How To Find the Value of Your Star Wars Figures

Welcome fellow Star Wars fans! If you're reading this, chances are you have an extensive collection of Star Wars figures and are wondering what they might be worth.

Finding the value of Star Wars figures requires researching recent sales prices, checking condition, and identifying rare and desirable items. Read on for an in-depth guide on determining the value of your Star Wars collection.

Focus on the Popular Characters and Vehicles

The most valuable Star Wars figures are often those representing main characters like Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Princess Leia, Darth Vader, and other fan favorites. Iconic vehicles like the Millennium Falcon, X-Wing Fighters, TIE Fighters, and AT-AT Walkers also command high prices.

Figures of secondary characters or obscure alien species tend to be worthless unless they have some unique trait or were low production runs. When assessing your collection, pull out the popular heroes, villains, droids, clones, and vehicles first.

Check the Era and Movie Line

Star Wars figures produced during the 1970s and 1980s during the original trilogy era (before the prequels existed) are generally the most sought-after by collectors. Figures from the original Kenner toy lines based on A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back, and Return of the Jedi fetch higher prices, especially if they are unopened in the original packaging.

More modern figures from the prequel and sequel trilogies don’t tend to be as valuable, unless they are rare variants or exclusives. Identify which movie your figures tie to, as the era makes a big difference.

Review the Condition Thoroughly

The condition of Star Wars figures plays a huge role in determining value. Items that are still sealed in the original packaging fetch astronomical prices. Loose figures without packaging can still be valuable if they are in excellent, “like new” condition with no damage or paint wear.

Figures with broken parts, fading, staining, or evidence of heavy play are worth substantially less. Carefully inspect each item, looking for any flaws, paint rubs, loose joints, or missing accessories. Pristine condition figures bring optimal prices.

Identify Rare Variants and Errors

Certain Star Wars figures were released with unique paint variants, production errors, or as exclusives, making them extra rare and desirable to collectors. For example, a small number of Luke Skywalker X-wing pilot figures were produced with a double-telescoping lightsaber that extends very long.

Figures with the name “Star Wars” rather than “Return of the Jedi” on the packaging can also have significant value. Examine your figures closely and research rare variants. These can sometimes be worth thousands despite being the same character as a normal figure.

Use Auction Site Sales as a Price Guide

One of the best ways to find the value of Star Wars figures is to see what they have recently sold for on auction sites like eBay. Search for the specific figure you have and filter the results to show sold listings only.

This will give you a good sense of the current market value based on what real collectors have paid. Taking the average recent sales prices will give you an accurate estimate.

Consider Getting Professional Appraisals

For very large, valuable collections or rare one-of-a-kind prototypes/production samples, it may be wise to get a professional appraisal. Experts can identify rare items you may have overlooked and accurately judge condition and market values.

Most charge hourly rates or a percentage of the total value. Appraisals are recommended for collections worth $10,000+ or with rare early prototypes.

Know Where to Sell Your Valuable Finds

Once you’ve identified the rare and valuable items in your collection, it’s time to consider how to sell them for maximum profit. Auction sites like eBay are popular options, but beware high seller fees.

Specialist collectors forums and conventions may get you better prices from knowledgeable buyers. Vintage Star Wars figures can also be consigned to reputable auction houses for premium prices.

Start by Sorting and Organizing Your Figures

The first step in determining value is to physically go through your entire collection and organize it. Sort figures by movie, character names alphabetically, or by type (humans, creatures, droids, etc).

This process will help you gain insight into what you have and make valuations easier. As you sort, group together figures from the same sets or playsets. Place higher value items aside for appraisal.

Use Online Price Guides and Databases

There are many websites that function as price guides for Star Wars toys, showing value ranges and pictures for identifying items. Popular options and our top recommendation is SellYourToysNow.com Toy Pricer.

This site allows you to quickly look up your figures by name and see their estimated values based on sales data. This gives a rough idea of value, though prices fluctuate.

Verify Authenticity and Watch for Fakes

Unfortunately, there are many fake Star Wars figures being sold, especially online or at conventions. These knockoffs can seem convincing at first glance but are worthless compared to authentic figures.

Examine paint quality, articulation, materials, copyright markings, and packaging carefully. Research how to spot fake Star Wars toys to ensure your collection is verified and genuine before appraising. This preserves value.

Consider Having Items Professionally Graded

For high-end or extremely rare Star Wars items, you may want to utilize professional grading services like Action Figure Authority or the Action Figure Collectors Association. Experts will analyze the figure, provide detailed condition assessments, assign a numeric grade from 1 to 100, and encapsulate it in a protective case.

This process authenticates and preserves the item while typically increasing its market value significantly. Grading fees start around $20 per figure.

Compare Loose vs. Packaged Pricing

Star Wars figures still sealed in their original packaging are worth 200-300% more than loose figures in most cases. An unopened rare figure that normally sells for $500 loose could fetch $2,000 in the package.

Even keeping partial packaging like a figure's backing card can double its lose value. The packaging also provides protection. Inspect box condition closely - tears, dents, and water damage can lower value.

Research Manufacturing Variations

Subtle manufacturing differences between releases of the same Star Wars figure, known as production variants, can greatly affect value. A Luke Skywalker with a double telescoping saber and a Darth Vader with a vinyl cape are hugely desirable to collectors.

