Despite its age, Star Wars is a gargantuan franchise that has a level of longevity that few others can match. Not only has the brand produced beloved, all-time classic films, but it has also successfully breached the video game, television book, and comic markets. That said, the real backbone of Star Wars’ success, outside the movies, of course, is its long-history of merchandising. From lunchboxes to role play laser guns, the Star Wars brand has it all. Most critically, though, is its enormous collection of action figures.
The amount of figures (and vehicles or accessories associated with them) cover the widest swath of the fiction, treating the most obscure of characters like Malakili the Rancor keeper, just as sincerely important as series’ stalwarts like Darth Vader or Luke Skywalker. With such a huge cast to work with, and countless weapons, items, and ships to go with them, it’s no surprise that the Star Wars collector’s market is a cutthroat and intense realm, where prices skyrocket and the highest bidder triumphantly claims a one-of-a-kind item.
With our list of the 25 Star Wars Toys That Are Impossible To Find (And How Much They’re Worth), we’re going to show off which of these toys will net their owners a significant collection of Imperial Credits. Almost every item on this list needs to be in perfect, unopened, unspoiled mint condition to be worth the prices attached (although in a few cases, it’s not possible), so do keep that in mind if you’re thinking of getting in on the dangerous game that is Star Wars toy collecting.
Luke With Extending Lightsaber ($1000)
For the least expensive item on our list to be “only” worth a thousand dollars, you can see just how crazy things are going to get later on. But before we get ahead of ourselves, let’s talk about the advent of Star Wars toys, way back with the advent of the franchise itself.
As one of the very first figures released, many have fond memories of this version of Luke, and especially of his lightsaber, which was gimmicked to fold into or out of itself to either extend or deactivate.
Han Solo With Blaster ($1000)
While it definitely makes sense for one of the oldest Luke Skywalker figures to be worth a small fortune, it also makes sense that the charming rogue, Han Solo, would be worth a pretty penny as well, and not just to Jabba the Hutt this time around.
Armed with his signature blaster, this Han Solo figure was also part of the original set of Star Wars figures, and it’s no surprise to that he has an impressive price on his head for modern day collectors.
Boba Fett ‘79 ($2000)
Boba Fett might be one of the least fleshed out characters in the entirety of the Star Wars franchise (at least in terms of the films), but that never stopped legions upon legions of hardcore devotees from becoming obsessed with the helmeted bounty hunter.
Ironically, this bounty hunter has an impressive on himself, with the 1979 edition of the character fetching an impressive $2000.
That may seem high, but this is only the first of a few times we’ll see this iconic character on our list.
The Empire Six Pack ($2100)
By the time the Empire actually struck back, Star Wars was a gargantuan success, and the absolutely adored sequel only solidified the franchise’s place in the histories of both cinema and culture.
When it comes to the Empire Strikes Back Six Pack, which contained Darth Vader, a Snow Trooper, AT-AT Driver, Hoth Rebel, IG-88, and Yoda, collectors are keen on dropping over two-thousand dollars… especially if the version of the box is the one containing a yellow background for the figures.
Brazilian TIE Interceptor ‘88 ($2150)
You’ll find few who would argue against the TIE Interceptor being the coolest fighter throughout the entirety of the Empire (not counting Darth Vader’s TIE Advanced, of course.) That was common knowledge back in ’88 as much as it is common knowledge today, but especially so in Brazil.
This version of the TIE Interceptor is extremely rare and was only distributed in Brazil, making it even more unique than the more common and wide-spread releases in North America. If you miraculously have one new and complete in box, consider yourself lucky.
Boba Fett From Droids ‘85 ($2200)
Boba Fett strikes again, but this time in 1985. Instead of being marketed under the standard Star Wars brand, this version of the Mandalorian bounty hunter is part of the Star Wars Droids line, which in and of itself is already quite unique.
Critically though, this version contained a gold coin, which was the only non-silver coin to accompany any release of Boba Fett. While the general oddness of the figure itself certainly gives it value, it’s that ultra-rare coin that seals the deal.
Small-Headed Han Solo ($2500)
Much like Boba Fett, Han Solo will be making repeat appearances on this list and, perfectly mirroring his on-screen counterpart, will increasingly hefty bounties tied to him by a multitude of collectors. The specific version of the 1980 Han Solo that will yield you the most credits has one incredibly bizarre trait: a small head.
Due to mold issues stemming from trying to get the figures to look more like Harrison Ford, there’s a handful of 1980 Han Solos with smaller-than-usual heads, making them exceedingly rare.
Prototype R2-D2 Lunchbox ‘77 ($2600)
The collectible lunchbox scene is likely far more bonkers than you would ever imagine without someone telling you otherwise, but even outsiders from that cutthroat world can see why this rare R2-D2 lunchbox is worth over $2500.
This thing not only looks super cool (and how could it not, bearing the likeness of the beloved Astromech Droid?), but it’s insanely rare, making its value skyrocket. As an unproduced prototype, there are only very few in existence, causing both Star Wars fans and lunchbox collectors to do battle over it.
George Lucas Minifigure ($2700)
The first (and definitely not the last) LEGO entry on our list is none other than an incarnation of the man behind Star Wars, George Lucas. Unlike many other entries on this list, this isn’t an old item, but it’s absolutely one of the rarest.
Details regarding the minifigure are scarce, as it’s considered a prototype due to never being mass produced. What this means for collectors is that there’s an unknown number of these things out there, and your first time seeing one might be your last.
