The world changed in 1977 when Star Wars became a cultural phenomenon that broke records and remolded multiple industries. While the entertainment industry would spend years chasing after the success of George Lucas’s space epic, the foundations of the toy industry were uprooted by Kenner’s success.
Few movies had become commercially viable for merchandise, especially not science fiction films. So, the toy industry had expected any Star Wars toys to flounder in the same way. However, the company that took the chance with the IP, Kenner, proved the skeptics wrong by creating the biggest toy line launch to date.
Even before Kenner officially produced the first Star Wars action, they cemented their success with the Early Bird Certificate Package. This package only contained a promise to receive the first set of action figures. Still, it was the item to find under the Christmas Tree in 1977, selling hundreds of thousands of these sets. The momentum only picked up when the toys officially hit toy shelves in 1978.
With Star Wars dominating both the theaters and the toy aisle, many fans were born in the late 70s and early 80s. With fans growing up with fond memories of Kenner’s revolutionary toys, a collector’s market was born. This market only grew as younger fans joined in and fell in love with these vintage action figures. This huge market created an equally huge demand for the limited pool of toys from Kenner’s original run. Thus, vintage Star Wars toys became some of the most valuable collectibles around.
Presenting the ten most expensive Star Wars toys from online auctions
Decades after the first Star Wars toys appeared in stores, collectors have highly treasured the mint toys from the past. The popularity of the brand as well as the collectors market has led to booming sales in the second-hand market over the years. Some of the most expensive vintage Star Wars toys have sold for tens of thousands of dollars on online auction sites. So, we invite you to join us as we explore the toys that have garnered the highest selling price on the market.
We will only be examining auctions that sold individual products, so no group lots will be listed. Moreover, we will only be considered the highest selling price of each toy. So, while various other auctions of similar toys have sold at different price points, only one will be listed here. Finally, we observed some listings that had possible factory errors or were fan made. We will not be listing them since they are hard to replicate let alone verify.
10. Kenner Star Wars Return of the Jedi Bib Fortuna (1983) AFA 85
First appearing in the Return of the Jedi, Bib Fortuna was a loyal servant of the crime lord, Jaba the Hutt. He was trusted as Jabba’s right-hand man and oversaw most of the gangster’s operations, especially those on Tatooine. His loyalty and ruthlessness were so great that he even sold out his people to slavery. Thus, he remained by Jabba’s side up until Luke Skywalker and his crew terminated the gangster as they saved their friend, Han Solo.
Even though Bib Fortuna was mostly a background character, Kenner decided to include him in their Return of the Jedi toy line in 1983. As with all other toys from the line, the packaging featured a close-up shot of Bib Fortuna from the film. The toy came with a staff accessory and a cloth overcoat.
One of these toys popped up on an online auction site in 2018. Unlike most of the other Bib Fortuna toys, this one had a red cloth cloak. Even though this was a loose toy, it had gone through the AFA graded process, where it received an 85 grade. Thus, this toy sold for $31,200.00 on August 04, 2018.
9. Kenner Star Wars Death Star (1978) AFA 85
Even though most of the locations from the first Star Wars film stood out, the Death Star left the largest impression. This massive space station threatened every planet in the galaxy with its imposing firepower. The empire even flaunted this power by destroying the peaceful planet, Alderaan, in retaliation for Leia Organa’s acts of rebellion. Despite its imposing firepower, the Death Star was destroyed by a single shot from a skilled force-sensitive fighter pilot, Luke Skywalker.
Knowing the importance of the moon-sized space station, Kenner made certain to create a Death Star playset for their toy line. While a plastic play set would be made, the one made internationally was constructed out of cardboard pieces. This two-level playset made a complete dome with multiple quadrants and rooms. These rooms included an escape chute and a working trash compactor. The playset also featured a rotating and elevating laser gun and a landing area.
The Canadian version of the Death Star playset was produced by Kenner’s Canadian offices. It included a special offer with 2 Stormtrooper mini-action figures. Otherwise, it was exactly like the one created by Palitoy.
One of these Star Wars playsets appeared on an online auction site with an AFA 85 grade. It eventually sold for $31,801.00 on November 15, 2018.
8. Miro-Meccano Star Wars The Empire Strikes Back Boba Fett (1981) AFA 60
One of the most popular characters that came from the original Star Wars trilogy spoke the least amount of words. The bounty hunter, Boba Fett, made his first appearance not in the films but in the Holiday Special that aired in 1978. After his brief animated appearance, he made his proper introduction to the films in The Empire Strikes Back, when he was hired by Darth Vader to track down the Millenium Falcon. He returned in The Return of the Jedi after he delivered Han Solo to Jabba the Hutt.