Examine the materials, colors, molds, textures, and articulation closely then cross-reference with databases to identify variants. Even small differences matter.

Join Collector Forums and Groups

Networking with other vintage Star Wars collectors can provide valuable insights into fair market values for your figures. Groups like RebelScum, The Star Wars Collectors Archive, and Fwoosh forums have members with extensive knowledge who can identify rare items and provide price guidance. Social networks connect you with experienced collectors who can answer valuation questions.

Research the Designers and Artists Behind the Toys

Knowing who designed and created the figures can provide insights into their significance and help determine value. Many legendary artists like Ralph McQuarrie, Joe Johnston, and Kenner toy designers were involved.

For example, many early prototype designs were crafted by Ralph McQuarrie, the conceptual artist behind Star Wars. His original hand-painted prototype figures are extraordinarily rare and valuable. His contributions were crucial for establishing the look of characters like Darth Vader, Chewbacca, R2-D2 and C-3PO. Very few of McQuarrie’s prototypes exist, making them highly prized by serious collectors.

Joe Johnston was also instrumental, creating the iconic Boba Fett design. His white prototype for the bounty hunter sold at auction in 2019 for over $185,000! Knowing the history of the artists involved adds context and helps collectors understand the historical significance of a given figure. Do research to identify who designed and produced the items in your collection.

Look For Rare Test Market and Prototype Figures

Before mass production, toy companies often do limited test market runs of new toys to gauge interest and demand. These test run figures are produced in small quantities, making them quite rare. Star Wars test market figures were created for the aborted 1977 Early Bird Certificate Kit, mail-in figure sets, and Canadian/European market testing.

Another category is pre-production prototypes. These are hand sculpted and painted figures used for designing the toys before mass production. They allow the toy designers to perfect details on a character before molding the plastics. Only a handful of copies are made, giving prototypes huge value to collectors.

For both test market and prototype figures, authenticity is key as fakes abound. Carefully inspect the paint details, materials, moving parts and joints to verify they are consistent with a true production-used sample. The rarer the figure, the more desirable, so research thoroughly.

Keep Instructions, Packaging and Playsets Complete

Loose figures are worth significantly less than complete sets with all original parts, playsets, instructions, and especially packaging. A loose Luke Skywalker X-Wing pilot may sell for $50, but if you have the full X-Wing vehicle box set sealed, it could fetch $5,000 or more at auction. The difference is enormous.

Even keeping partial original packaging like the backing card or baggies will increase value over loose figures alone. The materials also provide protection and prevent wear. Complete playsets with vehicles, accessories, bases, and instructions are also exponentially more valuable than loose figures.

Take time to reassemble any sets and consolidate instructions/packaging with the corresponding items.

Know When to Hold Long-Term vs Selling Now

The value of Star Wars figures has steadily increased over decades, outpacing inflation and many other investment asset classes. In most cases, prices continue rising over the long-term as demand grows and supply shrinks when items are lost/damaged. But short-term fluctuations happen too.

When evaluating your collection, decide whether now is the right time to sell, or if holding certain pieces for future price increases makes more sense. Rarities like prototype Boba Fetts may be at all-time highs, perfect for current sales.

More common pieces may rise over the next 5-10 years. Analyze market trends and consult other collectors to determine ideal timing strategies. The most valuable pieces could gain value long-term.

Wrapping It Up

Determining the value of your Star Wars figures is a fun treasure hunt that may uncover hidden gems in your collection. By following this guide's tips on assessing character popularity, release era, condition, variants, sales prices, and packaging, you can get accurate estimates.

With a valuable collection, consider professional appraisals, authentication grading, and seller options like auctions or collectors events. Share your love of Star Wars toys and may the Force be with you!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do all vintage Star Wars figures have value?

A: Not necessarily. Background alien characters and vehicles may only be worth a few dollars. But main characters, rare variants, prototypes, and sealed items often have significant value. Do your research to identify potential hidden gems.

Q: Can I trust appraisal prices from Star Wars collecting books and magazines?

A: Prices in print collecting guides can sometimes be outdated, as values fluctuate regularly based on market demand. Use books as a starting point, but always cross-reference with latest sales data from auction sites to get current figures.

Q: How can I safely ship my valuable Star Wars figures to buyers or for appraisals?

A: Pack figures with plenty of cushioning in a sturdy box. Wrap individually in bubble wrap or soft tissue. Use packing peanuts or foam sheets to prevent movement. Declare full value, require signature, and consider purchasing extra insurance to cover any damage or losses.

Q: What factors decrease the value of my Star Wars figures?

A: Damage like broken limbs or accessories, paint wear, fading, stains, and evidence of heavy play all reduce value significantly. Also beware of unlicensed knockoffs. Opened vintage packaging, incomplete playsets, and missing instructions also decrease prices compared to complete sets in great shape.

Q: Is eBay the best place to sell valuable Star Wars figures?

A: eBay provides a very large audience of collectors, but fees can eat significantly into your profits on high-end items. Consider consignment at reputable auction houses, selling via collector forums, or offering at fan conventions. Shop around for the best price.

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