Ten Most Expensive Transformers Toys

Throughout the 70s and early 80s, American and Japanese toy companies pushed forward universes filled with robots. While most robots were vehicles for humans to ride in during this era, some were presented as sentient beings. However, a world of form-changing robots that both functioned as vehicles and battle machines was on the horizon. The concept was fully realized when Hasbro licensed many of Takara’s toys to create the Transformers.

Takara originally created multiple transforming Micro Change and Diaclone robots in the early 80s. In the case of Micro Change, these toys were an evolution of the vehicles that their Microman toys could ride in. Meanwhile, the Diaclone toys were always form-changing alien robots. When Hasbro obtained the license for both of these toy lines, they combined them, along with a few other transforming robot toys from Japan, and then enlisted Marvel Comics to help them develop a new toy line.

Thanks to the contributions of Bob Budiansky and Jim Shooter, the Transformers gained names, personalities, and a home planet: Cybertron. These robots were also split between two factions: the heroic Autobots led by Optimus Prime and the evil Decepticons led by Megatron. This allowed Marvel to produce a long-running comic book series and helped Sunbow and Marvel Productions create a cartoon series.

Years later, the Transformers brand is still one of Hasbro’s premiere toy lines. As their partnership with Takara remains strong, both companies create and release new Transformers content. Meanwhile, the fandom is filled with collectors who look back to the treasures from the past. Thus, many Transformers toys have become extremely valuable on the second-hand market.

Presenting the ten most expensive Transformers toys that have sold at online auction sites

With four decades of Transformers toys, there are thousands of toys that came out from both America and Japan. However, only a few select toys are so treasured that they become extremely valuable. While most fans will look to complete their collections, many seek out the toys from the original run. With each passing year, it becomes less likely to encounter a mint copy of the toys from the 1980s. Thus, they continue to climb in value.

We sought out the ten most expensive listings of Transformers toys that have sold from online auction sites. To achieve this goal, we narrowed our search down to listings under the toys, dolls, & puzzles category. We also only listed the most expensive instance of each Transformers toy. As we want to highlight the perceived value of individual toys, we excluded any listings for lots or complete collections.

10. Hasbro Transformers G1 Swoop (1984)

With the combination of dinosaurs and robots, the Transformers presented one of the most popular groups: The Dinobots. These machines that transformed into mechanical dinosaurs appealed to both fans of robots and dinosaurs. Moreover, they were some of the strongest forces on the Autobot side. Thus, there are few surprises that they remain some of the most popular characters from the franchise.

Even though there was a main trio of Dinobots, Grimlock, Slag, and Sludge, there were two more members of the team. There was also the Pteranodon, Swoop, and the Stegosaurus, Snarl. Unlike the rest of the team, Swoop was an agile aerial fighter. Thus, his bio labeled him as the Dinobot Bombardier.

According to the toy bio: Swoop enjoyed watching enemies scatter before him as he dived down from the sky and considered spreading fear his greatest weapon. While he had a good-natured, kind side, his horrifying side made even his comrades shy away. He could fly at speeds reaching 250 mph. Moreover, he had air-to-air missile launchers under each wing that fired missiles equivalent to 5000 lbs. of TNT over an 8-mile range. As a robot, he used launchers and a 4000° C thermal sword. Unfortunately, his fragile wings were vulnerable to enemy firepower.

One of these toys appeared on eBay in excellent condition. Even though the box had been opened, the toy was still in mint condition since it had only been set out for display. The listing ended on July 12, 2021, with a documented final value of $15,000.00.

9. Hasbro Transformers G1 Soundwave Series 1 (1984) AFA – 80+ NM

Before the toy came to America, it was known as the MC-10 Cassette Man from Takara’s Micro Change toy line. Like the American release, this toy was compatible with the smaller cassette robots. It could even carry one of the cassettes within its chest cavity. However, there was no characterization or history for this toy.

So, when Hasbro licensed the toy, they trusted Marvel to help develop a compelling story for the character. This led to the creation of the Decepticon’s communications specialist, Soundwave. Like the Japanese toy, this character was fully compatible with the cassette robots. However, he gained a special command over his squad of Cassettes.

