Star Wars collectibles: The rarest of the rare
Dear Santa, I'd like that $38K Star Wars figurine please
If you are Star Wars fan, it's likely you'll eventually become a Star Wars collector.
You name it — toys, posters, statues, bedspreads, toothbrushes, props or comic books — everything has been made into a Star Wars collectibles, and some of it is worth some pretty stellar cold hard cash.
So, do you have a fortune on your hands?
Or do you just wish you owned the rarest of the rare? Check out this list of memorabilia. Everything from the "vintage" era to The Force Awakens.
Rare 'in package' figurines
- Luke Skywalker/Darth Vader/Obi-Wan Kenobi double telescoping lightsaber figures
- Price: Up to $38,000
From the big file of "you've gotta be kidding me," these figures are some of the rarest to come by "in package." They were released in the first shipments of the original figures back in 1978. Each figure has a two-piece lightsaber that extends out of the arms.
As amazing as it sounds, these figures still in package can be worth more than $38,000 depending on condition. Out of the packaging these still command top dollar in the range of $3,000 to $5,000, depending whether the lightsabers are still in one piece.
Cancelled figurine
- (Prototype) Rocket Firing Boba Fett
- Price: $15,000 to $20,000
Another "holy grail" collectible for Star Wars fans is the toy that was never made: the Rocket Firing Boba Fett. Only a handful are known to exist.
Originally advertised as a mail-away promotion, the figure was cancelled at the last minute by Kenner.
There are two versions of this prototype — for true collectors this matters — the J-slot, and the L-slot, depending on which slot out of the rocket pack the missile fires from. The L-slot is blue and the J-slot fully painted.
Not released in the U.S.
- Power Of The Force Yak Face Figure
- Price: Up to $6,000 (mint)
Only in Canada you say? Pity. This action figure was only released in Canada and Australia. It came out in 1985 as the hype for the movies was dying down after Return of the Jedi.
Each package came with a special collector coin, as a bonus to get kids to gather the different coins. And it'll cost you a lot of coins to get your hands on one now. The price for a mint figure in its packaging is between $2,000 to $6,000, and a loose complete figure is $300 to $800.
The Imperial General
- Return Of The Jedi General Madine Trilogo Figure
- Price: Up to $15,000
You know you've got something special when Sotheby's holds an auction. Currently one of these figures is up for grabs. The Jedi General here was only released in France for the Return of the Jedi.
In case you've never heard of the character, he was an Imperial General who defected to the Rebels and helped plan the attack on the Death Star. If you've got one in mint condition, it's worth a mint.
1977 action figure box
- Star Wars Early Bird Certificate Package
- Price: $1,000(ish)
This action figure set was released for Christmas in 1977 by Kenner Toys. But, not knowing how popular the original Star Wars film would be, the company didn't have time to make the toys.
Instead they sold the box. Just the box. With a certificate inside that the kids would mail in, and wait for their figures to arrive. Check to see if yours has the official display stand that came with it. If it does, this early bird kit is worth between $800 and $1,000.
1976 book
- Star Wars Novelization
- Price: $100
The first Star Wars novel came out in 1976 — a full year before the movie hit theatres. It featured artwork by the legendary Ralph McQuarrie, who was the concept artist on the film. This is also one of the earliest collectibles released for the film. Depending on condition, this book fetches $30 to $100.
First poster
- Star Wars Poster #1
- Price: $2,500
Another early offering, in 1976 artist Howard Chaykin was hired to create a poster to promote Star Wars at conventions. It apparently retailed for $1, but now — in the right condition — will net you a nice $2,500.
New figurines
- The Force Awakens Figures by Hot Toys
- Price: $200 to $290
In the realm of the comparatively affordable comes collectibles from the new Star Wars film The Force Awakens.
Hot Toys is a company based out of Japan with distribution in North America by Sideshow Collectibles. These 1/6 scale figures are the best on the market, hands down.
They are highly-detailed sculptures of the characters, with screen-accurate costumes. No detail is missed. You can pick from many characters like Rey with BB-8, Kylo Ren or Captain Phasma, First Order Stormtrooper and many more to come. And if you're feeling generous this year, you can make a kid smile for between $199.99 to $289.99.
Smartphone droid sidekick
- BB-8 by Sphero
- Price: $190(ish)
One of the hottest toys released this past September by Sphero. Now you can own your own droid sidekick and control him with your smartphone. With loads of features and more updates coming, this is an innovation in toy making and Star Wars collectibles.
The originals
- Star Wars Original Props
- Price: If you have to ask, it doesn't' matter
Owning an actual piece of the movie is the dream of Star Wars collectors — and one that can be realized.
From production storyboards, to concept art, to actual costumes used on the sets, there is a small market for big budget collectibles (like the camera George Lucas used to film Star Wars).
The prices vary depending on what you're trying to buy, but they can run from a couple hundred dollars to a couple hundred thousand. Great shops like the Prop Store of London and L.A., as well as Profiles In History, help fans acquire these items.
Well, that's the list. And if you have a Star Wars collectable you want to check out, there's a few great websites: