Star Wars action figures came out in the late 1970s when movies were starting to become major cultural events. Kenner released these toys that’d let kids recreate and continue the story at home with the characters in their hands.
This made the Star Wars toys a bigger hit than the film itself, with many toys selling for record-breaking prices! The rare rocket-firing Boba Fett prototype, as an example, sold for over a million dollars at auction.
The original Kenner line had many different items to collect. There were figures, playsets, vehicles, various packaging designs, and mail-away exclusives. Card backs changed to show different numbers of available figures. Some items were only released in certain countries. Manufacturing variations created additional versions.
This range gives Star Wars fans and collectors a wide range of toys and figures to collect. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular and collectible Star Wars action figures and toys people are going crazy for!
1. Kenner Anakin Skywalker Figure (1985)
From the 1985 “Power of the Force” line, this was one of the last 17 figures Kenner produced before ending the vintage line. It came with a coin and was available only through mail order, not in stores, making it extremely rare!
For maximum value, look for the original sealed baggie with the mailer box and the coin. A graded complete version in its original mailer can sell for over $10,000!
2. Jawa Vinyl Cape Figure (1978)
All Jawa figures are desirable, but early ones came with vinyl capes. Since these were fragile, Kenner quickly replaced them with cloth versions. This brief production run makes the vinyl cape Jawa rare. A mint-on-card example with the original vinyl cape sells for tens of thousands of dollars.
Note: Be cautious of reproductions and verify authenticity by checking the country of origin stamp.
3. Luke Skywalker X-Wing Pilot
A part of the original 12-figure lineup, Luke in pilot gear remains popular with collectors. The most valuable version features the double-telescoping lightsaber, where the blade extends in two sections.
This fragile feature was discontinued early, so a graded mint-on-card version with the double-telescoping lightsaber can easily sell for a few thousand dollars or more in the original package.
4. Darth Vader Figure (1978)
Vader was among the first “Early Bird” figures. The double-telescoping lightsaber variant is the most sought-after version. Just like Luke, this early design was changed due to manufacturing costs and fragility issues. Mint-on-card (MOC) examples, like this listing, can reach high four-five-figure prices today.
5. Blue Snaggletooth (1978)
This rare action figure resulted from a production error that became collectible. Kenner created it for a Sears cantina set using a black and white reference photo, resulting in incorrect height and coloring. After discovering the mistake, they corrected it, making the blue version scarce.
A loose, complete Blue Snaggletooth figure with blaster can be worth hundreds of dollars, while a mint-in-box cantina set reaches thousands, like this one sold for almost $4,000. There’s another variant from another manufacturing error, called the “dented toe.”
6. Yak Face (Powder of the Force) (1985)
Another “Last 17” figure that is highly rare, Yak Face was never released in the U.S., only in Canada and select European markets. This is why collectors can pay thousands for this figure in the USA. Sealed versions sell for low to mid-thousands. The figure should include its “Power of the Force” coin for optimal value.
7. Han Solo Small Head Figure (1978)
This is a scarce “small head” variant of the iconic “Han Solo” figure. It was made with the original mold featuring a smaller, more detailed head before it was changed to a larger, simpler design. Due to its rarity, mint-on-card examples sell for several thousand dollars.
Collector’s Tip: The sculpt differences in both variants may be hard to notice, so consult a detailed collector’s guide for proper identification.
8. Droids Boba Fett Figure with Coin (1985)
This is another mail-away exclusive piece from 1985. The Droids animated series includes the figure + a special “Power of the Force” coin. Its exclusive availability and the appeal of the iconic character make this actional figure highly desirable!
Factory-sealed figures with the coin have increased in value recently, selling for a few thousand dollars at auction.
9. Sonic Controlled Landspeeder (1978)
This is a Star Wars toy vehicle based on the iconic low-flying, anti-gravity vehicle from the Series. It’s more elaborate than most Kenner toys from that era, including a wired remote that worked by sound activation.
The Sonic Controlled Landspeeder was sold exclusively through J.C. Penney, which adds to its scarcity. Finding a complete unit with the microphone and all components in working order is uncommon. Complete boxed versions in good condition sell for hundreds to thousands of dollars, making it a notable find for Star Wars collectors.
10. Star Wars Millennium Falcon Playset (1977)
This Star Wars set was shaped like Han Solo’s starship, complete with landing gear and a swivel-mounted radar dish. The top of the ship lifted off to reveal a detailed playset inside, with features like Dejarik, Battle alert sound button, etc.
