all it takes to get buyers bidding. The Lambda Shuttle set is actually most exciting for the figures it comes with: Darth Vader, Luke, two Imperial officers, and a Stormtrooper.
As high as $2,500
LEGO sets present an interesting pricing procedure, seeing as how an unconstructed Star Wars shuttle is worth more than a completed one in all its moveable winged glory. What’s more, a lot of the time it’s not actually the set that’s so enticing to consumers, it’s the figures that are included.
minifigpriceguide.com
While some of the figures have bodies very specifically painted to look like their characters, this George Lucas LEGO figure is nothing more than his signature white beard, and clip-on swooshy side-parted hair on an otherwise unremarkable LEGO block body. Nonetheless, LEGO never released the figure, and only the prototype exists, thus, it’s a real find for collectors.
As high as $2,600
This schooltime essential may not be much more than a glorified sandwich bag, but actually, it’s one of the pricier pieces of Star Wars memorabilia on the market. A lot of what makes Star Wars collectibles worth collecting is the rabid fanbase the franchise retains, but this R2-D2 lunchbox has something else going for it, too.
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This fun and useful schooltime essential is a really rare find. For reasons unknown — because what child wouldn’t have wanted to carry their PB & J in one of these — the R2-D2 lunchbox never went into production. As such, only twelve exist. The scarcity of the snack pack really pads up its monetary value.
As high as $3,200
Fun fact about the Millennium Falcon: George Lucas found his inspiration for the ship’s shape after looking down at his burger with a bite taken out of it. And if you’re wondering where that cockpit comes into play on the dinner plate, it’s inspired by the olive garnish.
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This model of the Millennium Falcon (“with Battle Alert Sounds!”) comes with a few attachments, although, as always, action figures are not included. With all of its bits and bobs, this burger-inspired spaceship by Kenner, of course, can sell for quite a lot at auctions online. Take into account it was originally retailed at $24.77, and you’re in the money now Millennium fans!
As high as $4,000
It may have only had a handful of episodes make it to air but even the short-lived television show Star Wars: Droids had merchandise made. After only one season in the mid-80s, Star Wars: Droids was canceled, and can you imagine what that would mean for any action figure the show spawned?
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This robust blue alien (note: we did not call him fat), Vlix, was supposed to be released as part of the second season of the show. And after its cancellation, it clearly was not going to see store shelves. As a rare and obscure piece of Star Wars history, this figure will find buyers going into bidding wars.
As high as $4,000
Another TIE fighter, this model of the TIE Advanced is made out of die-cast metal and plastic, and while die-cast sounds expensive, it’s not. Die-cast metal just means a bunch of cheap metals were melted together but it is a clever bit of marketing on Kenner’s part.
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So, if you take this die-cast metal TIE Advanced model, and add the fact that Kenner made more action figures to fit into the ship than actual ships, and you have the perfect recipe for a high-priced piece of Star Wars memorabilia. If its good as new, in a mint condition box, online buyers will bid up into the thousands for this ship.
As high as $4,155
Like all Kenner actions figures before him, this Chewbacca by Kenner came out in 1979 and was priced at a very fair $2.49. What makes him so special at present isn’t his luscious locks, which unfortunately don’t translate to plastic as well as one would have hoped, but his green bowcaster.
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This variation of Chewbacca, arguably one of the most beloved (and most frequently impersonated) characters comes with a green bowcaster that indicates to the intensely detail orientated collectors out there that this figure is indeed from the first release by Kenner. In mint condition, Chewbacca can fetch a few thousand at auction online.
As high as $5,000
In the case of this Gamorrean Guard and collector’s coin, it’s not the rarity that raises its value. Seeing as there were quite a lot of figures released as part of Kenner’s “Power of the Force” line, 92 to be specific, that’s a lot of figures out on the market.
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Having a complete set would surely be worth a small fortune, or a not-so-small fortune, in the right condition. Finding this Gamorrean Guard safe in his box is hard to find, and finding him together with the collector’s coin brings the value up even more. It is there in the name after all, “Special Collector’s Coin” — a title sure to crank the up cost.
As high as $7,000
Let’s talk Luke Skywalker. Two figures of everyone’s favorite Jedi were released for retail by Kenner in 1978. For all intents and purposes, they look the same and were each originally priced at $2.49. But today, one is worth roughly $900 while the other is worth way more.
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Coming in, on average, at $7,000, what makes this Luke Skywalker worth so much more to collectors? Simple, the double telescoping lightsaber. The expression “something up his sleeve” has never been truer as it is here – Luke’s lightsaber is tucked up his sleeve and can extend an extra inch. Luke and his lightsaber are a sure sale.
As high as $7,000
Just like our friend Luke Skywalker, Kenner released two versions of Obi-Wan Kenobi, and similarly, one had the double telescoping lightsaber. Kenner realized, along with everyone else, that the extension of the lightsaber was a little flimsy. Finding a figure of Obi-Wan, even with a bent saber, is still going to fetch a lot at auction.
thetoyarchives.com
See, after Kenner decided that the double telescoping lightsaber wasn’t sturdy, they decided on a redesign before making them available for retail. Only five with the double telescoping lightsaber are rumored to exist, and so, if you find one, you had better be prepared to pay.