When Hasbro released Soundwave in 1984, they packaged him along with one of the Condor Cassettes, Buzzsaw. Meanwhile, the back of the box provided biographical information for both Soundwave and Buzzsaw. According to the bio, Soundwave was capable of hearing a fly sneeze. He then used anything that he heard for blackmail to advance his status. This opportunist was despised by all other Decepticons. Moreover, his sensors could detect even the lowest energy radio transmissions. He was even capable of reading minds by monitoring electrical brain impulses. He acted as the radio link for others. When he located and identified signs of Autobot activity, he informed the rest of the Decepticons. Soundwave carried a concussion blaster gun. Moreover, he was often the target of retaliation by his comrades.

One of these toys appeared on an online auction site with an AFA grade of 80+ NM. This action figure was graded with the box receiving an 80, the window receiving an 85, and the figure receiving an 85. When the auction closed on July 26, 2023, the toy reportedly sold for $15,705.80.

8. Hasbro Transformers G1 Grimlock Series 2 (1985) AFA – 85 NM+

When Hasbro brought over the Dinobots, they decided to proclaim one of the dinosaurs as the leader of the group. The one chosen was the Tyrannosaurus robot, Grimlock. As one of the most popular dinosaurs to exist, he easily became one of the most popular Autobots around. As such, he has become one of the staple characters from the Transformers toy line.

Grimlock was introduced to the Transformers toy line in 1985, within the second series of toys. The toy used the mold from Takara’s Diaclone Dinosaur Robot Series, which debuted in Japan in 1984. Aside from decals, including the Autobot icon, Hasbro kept the toy faithful to its original incarnation.

According to his bio, Grimlock was the most fearsome and powerful Dinobot. Although he was dedicated to the Autobot cause, he resented authority. He had contempt for the weak, including all humans. So, he was a cold, merciless, but valiant warrior. His greatest asset was his great strength, which allowed him to use his jaws to break almost anything in two. He carried an energon sword and galaxial rocket launcher in Dinobot mode. Other than his arrogance and lack of speed, he had no real weaknesses.

One of these vintage Transformers toys made an appearance on an online auction site in 2023. Helping it achieve a high sales price, the toy received a grade from the AFA, an 85 NM+. This grade was further broken down with the box receiving an 85, the window an 80, and the figure a 90. When the listing closed on March 22, 2023, it was recorded with a sales price of $16,523.50.

7. Hasbro Transformers G1 Galvatron (1985) AFA – 85

As the Transformers toy line continued to release new figures, Hasbro felt the need to replace the leaders of the two factions. They used the theatrical animated movie to introduce audiences to the new faction leaders. In the case of the Autobots, the team lost Optimus Prime, with Rodimus Prime taking up the mantle of leader. Meanwhile, the Decepticons’ previous leader, Megatron, was replaced by an upgraded form, Galvatron.

In many ways, Galvatron resembled the prior leader. He still had a cannon on his right arm and could transform into a devastating weapon. However, Galvatron changed the silver paint job for a purple one. Moreover, he transformed into a cannon that could aim and fire on its own.

According to the toy’s bio, Galvatron was a cold-hearted robotic villain who was determined to lead the Decepticons. He possessed enough strength to pulverize an Autobot into scrap metal. Thus, he was considered unconquerable by many. Moreover, he was arrogant and compassionless. So much so that he even plotted against his allies, weakening their position. In robot mode, he carried a laser that emitted chemically produced, direct-current electricity.

One of these toys made an appearance on eBay in 2016. This copy had received a grade from the AFA, who awarded it an 85. The grade broke down such that the box was graded at an 85, the window at an 85, and the box at a 90. While the seller claimed that the product was factory-sealed, they noted that one side of the box was double-taped. This Galvatron action figure reportedly sold for $18,000.00 on August 05, 2016. Notably, the same figure popped up on the listing with the same sales price on August 10, 2016.

6. Hasbro Transformers G1 Megatron (1984) AFA – 85

While fans remember Galvatron as a fearsome leader of the Decepticon, he always stands in the shadow of the original leader, Megatron. Hasbro introduced the definitive leader of the Decepticons in 1984, along with the first series of toys. This action figure originated from Takara’s MC-12 Gun Robo Walther P-38. However, Hasbro also brought over the MC-13 Gun Robo Walther P-38 U.N.C.L.E. to give Megatron a bulkier gun form and a larger range of accessories.