Even though the bounty hunter had few lines, his firepower, and skills spoke for themselves. He also had a ship, Slave-1, with a unique design. All of these elements attracted fans to the mythos of Boba Fett and his armor.
Moreover, the original Boba Fett toy from Kenner became infamous. While the prototype was well known for having a firing projectile, it was recalled after companies like Mattel got in legal trouble for similar projectiles. Even though the original version was never publicly available, it has become a holy grail piece for many collectors. Likewise, Boba Fett’s original run of toys is also popular with collectors.
So, when a Boba Fett toy produced by Micro-Meccano popped up on eBay with an AFA rating of 60, it sold for $35,000.00 on August 05, 2022, This figure’s rating broke down with the card gaining an 80, and the blister was rated at 60, and the figure at 75.
7. Kenner Star Wars The Empire Strikes Back 3 Mini Action Figures Special AFA 75
In the late 1970s, Sears was one of the largest retailers available, especially for collectibles like toys. Since the store was so huge, many companies looked forward to finding their products in the Sears catalog. Meanwhile, other companies produced exclusives that would only be found there.
Kenner was no different and produced several exclusive Star Wars sets that were sold at Sears. Famously, Sears was the only retailer to receive the Cantina Adventure Set playset from Kenner. Meanwhile, others lie the Creature Cantina Action Playset started as an exclusive before appearing in other stores. They also offered several special group sets that sold multiple Star Wars toys at once.
One of these specials was a 3 Mini-Action Figures special that was available in Canada. This exclusive set gave customers the chance to quickly build up their collection with three different characters.
One of these sets appeared on an online auction site, where it sold for $42,834.00 on March 16, 2022. This specific set had an AFA grade of 75 and featured three action figures: Imperial Stormtrooper (Hoth Battle Gear), AT-AT Driver, and a CC Pilot. The sticker explained that the grade was given because the box received a 75, the window had an 80, and the figures received an 85.
6. Kenner Star Wars Millenium Falcon Spaceship (1979) AFA 80
Beyond the characters, each of the vehicles and spaceships from Star Wars had an iconic look that allowed them to stand out. While it was not one of the largest ships from the movies, the Millenium Falcon has become the flagship vehicle for the series. Han Solo had gained this impressively fast Corellian freighter in a gambling game. He then used it to smuggle products for anyone willing to pay his fairs, even gangsters like Jabba the Hutt. After Obi-Wan Kenobi and Luke Skywalker hired him to get them to Alderaan, Han turned a new leaf and the Millenium Falcon mostly served the rebellion from that day on.
As the Millenium Falcon was the largest ship for the Rebellion from the original film, Kenner made a gigantic toy vehicle that also served as a playset. The front of the box proudly proclaimed that the ship featured battle alert sounds. It also had a swiveling radar dish and landing gear that folded out and then locked into place. Moreover, the ship had a front cockpit that could hold up to two action figures.
One of these toys sold on an online auction site for $42,834.00 on November 30, 2021. Helping it gain its value was an AFA grade of 80.
5. Glasslite Star Wars Droids Vlix (1988) AFA 60
While the galaxy’s saviors like Luke Skywalker and Han Solo may take all the fame, collectors often treasure the rare and obscure. Especially if there are only a few pieces of merchandise for a minor character. This is exactly what happened to a character that only made an appearance in four episodes of the animated series, Star Wars: Droids. Vlix was not a major villain. Instead, he worked as the head of security for the Fromm Gang. So, many fans have no idea that this character exists.
As an obscure minor character, Kenner reasonably decided not to include him in their Star Wars: Droids toy line. However, another company decided to include him, Glasslite from Brazil. Since he was only released in the Brazilian market, Vlix became one of the rarest toys to ever exist.
As one of the rarest toys, let alone Star Wars toys, to exist, there is no surprise that he is amongst the top five most expensive toys. One of these action figures appeared on an online auction site in 2018. This toy had an AFA grade of 60, with the card graded as 60, the blister as 50, and the figure as 80. Despite the low score, it still sold for $45,430.00 on November 15, 2018.