On average $7,500
This would be a real conversation starter if ever there was one, should you have this hanging in your home. It may only be a replica but it’s impressive nonetheless. Standing at 7 feet 5 inches, this life-sized impression of Han Solo in carbonite is a sight to behold.
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A freeze frame of one of the most memorable scenes in any of the Star Wars films, Han Solo is captured in perfect detail. Despite not being the actual prop that was used in filming, it’s lit up on all sides, adding to that big cinematic feel everyone wants in a Star Wars collectible, and of course, its hefty price tag.
As high as $7,500
Like the other figures from the Kenner “Power of the Force” line, released in the mid ’80s, this Anakin Skywalker figure, in full ghostly glory as he appears in the end of Return of the Jedi also comes with a commemorative coin. The coin does add to the value, as it did with our green pal the Gamorrean Guard.
collectors.com
The coin shows Anakin with Yoda peeking out behind him. As exciting as a spectral Skywalker may seem, it’s the coin’s impression that makes this a signature piece for collectors. Valuable even out of the box, in its original packaging, and with the coin, it can go for hundreds or thousands more.
As low as $10,000
We’ve hit the five figures! Welcome to the cream of the crop of Star Wars collectibles. Although most of the entries on this list are from the ’70s, (which makes sense for most of these values) this LEGO figure of C-3PO was released in 2007.
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Made out of 14kt. solid yellow gold for the 30th anniversary of Star Wars Episode IV, these were only available as a prize for a promotional contest. Only five lucky collectors won one of these! While the cost of gold fluctuates, the small number of these in existence all but guarantees that it’ll never be worth less than 10K.
As high as $13,000
Even someone who isn’t crazy about Star Wars can understand the increased value of comic books over time. The comic book resale market has been alive and well for a long time, and so when you add Star Wars into that equation, you’re going to strike gold.
recalledcomics.com
Released by Marvel, one of the 1,500 first issues of this Star Wars comic book with as minimal wear and tear as possible is sure to get collector’s digging deep into their wallets. At a time when Marvel was toying around with a 5 cent increase in the cost per comic, the 35 cent issue is where you can make some real money.
As high as $14,000
This FX-7 Medical droid is an interesting case study in the art of the auction. As a character, well, to put it bluntly, this medical droid isn’t particularly memorable, even to Star Wars superfans. So why did it do so well at auction and what does that final figure mean moving forward?
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While it’s easy to imagine that someone just really loved this piece of Star Wars obscura, it’s important to remember that in order to reach that closing bid, someone else had to be bidding against our lucky buyer, thereby bringing up the price. That’s how a bidding war can raise fair market value, even on an FX-7 Medical droid.
As high as $16,000
At this point in the list, you’re going to see items selling for as much as cars or even some college tuitions, so hang onto your sabers. In 2007, LEGO released a set for the Corellian YT-1300 and as quickly as it came onto the market, it was discontinued.
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When it was first released for regular retail, it was already priced at a hefty $500 but today’s value is more than triple that price. A recent eBay auction of this set (1st edition), established a new standard for rare Star Wars LEGO sets. It came with a certificate of authenticity, and if there’s one things collector’s love, it’s a pristine provenance.
As high as $18,000
Released in 1978, this Jawa came with the same vinyl cape as it’s taller and more exciting counterparts. Kenner quickly realized that producing a more minor figure with the same level of care as say, Luke Skywalker was a waste of funds and re-released the Jawa with a cotton cape instead.
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Thus, an original release of this Jawa, vinyl cape and all, can fetch more at auction than space pants Princess Leia with her vinyl cape or Big Head Han Solo. If you were prescient enough to scoop one of these up when they were sold on shelves for $2.49, your return on investment is through the roof.
As high as $30,000
This figure is the perfect convergence of what makes every last item on this list valuable, and so, it’s more valuable than them all. This Kenner figure of Darth Vader, released in the original line —and as we know, original is always better — has everything going for it.
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The iconic character is wearing the vinyl cape collector’s love and has a double telescoping lightsaber. To complete its desirability, there are rumored to be only three or four of these in the world. The last time this Darth Vader appeared on the auction block was in 2003, and with the resurgence of Star Wars in the cultural canon, today would go for much more.
As high as $150,000
We’re here, the holy grail of Star Wars collectibles. Released by Kenner in 1979, this Boba Feet with a rocket launcher strapped to his back never made it to shelves after concern by the folks at Kenner that the rocket would be a choking hazard.
Sotheby’s
Very few of the Boba Fett prototypes exist and even fewer are assumed to be out there in their original packaging. When one was found on an episode of the television show Pawn Stars, it was given a value of $125k, but another expert believes it to be worth more. The seller eventually settled on $150,000, making it the most expensive piece of Star Wars history.
Sources: thegamer.com, gunaxin.com, toyworth.com