You can spot the early version by its “engine sound” sticker and the absence of a Jedi Training Ball with a string, which appeared in later releases. Although produced in high numbers, a complete, well-maintained set with box, stickers, and all parts is still rare and valuable!
11. Star Wars Early Bird Mailer Kit (1977)
Due to production delays in 1977, Kenner decided to sell “Early Bird” kits that required customers to mail in to receive the first four figures: Luke, Leia, R2-D2, and Chewbacca. This approach further launched the entire Kenner line.
Complete Early Bird kits containing the original cardboard display, sealed plastic bags, and certificates are highly valued, often fetching $2,000 to $4,000+. You can assess the price largely by cardboard condition and whether figures remain sealed in their original bags.
12. Stormtrooper Figure (1977)
In the film, the Stormtroopers are the faceless foot soldiers of the Galactic Empire, recognizable by their unique white armor. The original Kenner Stormtrooper ranks among the most recognizable first-wave figures, among which the earliest versions of “12-back” cards are most desirable.
The value of this figure largely depends on the condition and card back variant. For example, an unpunched, sealed Stormtrooper on a 12-back card can reach low thousands, with “12-back-B” variations fetching premium prices.
13. Walking Wind Up R2-D2 (1978)
R2-D2 was one of the most beloved droids in the Star Wars universe, making it a popular subject for several toys. But the Walking Wind Up R2-D2 is different from the smaller action figure or vehicle toys, thanks to its wind-up mechanism for walking and sound effects.
Complete boxed or unopened examples of Walking R2-D2 can go for a few thousand dollars, while high-grade working units with original packaging sell for mid to high hundreds. Check for plastic yellowing and verify that the walking mechanism functions properly.
14. Holographic Darth Maul Funko Pop (2012)
This Glow in the Dark Darth Maul Funko Pop is an extremely desirable Star Wars toy for collectors. It’s a 2012 San Diego Comic-Con exclusive that had a production run of only 480 pieces, making it one of the rarest Funko Pop figures. Professionally graded examples in original packaging can easily fetch up to $2,000 to $5,000+!
What Makes Star Wars Action Figures & Toys Valuable?
For vintage Star Wars toys, the value is not just about the age. In fact, several key factors work together to determine whether a simple piece of plastic is worth thousands or not!
1. Rarity:
Rarity matters most when determining the value of Star Wars action figures. Generally, examples of short production runs, limited exclusives, or manufacturing error pieces that were quickly fixed are among the highest-priced figures.
The vinyl-cape Jawa and double-telescoping lightsaber figures, for instance, were made briefly before Kenner changed them.
2. Prototypes & Variations:
Unreleased Star Wars figure prototypes and factory variations are the most sought-after pieces. The rocket-firing Boba Fett prototype, never sold to the public, is a perfect example of such prototypes; it realized a mind-boggling price of around $1.3 million in an auction!
Common variations like different hair colors or head sizes are also desirable among collectors, who like to collect complete variant sets.
3. Character Popularity:
Generally, action figures of well-known characters typically hold stronger value. For example, Luke Skywalker, Darth Vader, and Boba Fett consistently maintain good market demand.
But that doesn’t mean that lesser-known characters are not collectible. Figures like Yak Face are good examples that scarcity alone can create a lot of value, regardless of a character’s screen time or prominence.
4. Condition:
Condition is as important a value factor as rarity. In case of Star Wars action figures, pieces that have been played with, are missing accessories, or show wear are worth considerably less.
On the other hand, figures still sealed in undamaged original packaging (Mint on Card or MOC) are worth far more than loose figures, even those in excellent condition. The packaging itself often carries as much importance as the toy.
Also, for exclusive pieces that come with additional items or accessories, like coins, the presence of these items is a major value factor.
5. Grading:
Professional grading services like Action Figure Authority (AFA) provide authentication and objective condition assessment. These companies seal toys in protective, tamper-proof cases with assigned numerical grades.
Graded toys, particularly those with high grades, often command higher prices because they offer buyers guaranteed quality and authenticity verification.
Note: This article is intended for informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only. Some images are illustrative and may not represent actual brands, products, or related entities. All trademarks, product names, brand logos, packaging, and other intellectual property referenced remain the exclusive property of their respective owners. Any brand mentions or references are provided solely for descriptive and educational context and do not imply any formal or commercial association.