According to the bio on his box, Megatron combined brute strength, military cunning, ruthlessness, and terror. He ached to return to Cybertron to complete the Decepticon conquest, but only after destroying all Autobots on Earth. Thus, he planned to possess all of Earth’s resources. Megatron was incredibly powerful and intelligent. While he fired a particle beam cannon, he could also link up inter-dimensionally to a black hole and draw anti-matter from it for use as a weapon. Unfortunately for the Autobots, he had no known weaknesses.

This brute has been released multiple times in the 40 years that Transformers have been around. However, fans still seek out mint copies of the original toy from the 1984 release. Thus, this toy commands a high sales price, especially when it receives a grade from a service like the AFA.

One of these toys made an appearance on eBay in 2016. This Megatron action figure had a grade from the AFA, who deemed it worthy of an 85 NM+. This grade broke down such that the box was graded as an 80, the window was graded as an 85, and the figure was graded as an 85. When this listing closed on March 02, 2016, it reportedly sold for $18,150.00.

5. Hasbro Transformers G1 Yellow Cliffjumper (1984)

Some toys from the Transformers toy line had multiple color variants, rather than creating new characters for the alternate colors. This was most prevalent for the mini vehicles that originated from the Micro Change Car Robots line-up. For instance, Cliffjumper came in both a red and yellow variant. The red version of Cliffjumper action figures could be traced back to Takara’s MC-04 #01 Porsche 924 Turbo. Meanwhile, the yellow variant had its roots in the MC-04 Familia 1500 XG toy from Takara. As such, some fans reject the official name and instead refer to the yellow variant as “Bumper.”

According to his tech specs card, Cliffjumper’s motto was “Let me at ‘em”. His eagerness and daring have no equal. Thus, he was driven by a desire to win the battle against the Decepticons. Meanwhile, he found Earth’s terrain a hindrance. This was likely because he was one of the fastest Autobots. He often used his speed to draw fire away from others. He could shoot “glass gas” which made metal as brittle as glass. His recklessness, unfortunately, often led to actual blowouts and situations too dangerous for him to handle.

One of these rare G1 Transformers toys made an appearance on eBay in 2018. This copy was still sealed in its blister card and was in excellent condition. When the listing closed, it reported sold for $20,000.00 on September 11, 2018.

Notably, we located other copies of this toy in similar conditions. Some of the recent copies have sold for under a thousand dollars. Thus, the most expensive listing does not accurately reflect the value of this toy. Moreover, it had no grading or other elements to elevate its perceived value.

4. Hasbro Transformers G1 Jetfire Series 2 (1985) AFA – 90+

One of the most controversial toys from the G1 era of Transformers is Jetfire, as his toy did not originate from Takara’s established toy lines. Instead, Jetfire came from a Macross VF-1S Super Valkyrie toy that Tokatoku Toys created. This led to legal challenges involving his inclusion in the Japanese and later toy lines. Furthermore, both the character’s appearance and name were changed for his appearances in the cartoon series and comics.

Despite Jetfire’s problematic nature, Transformers fans still love to add him to their collections. Moreover, the character has remained one of the staple elements of the Transformers toy line. As one of the Transformers G1 toys that was not released in every market, he is essentially a North American exclusive toy. This has made the original toy rarer and more valuable.

According to his tech specs, Jetfire was the swiftest Autobot and daring in battle. He believed that victory would come via technological advancements. Jetfire added twin scramjet modules and liquid hydrogen to escape Earth’s gravity. He also could fly halfway around the world in 30 minutes. Moreover, Jetfire carried 4 particle beam cannons and heat-seeking photon missiles. This Autobot was prone to mechanical failures due to advanced technology.

One of these toys made an appearance on an online auction site in 2021. Helping to increase the value, this toy had received a grade from the AFA, a 90+ NM+/MT. This grade was further broken down with the box receiving a 90, the window receiving a 95, and the figure receiving a 90. When the listing closed on February 25, 2021, the toy reportedly sold for $24,806.10.

3. Hasbro Transformers G1 Fortress Maximus (1987) AFA – 85

Near the end of the G1 era, Hasbro released one of the largest Transformers toys to ever exist, Fortress Maximus. Each series had built up to this toy by releasing increasingly massive characters. While it started with combiner teams that formed large robots, it built up city-tier robots like Trypticon. Thus, the 1987 line-up required an even more impressive set of robots, leading to the creation of Fortress Maximus and Scorponok.

Fortress Maximus towered over all other robots in the line by standing 22” tall. This size made it less likely for consumers to purchase the toy. Moreover, he was released near the end of the G1 era. This led to Hasbro producing limited quantities of the toy.

