Most Valuable Star Wars Collectibles

Collectors seeking the best Star Wars collectibles (in terms of value and rarity) should look for the original issues by Kenner (in the US) and Palitoy (UK) products,  manufactured from 1977-1989.

Despite the legend that obsessively neat American mothers reveled in the throwing out of priceless Star Wars toys, the Vintage 1977 Kenner and Palitoy action figures are still readily available.  Figures in played-with condition seem to be going for anything from $6-25, depending, of course on the specific character, rarity and condition.  However, some characters, particularly Han Solo, in original, mint condition packaging have  command as much as $1,200.  The Holy Grail of Star Wars figures is the 1978 issue of Jawa in a vinyl cape.  Soon after its original release, the cape was changed to cloth.

Vintage Kenner and Palitoy Star Wars Action Figures

Kenner received the original licensing for the movie tie-in toys, but the success of the film caught them by surprise.  In order to be ready for the 1977 Christmas shopping season, Kenner sold 600,000 empty action figure boxes that contained IOU’s to be redeemed at a future date.  The 1978 holiday season saw their sales climb to over 42 million units.  The earliest releases included four characters, Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Chewbacca, and R2-D2, but that was soon expanded to twelve.  These figures came on cards in a blister pack, with pictures of the original 12 figures on the back of the cards.

By 1985, there were 111 Star Wars Action figures to choose from.