4. Kenner Star Wars The Empire Strikes Back Jawa (1980) AFA 50
George Lucas and his team created scores of different alien creatures and cultures. Some of these creatures were tall and furry. However, others barely stood taller than a child. Despite their small size, they stood out by completely covering their body in dark brown robes. While their bodies were obscured in shadows, their yellow eyes visibly glowed. The Jawas specialized in salvaging and trading scraps from their desert home. They used their skills to gather used and discarded droids to reoutfit and trade.
While the Jawas were not the most important of characters from the movies, they were chosen to join Kenner’s Star Wars toy line when the Empire Strikes Back came out. Like their on-screen counterparts, Kenner’s toy barely stood up to the waists of most of the other toys from the line. It wore a vinyl cape and featured a rod accessory.
One of these toys became available on an online auction site with an AfA grade of 50. This grade broke down with the card getting a 50, the blister an 80, and the figure a 70. It sold for $49,24.00 on March 22, 2023.
3. Kenner Star Wars Luke Skywalker (1978) AFA 95
Few characters from Star Wars are as important and noteworthy as the protagonist from the original trilogy, Luke Skywalker. This boy grew up in the harsh climate of Tatooine, where he spent his days dreaming of becoming a pilot. He helped his uncle and aunt at their vapor farm until a fateful day when the Empire ransacked the farm in search of two droids. Luke had also learned that his father was once a Jedi Knight, so he began his journey to learn the ways of the Jedi and help overthrow the empire.
Since Luke Skywalker was the main protagonist of the movies, Kenner created multiple iterations of him in their toy line. However, the first one that they ever made was Luke in his robes from Tatooine. While he would inherit a blue lightsaber in the film, the toy came with a double-telescoping yellow lightsaber. Meanwhile, the card back proudly displayed an image of Luke at the Lars family’s vapor farm.
One of these action figures appeared on an online auction site in recent years with an AFA grade of 95. The grade was broken down with the card receiving a 95, the blister receiving a 95, and the figure receiving a 90. This action figure sold for $50,622.00 on November 16, 2017.
2. Kenner Star Wars Ben (Obi-Wan) Kenobi (1978) AFA 70
When the Republic fell, there were only a few Jedi who managed to successfully evade the Empire’s troops and survive. One of these Jedi was the once-celebrated General Obi-Wan Kenobi. Along with his former student, Anakin Skywalker, Obi-Wan fought against the Separatist forces in the Clone Wars. While he did everything to teach the ways of the light side and the Jedi code to Anakin, he could not keep his friend from turning to the dark side. In hiding, Obi-Wan Kenobi kept an eye on Anakin’s son, Luke Skywalker.
After years in hiding, two droids from Alderaan pulled Obi-Wan out of hiding as he planned to help his old friends, the Organas. He also picked up Luke Skywalker as his new student. Unfortunately, he never achieved either goal, for he sacrificed himself in a fight against Darth Vader on the Death Star. Even though he no longer had a physical body, he continued to mentor Luke as a force ghost.
As one of the most influential characters from Star Wars, Kenner unsurprisingly included him in their 1978 line-up of action figures. They gave the action figure a brown vinyl cloak as well as a blue, double-telescoping lightsaber.
One of these action figures sold on an online auction site for $64,900.00 on November 07, 2019. This action figure had an AFA grade of 70, with the card earning an 80, the blister earning a 70, and the figure earning an 85.
1. Kenner Star Wars Darth Vader (1978) AFA 70
In many ways, the story of Star Wars is the story of Darth Vader, otherwise known as Anakin Skywalker. The prequel movies followed this man’s rise as a hero and fall as a villain. Then, the first trilogy ended with the cruel and unforgiving Darth Vader’s redemption as he choose to save his son over following the Emperor’s orders.
Before Dark Vader sacrificed his life protecting his son, he faithfully protected the Emperor and the Empire. He thought little of eliminating entire planets as a show of the Empire’s strength. He also ruthlessly hunted down rebels and other threats to the Empire. However, he refused to immediately send his son to the Emperor and instead attempted to sway him over to be his partner in a coup against the man.
Kenner understood that Darth Vader was the stand-out villain from the first film. Not only did his height and all-black attire help him stand out, but his mechanical breathing also gave him a distinctly foreboding feel. So, they included him in their first series of action figures for the Star Wars line. This action figure came with a red telescoping lightsaber accessory.
One of these action figures appeared on an online auction site with an AFA grade of 70. Its card was graded at a 70, the blister at an 85, and the figure as an 85. It sold for $64,900.00 on March 15, 2018.
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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!