George Lucas and Steven Spielberg joined forces to modernize the adventure and magic of serial films. Even though the world was no longer as mysterious and unexplored as it felt in the early 1900s, Lucas felt the fanciful tales of discovery. In addition to recapturing the intrigue of early archeological discoveries, the pair interweaved magic and mysticism into their new world. With this goal in mind, they set out to introduce the world to Indiana Jones.
Even though George Lucas had originally dreamed up Indiana Jones, he stepped aside and trusted Steven Spielberg to direct the film. Following the suggestions of his friend, Phillip Kaufman, Lucas developed a story where Dr. Jones set out to locate the Ark of the Covenant. He then trusted Lawrence Kasdan to develop the screenplay. Finally, they found the perfect man to embody the main character as Harrison Ford became the man to bring Indiana Jones to life.
These elements combined to create the largest movie in 1981, Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark. His success at defeating Nazis to recover the Lost Ark of the Covenant led to two sequels in the 80s: Temple of Doom and The Last Crusade. Meanwhile, his lasting legacy allowed an older Indiana Jones to return twice in the 21st century with The Crystal Skull and the Dial of Destiny.
The lasting legacy of Indiana Jones has also allowed the franchise to form a healthy fan following. These fans love to collect the greatest treasures from the series. Thus, many collectibles, from props to vintage toys have gained value on the second-hand market.
Presenting the ten most expensive Indiana Jones collectibles from online auction sites
For over 40 years, there have been dozens of collectibles created to celebrate the Indiana Jones franchise. In addition to the movies, the character has also shown up in a television series and a memorable theme park ride for Disney. These have been added to the pool of collectibles for the fan base.
We set out to discover the ten most expensive Indiana Jones collectibles that have been sold on online auction sites. Some of these pieces are rare props that were created for Disney’s theme parks. Meanwhile, others have become expensive due to their age. Unfortunately, some of the examples that we identified were outliers that did not reflect the true value of the collectibles. While we kept these listings in our running, we removed any that appeared too suspicious to be legitimate.
10. Kenner Indiana Jones Sallah (1982) with AFA 90 grade
When Indiana Jones debuted at movie theaters, there was no toy line ready to hit store shelves. Instead, the first toys for the movie began popping up a year later in 1982. Hoping to profit from another movie associated with George Lucas, Kenner signed on to create the toy line for Raiders of the Lost Ark. To create the action figures, Kenner turned to their short-lived Cassidy and the Sundance Kid toy line. Thus, this line had more advanced articulation than other 3 ¾” scale figures from Star Wars.
Unfortunately, the year’s delay crippled the chances of success for Kenner’s Indiana Jones toy line. The action figures remained on the shelves for only two waves before it was canceled. By the end of the run, there were only 10 action figures produced, with one only available through a mail-order campaign. While most of the toy line has become a rare collectible, some figures are harder to locate.
Within the second wave, Kenner released an action figure of Indiana Jones’ friend, Sallah. Not only did this action figure appear near the end of the run, but Sallah was not among the most popular characters in the film. Thus, the toy has become one of the rarest Indiana Jones action figures.
One of these action figures appeared on eBay in 2021. To help improve the value, the action figure had gone through the AFA’s grading services. The AFA granted this action figure a 90 grade, with the card scoring a 100, the blister scoring a 90, and the figure scoring an 85. With all these factors, the Sallah action figure sold for $9,999.99 on September 08, 2021.
9. Kenner Indiana Jones Raiders of the Lost Ark the Map Room Proof Sheet with AFA 90 grade (1982)
In addition to Indiana Jones action figures, Kenner created vehicles and play sets for the toy line. They produced three small play sets that represented moments from the film. For instance, one represented the streets of Cairo, with a simple representation of the city’s bazaar. They also produced a Well of Souls play set, which featured a model of the Ark of the Covenant. Finally, there was a play set of the Map Room, where Indiana Jones used the headpiece of the Staff of Ra to determine the resting place of the Ark.
Each of these play sets was packaged inside a cardboard box. To develop each box, Kenner had its art team prepare proof sheets. These allowed the team to review the layout of the planned boxes during the development phases. As these sheets were not part of the completed products, they were not available to the public. While many were destroyed, some employees saved them as part of their personal collections.
One of the proof sheets for Kenner’s Indiana Jones Map Room play set was made available on eBay in 2023. Beyond being a rare piece of production history, this sheet also received a rating from the AFA. There, it was granted a 90 NM+/MT grade, helping to prove its mint state and authenticity. It sold for $10,000.00 on February 15, 2023.