C-3PO Minifigure Prototype ($3200)
Another prototype minifigure from LEGO, this C-3PO is clearly unlike the many other versions that exist of the iconic character. More specifically, he’s orange. So not only is it a prototype minifigure with no known production numbers, he’s also orange.
Because of his comparative oddness and extreme rarity, consider yourself one of the luckiest people on the planet if you happen to own one… and if you do, don’t forget that you can sell it for over $3000 (at the very least) should you be in need of cash.
Boba Fett Promo Minifigure ($3500)
LEGO strikes back even more times than the Empire itself, and this time it involves yet another multi-time offender of Star Wars collectibles, Boba Fett. With only two known versions of this minifigure known to exist, this solid bronze promotional version of the character was a prize in a contest back in 2010.
We have no idea what happened to the one given to the winner of the contest, but we hope they’ve kept it well-preserved… preferably not in the belly of the Sarlaac.
Brazilian Vlix ($4000)
Not only do we have another entry from the Star Wars Droids brand of merchandise, but it’s also yet another item exclusive to Brazil. While Kenner had intended on producing their own version of Vlix, they never got the chance, but Glasslite in Brazil did.
Despite actually existing, this figure is supremely rare, and you’d be hard pressed to find someone who actually has one, boxed or otherwise. Due to its nearly inconceivable scarcity, this is one of the few entries where being unboxed or in less-than-mint condition has no bearing on the value.
Vader’s TIE Fighter ‘78 ($4000)
The TIE Interceptor is definitely cool, as we’ve discussed above, but so is Darth Vader’s one-of-a-kind TIE Advanced. The curved wings are super cool, plus it has a shield generator unlike the rest of its TIE brethren.
In 1978, there was a version of this TIE fighter made by Kenner, but its design was based on an early version of Vader’s fighter, giving it a look that is unique to itself and doesn’t mirror the screen-used model. If you’ve got it mint in box, despite its insane rarity, you could be the proud recipient of $4,000… if you’ve found the right buyer.
C-3PO Bronze Minifigure ($4100)
At this point, it almost seems like LEGO is intentionally manipulating not only their own collector market, but the Star Wars one as well. This 2007 C-3PO is one of a kind, and totally solid bronze, just like the aforementioned Boba Fett minifigure.
As literally the only version of this minifigure to exist, you can imagine its unrivaled rarity. Part of a promotional giveaway, it’s hard to know the character’s fate, but we can only hope that it wasn’t carelessly lost or destroyed in some accident.
Chewie ‘77 ($4150)
It’s about time that Han Solo’s co-pilot got in on the high-priced collector’s market action, and the 1977 Chewbacca with Bowcaster does exactly that.
If you’re lucky enough to own this version of the Wookie, you’ve got something rare and valuable on your hands. That said, if you want to sell it for the ultimate price, it’s going to need to be in absolutely pristine, mint condition, with a box that looks like it was just printed yesterday, including the absence of a price tag (and no leftover residue.)
Death Squad Commander ‘77 ($4850)
One of the original twelve Star Wars figures that were promised to buyers before they actually existed, the so-called “Death Squad Commander” from 1977 is extremely rare.
Of course, there’s an inherent value attached to rarity when it comes to markets filled with ravenous collectors (of which Star Wars fits the bill), but the most critical component to this piece’s monetary value is its condition. Anything less than untouched, pure mint, and you’re looking at a far less impressive payout.
Gamorrean Guard With Coin ($5000)
Earlier on this list, we talked about the Droids version of Boba Fett, and how he came with a gold coin. This is a similar case, but this time it’s the “Power of the Force” collection’s Gamorrean Guard.
Much like what made Boba Fett’s Droids stint so valuable, the Gamorrean Guard’s worth is determined by not just the condition of its package, but whether or not it has the pristine, silver coin it that came with it. If it does, and the rest of the item is in superior condition, you’re looking at $5000.
Mexican Darth Vader ‘83 ($6500)
While Darth Vader might be one of the most iconic characters in Star Wars, and a longtime favorite, this particular piece is far less widespread than many of the figures the character has spawned over the years.
Distributed exclusively in Mexico, this version of Darth Vader is so rare, that finding one in an unopened and undamaged package is almost like acquiring the Kaiburr Crystal from the doomed Empire “sequel,” Splinter of the Mind’s Eye. That said, while $6500 is certainly an impressive figure, but it’s far from the top of the mountain.
Obi-Wan ‘77 ($6500)
Considered to be only five total in existence, this 1977 Obi-Wan, part of the original twelve figures, is almost mind-bogglingly rare.
While finding one in rough, unboxed condition is a chore that’ll still net you some cash, the real gem, and the one that is part of the mere five in existence, is new in its box, unfettered, and equipped with the telescoping lightsaber.
Rumor has it that the original version of the extending sabers was so delicate that Kenner created a revised version… but some of the older types got out into the wild, and this Obi-Wan supposedly has one.
Darth Vader ‘77 ($6500)
Another member of the original twelve figures, this 1977 Darth Vader’s value stems from the same rarity of the above 1977 Obi-Wan, especially in regards to the unrevised lightsaber that it is apparently equipped with.
This particular version of the character, complete in box with the rare lightsaber, could possibly get a seller even more than 6500, with some reaching $30,000 in value, despite that not being the norm. Still, if you happen to find one of the 3 left in existence, you might as well get it graded immediately, and then lock it away in a safe until you’re in need of some serious cash.