According to the tech specs on the back of the box, Fortress Maximus was valiant, courageous, and a warrior without a peer. However, peace was his most fervent wish, so he only fought out of necessity. He also believed that all violence was ultimately pointless and counterproductive. Fortress Maximus transformed to either battle station or city modes. He was also armed with retractable pulse cannons, twin automatic machine gun batteries on his wrists, twin laser-guided mortars on his legs, heat-seeking dual laser blasters, and a fusion-powered photon rifle. This Autobot had communications, detection, and repair equipment. Furthermore, he controlled two armored vehicles named Gasket and Grommet, which combined to form Cog. His head also transformed into the semi-autonomous Cerebros, who was binary-bonded to the Nebulan leader, Spike.

One of these massive toys appeared on eBay in 2018. To elevate its value, this toy received a grade from the AFA, 85. When the listing closed on July 20, 2018, this Fortress Maximus reportedly sold for $29,999.90.

2. Hasbro Transformers G1 Optimus Prime Canadian with Trailer (1984) AFA- 80

Without a doubt, Optimus Prime is one of the most popular Transformers characters in the franchise. As the leader of the Autobots, fans latched onto him. Moreover, his transformation into a red Semi Truck with a grey trailer helped him stand out.

Even though the character has been featured in multiple Transformers toy lines since the beginning, his G1 incarnations are still treasured. This is even truer for the rarer variations like the Pepsi Prime and Canadian release. Thus, these harder-to-find toys of fan-favorite characters easily gain traction on the second-hand market.

According to the back of the box, Optimus Prime was the largest, strongest, and wisest of all Autobots. He felt that his role was the protection of all life, including Earth life. So, he fought unceasingly to defeat the Decepticons. He split into three autonomous modules: 1) Optimus Prime, the brain center known as the commander; 2) Roller, the Autobot scout car; and 3) Autobot Headquarters, the combat deck equipped with a versatile mechanic/artillery robot. Even when split apart, injury to one module was felt by the other two.

One of the rare Canadian versions was made available on eBay in 2019. This toy had gone through the grading process at the AFA, where it received an 85. This grade was further broken down with the box receiving an 80, the window an 85, and the figure an 85. When the listing ended on November 18, 2019, the figure reported sold for $40,100.00.

1. Hasbro Transformers G1 Devastator Giftset (1985) AFA – 70

When Transformers hit the scene, there were few large-scale robots. However, that all changed in 1985 when the first combiner teams began to roll onto the scene. One of the most iconic combiner teams was the Constructicons, who formed the powerful Devastator. These six Decepticons linked together to create the impressive super robot. However, they also transformed into construction vehicles, which are always popular with boys and other players.

According to Devastator’s tech specs, this behemoth robot was awesome and terrifying. He was a combination of six Constructicons: Scrapper, Scavenger, Bonecrusher, Hook, Long Haul, and Mixmaster. Moreover, he was known for his pure brutality, with the sole purpose of crushing all in his path. His mind is a melding together of his six parts but limited by their competing thoughts. This made him slow, awkward, and not too bright. Still, Devastator possessed enormous height and such incredible strength that he could knock down a bridge with one punch. He had a 10,000° C solar energy beam rifle.

Even though each Constructicon could be purchased separately, Hasbro released a special giftset that included all six vehicles. Thus, those who wanted to possess the might of Devastator could easily obtain all of his parts. Moreover, this giftset makes an excellent display piece for collectors. So, it has become treasured on the second-hand market.

One of these Devastator giftsets was made available on eBay in 2015. This set had gone through the grading process at the AFA, which awarded it a 70 grade. Moreover, the box was still factory-sealed with tape on both sides of the box. When the listing closed on May 29, 2015, the giftset reported sold for $80,000.00.

Made in Collaboration with:

Chris Ingledue 

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Bio: I am the founder and owner of Wheeljack’s Lab pop Culture and Toy Shop. My vision has always been to reunite customers with their favorite childhood toys and pop culture, triggering fond memories, and reigniting their imaginations. Every day, I work in the “lab” where it’s Christmas 365 days a year. I scour the internet, like when we had the Sears Catalog of yesteryear, for the next great treasure. Then, I await the arrival of the postman as if he were Santa Claus himself and helping collectors worldwide with their versions of Christmas. Every day as a vintage toy buyer is an absolute joy!

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