Since the release of Episode IV – A New Hope in 1977, the Star Wars™ movie franchise has gone on to enjoy one of the largest fan bases in the history of cinema. And, as the popularity of the films grew, so did the demand for merchandise.
Everything from toys to magazines has gone on to become collector’s items, and some items fetch tens of thousands of dollars.
Jawa, 1977, $18,000
This Kenner Brand Action Figure from the 12-Back Original Collection’s major factor is its vinyl cape and you’ll need it in mint condition if you want to collect.
Kenner’s decision to change Jawa’s cape from vinyl to cloth due to the size of the figure is what makes this item so valuable. Since this alteration occurred so early on after the toy was released, there are only very few vinyl-caped figures in existence. The exact number isn’t known but there are only six that have been discovered so far.
Star Wars™ Issue #1, 1977, US$13,600
This 35 Cent Variant, the first edition of the Star Wars™ comic book will need to be graded in Mint or Higher condition and have a barcode in the UPC square for you to see it fetching a good price.
The reason it was titled The 35 Cent Variant was that Marvel was testing what a price increase in their comics would do to sales figures from 1966 to 1977. There are an estimated 1 500 copies still in existence.
Finding this little gem in your attic or basement would be akin to Tayla Polia’s 15-leg parlay win in Week 15 of the 2015 NFL season, where she saw a return of US$100, 005 on a US$5 bet. The moment you lay your hands on your Star Wars™ Issue #1, we recommend you rush out, sign up at one of the many NZ betting sites available nowadays, and place a bet because Lady Luck is definitely on your side!
Medical Droid FX-7, 1980, US$11,500
This Palitoy Action Figure would need to be in Mint in Box condition to bring in the money, and we have a mysterious bidder from Europe to thank for its sudden popularity. It rose to fame in February 2014 when an anonymous seeker paid US$11 500 for it.
Millennium Falcon, 2007, US$16,000
This LEGO piece will need to be the first edition in Mint in Box condition with a Certificate of Authenticity for you to sell it for this kind of return.
Initially retailing at US$500, it was the most expensive Star Wars™ LEGO set ever as well as the second biggest of all time. Its value sky-rocketed recently after it sold on eBay for US$16 000.
Boba Fett, 2010, US$12,000
This Boba Fett LEGO Minifigure was part of a 14K Gold Contest Giveaway and came as part of a set. It’s made of solid gold and the 2010 promotional contest where it was given away saw only two getting handed out.
They were in a set originally, but even if you just have one, you’re looking at a very healthy payday!