8. LEGO 7683 Indiana Jones Flight on the Flying Wing (2009)
LEGO originally began producing its staple interlinking building blocks and sets in the 1950s. While the brand defined a genre and became one of the largest toy lines around, it did not feature any licensed properties until the late 1990s. Star Wars opened the doors for many licensed themes for years to come. Eventually, Indiana Jones joined the LEGO family in 2008.
While Indiana Jones was introduced to LEGO so that it lined up with the 2008 film, The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, LEGO included sets based on the original trilogy. Amongst the sets themed after The Raiders of the Lost Ark was the Flight of the Flying Wing. This set recreated the basic set pieces of the fight between Indiana Jones and a German mechanic. This included the Flying Wing vehicle based on the Horten Ho 229. There was also a Tanker Truck that fans could build. Furthermore, the set included four mimifigures: Indiana Jones, Marion Ravenwood, Enemy Pilot, and Airplane Mechanic.
Even though this set was produced in 2009 and retired in the same year, it is only valued at around $160.00 on the second-hand market. Thus, the one that sold on eBay for $10,000.00 on December 02, 2013 is highly suspect. Whether this was a legitimate sale or not, it is not reflective of the set’s current value.
7. LEGO 7196 Indiana Jones Chauchilla Cemetery Battle (2009)
After The Kingdom of the Crystal Skulls hit theaters, LEGO began producing sets for the new movie. Beyond giving LEGO a chance to introduce new minifigures, it also opened the opportunity to create sets based on new locales and vehicles. One of these sets was the Chauchilla Cemetery Battle.
Indiana Jones and Mutt Williams had visited the Chauchilla Cemetery in hopes of locating Orellana’s grave. Unfortunately, the cemetery was well guarded by the locals. Thus, the pair were attacked by two of these warriors when they ventured into the cemetery.
The LEGO set included five minifigures depicting characters from the movie. There were Indiana Jones, Mutt Williams, a skeleton, and 2 cemetery warriors. Otherwise, the set allowed owners to build two parts of the cemetery and a motorcycle. It also included an assortment of accessories including the crystal skull, Indiana Jones’ whip, a scorpion, and more.
On November 10, 2013, this set sold for $10,000.00 on eBay. However, even if this listing is legitimate, it is not reflective of the regular selling price of this toy. Normally, the LEGO Chauchilla Cemetery Battle only sells for around $200.
6. LEGO 7626 Indiana Jones Jungle Cutter (2008)
Beyond making sets for the locations that Indiana Jones visited in The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, LEGO also created sets for the movie’s vehicles. One such vehicle was the Jungle Cutter used by Irina Splako’s troops. This Russian soldier sought to increase her power through the secrets of the Crystal Skull. So, she ruthlessly had her troops follow Indiana Jones and his crew.
When both forces had to trek through a thick forest, the Soviets opted to clear a path with the Jungle Cutter. Its equipment included two circular saws that would mow down the vegetation. Despite the intimidating presence of the Jungle Cutter, it only played a minor role in the chase between the Soviets and Indiana Jones.
Still, LEGO decided that the Jungle Cutter would make a perfect addition to their 2009 Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull line. The set included four minifigures: Indiana Jones, Colonel Dovchenko, and two Russian Soldiers. The bricks could be used to create both the Jungle Cutter and a small Jungle Cave. It also included accessories like Indiana Jones’ whip and ants.
On December 07, 2013, this LEGO Indiana Jones set sold for $10,000.00 on eBay. Like the prior two sets, this sale is highly suspicious and may not be fully legitimate. The largest clue is that the normal value of the Jungle Cutter set is around $225.
5. Indiana Jones Animatronic Prop Hand
Props come in many forms, from items used to help produce a live performance to items used by an actor in front of a camera. However, some fans love to collect props and set pieces from their favorite theme park rides.
One of the largest and most beloved theme parks is those owned by Disney. Walt Disney opened his first theme park, Disneyland, in 1955. Located near Los Angeles, Disneyland remained a favorite amongst theme park fans as Disney’s first venture into amusement parks. It has also featured most of Disney’s most beloved rides.
After the success of Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular, Disney Imagineers began working on a dark ride that would bring the archeologist’s adventures to life. They wound up developing the Indiana Jones Adventures dark ride for Disneyland. This attraction was advertised as an adventure through the Temple of the Forbidden Eye and opened to the public in March 1995.
This ride had several elements, including Disney’s signature animatronics. In total, it featured three audio animatronics that mimicked the appearance of Indiana Jones. Over the years, the animatronics were both repaired and replaced, leading to the possibility of pieces appearing in collections.
On November 21, 2015, a piece of one of the ride’s animatronics sold for $12,100.00 from Von Eaton Galleries. This listing only featured a hand from the animatronic that was part of the final scene for the ride. The listing stated that it came from a collector, Kevin Doherty, and it was housed inside a 9” x 9” x 15” glass case.
