What did the Yak Face figure sell for at auction?

The sealed Palitoy Yak Face sold for £3,200.

Why is the Yak Face figure so valuable?

It’s part of the rare “Last 17” Palitoy line, never released in the U.S., and came sealed with original tri-logo packaging.

Where did the figure come from?

It was discovered in a Wellingborough attic, untouched since the 1980s.

How many figures were in the full lot?

The collection included 15 figures, all sealed, and sold for a combined £6,880.

Where and when was the auction held?

At Hansons Derbyshire Saleroom on July 24, 2025, during their collectable toys sale.

Rare Yak Face Star Wars Figure Sells for £3,200 at Hansons Auction

Forget lightsabers and Millennium Falcon blueprints—true power in the galaxy lies in mint-condition plastic. A Star Wars action figure originally priced at just £1.59 in 1983 just sold for a whopping £3,200 at Hansons Auctioneers, proving once again that nostalgia can pay better than bitcoin.

The figure in question? The legendary, blink-and-you’ll-miss-him background alien Yak Face, aka Saelt-Marae, from Return of the Jedi. You might not remember him—but your wallet should.

From Wellingborough Attic to Galactic Gold

The Yak Face figure was part of a 15-piece Palitoy figure haul found in a Wellingborough loft, where they’d been gathering dust since the ‘80s. All still sealed. All complete with original price tags. Together, they hammered in at £6,880, blowing past pre-sale estimates and making a pretty strong case for never throwing away childhood toys.

And yes, that £1.59 sticker was still on the Yak Face packaging—a fact that may have boosted its value even further in collectors’ eyes.

Why Yak Face Is the Boba Fett of Toy Auctions

So, what’s the deal with Yak Face?

Ultra Rare UK Exclusive: He was part of the “Last 17” figures made by Palitoy, Star Wars’ UK licensee.
Never Sold in the U.S.: Americans got hosed. The figure was cancelled for the U.S. market, making UK versions highly sought-after.
Tri-Logo Packaging: This particular Yak Face came with English, French, and Spanish branding—aka “collector catnip.”

It’s the kind of obscure background character that only Star Wars (movies, books, comics, video games) could turn into a £3K flex piece.

Other Galactic Highlights from the Sale

Yak Face wasn’t the only plastic star of the show. Here’s a quick look at other figures from the lot that made bidders sweat harder than Jabba’s Rancor trainer:

Artoo-Detoo (R2-D2) with pop-up lightsaber
- Estimated: £300–£400
- Sold for: £520
Warok the Ewok
- Estimated: £150–£200
- Sold for: £340
Total for all 15 figures: £6,880

This wasn’t just an auction—it was a collector’s battle royale.

The Palitoy Factor: Why UK Toys Hit Harder

Unlike their Kenner U.S. counterparts, Palitoy’s figures were manufactured in the UK—specifically Coalville, Leicestershire. Their packaging was region-specific, sometimes bilingual or trilingual, and production runs were often shorter. Combine that with Star Wars’ never-ending popularity, and you get the perfect storm of rarity and demand.

It’s the toy equivalent of betting on an obscure esports player only to find out they’re the next world champion.

Why This Matters Beyond the Price Tag

You don’t need to be a deep-pocketed collector to appreciate what this auction represents. It’s about the longevity of pop culture, the emotional pull of nostalgia, and the rising recognition that “toys” are as much cultural artifacts as any oil painting.

And in a world where collectibles intersect with digital currencies, gambling culture, and even in-game Star Wars skins, this kind of sale is a tangible reminder that physical nostalgia still rules.

Tips for Aspiring Toy Moguls

Thinking of cashing in your old toys? Here’s what helps:

Keep original packaging sealed (dust is fine, scissors are not)
Tri-logo or foreign-language branding increases value
Characters with weird names and brief screen time? Jackpot
Price tags from the ’80s are a flex, not a flaw

Yak Face was once a shelf-warmer. Now he’s a trophy.

Auction Details

Auction: The July Derby Diecast, Model Railway, Live Steam & Collectable Toys and Cameras Auction
Auction Date: 24th July 2025 | 9:30am
Location: Hansons Derbyshire Saleroom
Auction Contact: service@hansonsauctioneers.co.uk
Catalogue/Bidding: www.hansonslive.co.uk | www.the-saleroom.com

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