4. Disney Adventures Indiana Jones Original Painting by Drew Struzan
One of the most exciting types of collectibles to acquire is a painting from a renowned artist. Galleries help promote the work of artists worldwide. Thus, pop-culture paintings from these artists attract both art collectors and fans of the related franchise. So, these pieces are naturally some of the most expensive and rare pieces to obtain.
Drew Struzan gained a reputation and following over his long career of creating movie posters. He has helped develop over 150 posters for various movies. His work has included posters for films like John Carpenter’s The Thing, Blade Runner, Back to the Future, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, and Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. He also designed the poster for a re-release of Star Wars in 1978.
His pedigree made him a natural choice to develop a poster to advertise Disneyland’s opening for the Indiana Jones Adventures dark ride. While the finalized poster was in full color, it is common for an artist to test a layout with a black-and-white greyscale painting. Artists even create variants to sell to their fans.
On August 06, 2018, an original black and white painting from Drew Struzan sold for $15,000.00 on eBay. This painting was a greyscale form of the poster for the Indiana Jones Adventure. The black and white Prisma painting with painted highlights was 14” x 22” and printed on 22” x 30” grey paper. It also featured Drew Struzan’s signature on the right corner. This piece was sold by the Galactic Gallery, the gallery officially representing Drew Struzan and his artwork.
3. Indiana Jones Pinball Machine by Williams (1993)
Founded in 1943, Williams Manufacturing Company originally focused its efforts on producing quality pinball machines. Even after several acquisitions and name changes, like the one to Williams Electronics, Inc. in 1974, the company continued to produce pinball machines until 1999. Some of their most memorable machines included a Beatles pinball game that they manufactured in 1967. They also ventured into video games, such as the Defender arcade machine from 1981.
In 1993, Williams added Indiana Jones to their catalog of Pinball Machines. Known as Indiana Jones: The Pinball Adventure, the machine included many of the expected features such as 7 standup targets, 2 knock-out holes, 2 ramps, and much more. It was also notable for being the first Williams-produced machine that featured a DCS sound system. Williams even included new dialogue from John Rhys-Davies, who played Sallah, for the machine.
One of these Indiana Jones pinball machines popped up on eBay in 2021. When the listing closed, the machine had sold for $16,999.00 on October 22, 2021. Orange County Pinballs had offered up this machine after they serviced and refurbished it so that it was in working order. They documented that several parts were fixed and rebuilt. For instance, they rebuilt the flippers and the plunger and replaced all the rubber rings.
2. Indiana Jones Adventure – Temple of the Forbidden Eye Entry Sign Wooden Prototype
While preparing to release a theme park attraction, Disney Imagineers prepare multiple prototypes. Thus, they can review the appearance of the planned final product and adjust any elements that do not feel right. This includes signs and other props for the ride.
As Disney Imagineers prepared to open Indiana Jones Adventures: The Temple of the Forbidden Eye, they produced a prototype entry sign. This sign was produced shortly before the ride’s opening at Disneyland in 1995. They produced the 49” x 45.5” x 6.5” prototype sign out of plywood, foam, and resin.
While it closely resembled the final sign that was used in the park, there were multiple differences. First, the prototype had a light brown wooden coloration while the final product kept the wood grains but was grey in coloration. The prototype was also narrower and taller than the final product. Moreover, it lacked the gradient coloration of the Indiana Jones logo.
This prototype sign was sold by Von Eaton Galleries for $33,275.00 on November 19, 2016. The listing stated that they included a custom hanging system so that the buyer could display the sign. The pictures also included a fedora hat with a medallion on the left side and a pair of gloves with a whip on the upper right corner.
1. Indiana Jones Adventure Ride Model by John Stone
For over 25 years, John Stone worked for Disney as one of their respected Imagineers, developers and designers of the parks’ rides. His career included work on high-profile rides including Splash Mountain and Indiana Jones Adventures. By the end of his career, he had become one of the Senior Concept Designers.
He began work on the Indiana Jones dark ride in 1989, years before the ride was ready for the public. He notably created the 1/8” model of the ride that helped green light the ride. His passion for the ride even led him to create a scale model that could fit on a coffee table, amongst many other models. One of his models was later used as a presentation at the Disney Art and Architecture tour.
Years after the Indiana Jones Adventures ride opened in Disneyland, one of the 10 models that John Stone created was made available for purchase. While most of the models had been given to executives, John Stone had kept one for his personal collection. This was the model that Von Eaton Galleries sold for $42,350.00 on November 21, 2015. It notably measured 22.5” x 17.5” x 5.5”.
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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!