Top 10 rarest Star Wars original trilogy action figures

Star Wars action figures are some of the most popular toys ever made, with collectors all over the world seeking out rare and valuable figures to add to their collections. The original trilogy of Star Wars films - A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back, and Return of the Jedi - produced some of the most sought-after action figures of all time. In this article, we will take a look at the top 10 rarest Star Wars original trilogy action figures.

1. Vinyl Cape Jawa The Vinyl Cape Jawa is widely considered the rarest Star Wars action figure ever produced. This figure was released in 1978 and featured a cape made of vinyl. However, the vinyl cape was quickly replaced with a cloth cape due to production issues, making the Vinyl Cape Jawa extremely rare. A sealed Vinyl Cape Jawa in good condition can fetch up to $18,000.

2. Blue Snaggletooth The Blue Snaggletooth is another highly sought-after Star Wars figure. This figure was only available as part of the Sears Cantina Adventure Set, which was only sold in Canada and the US. The figure features blue clothing and boots, whereas the more common Red Snaggletooth figure has a red outfit. A mint condition Blue Snaggletooth can sell for around $5,000.

3. Double Telescoping Lightsaber Darth Vader The Double Telescoping Lightsaber Darth Vader was only produced for a short period of time in 1978, making it one of the rarest Star Wars figures. This figure features a lightsaber that extends from both the hilt and the blade, hence the name Double Telescoping. A mint condition Double Telescoping Lightsaber Darth Vader can sell for over $6,000.

4. Rocket Firing Boba Fett The Rocket Firing Boba Fett was a prototype figure that was never released to the public. The figure featured a backpack that could fire a missile, but safety concerns led to the missile-firing mechanism being removed from the final version. A few of these prototypes were produced and given to employees, making them extremely rare and valuable. A Rocket Firing Boba Fett in good condition can fetch up to $150,000.

5. Luke Skywalker (Double Telescoping Lightsaber) Like the Double Telescoping Lightsaber Darth Vader, the Luke Skywalker action figure also featured a double telescoping lightsaber. However, this figure was only produced for a short time in 1978 and is extremely rare. A mint condition Luke Skywalker (Double Telescoping Lightsaber) can sell for over $12,000.

6. Vinyl Cape Jawa (Later Release) After the initial release of the Vinyl Cape Jawa, the figure was re-released with a cloth cape. However, a small number of figures were accidentally packaged with a vinyl cape, making them very rare. A Vinyl Cape Jawa (Later Release) in good condition can sell for around $5,000.

7. Princess Leia Organa (In Combat Poncho) The Princess Leia Organa (In Combat Poncho) figure was only available as part of the Ewok Assault Catapult set. This figure was released in 1983 and features Princess Leia in a combat poncho. A mint condition Princess Leia Organa (In Combat Poncho) can sell for over $1,000.

8. Han Solo (Small Head) The Han Solo (Small Head) figure was only produced for a short time in 1978. This figure features a smaller head than the more common Han Solo figure, making it highly sought after by collectors. A mint condition Han Solo (Small Head)

9. Vinyl Cape Zuckuss - This figure was released in 1982 as part of the second wave of Empire Strikes Back action figures. The initial production run of the figure featured a vinyl cape, which was later replaced with a cloth cape. The vinyl cape version of the figure is highly sought after by collectors due to its rarity and unique feature
   

10. Han Solo (Large Head) - This figure was released in 1978 with a larger head sculpt than later versions of the figure. The figure was only available for a short period of time before being replaced with a smaller head version. The rarity of the large head Han Solo figure has made it a valuable item among collectors.

In conclusion, the world of Star Wars original trilogy action figures is vast and fascinating. Collectors and fans alike can appreciate the artistry and attention to detail that goes into creating these figures, as well as the nostalgia and sentimentality they bring. Whether you're a seasoned collector or just starting out, it's important to do your research and understand the value and rarity of each figure. By taking care of your collection and displaying it proudly, you can enjoy the magic of Star Wars action figures for years to come. And who knows, you may even come across one of the rarest figures out there!

Complete Guide to Identifying Original Trilogy Action Figure Variants

If you're a Star Wars action figure collector, you know that the original trilogy line has a ton of variations. These can include anything from different paint jobs to changes in the figure's mold or accessories. Some of these variants can be extremely rare and valuable, while others are more common. In this article, we'll take a look at how to identify original trilogy action figure variants, as well as some of the most sought-after ones.

Identifying Original Trilogy Variants

The first step in identifying original trilogy variants is to know what you're looking for. One of the easiest ways to do this is to consult a comprehensive guidebook or website that lists the different variations. Some of the most popular ones include "The Ultimate Guide to Vintage Star Wars Action Figures" by Mark Bellomo and the Star Wars Collectors Archive.

Once you have a good reference guide, you can start looking for differences between your figures and the ones listed in the book. One thing to keep in mind is that some of the variations can be very subtle, such as differences in paint shading or minor changes to the mold. It's important to pay close attention to details like these to ensure that you're accurately identifying the variant.

Another helpful tool in identifying variants is a magnifying glass. This can help you see small details that might be hard to spot with the naked eye. You may also want to consider investing in a UV light, as this can help you detect changes in the plastic that could indicate a figure has been restored or repainted.

Sought-After Variants

Now that you know how to identify variants, let's take a look at some of the most sought-after ones. Keep in mind that rarity and value can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the condition of the figure and the packaging it comes in.

One of the most valuable original trilogy variants is the "Double-Telescoping Lightsaber" Luke Skywalker figure from 1978. This figure features a lightsaber that extends out of the hilt in two sections, making it much longer than the standard version. This figure is incredibly rare, with only a handful known to exist, and can sell for tens of thousands of dollars in mint condition.

Another sought-after variant is the "Vinyl Cape Jawa" figure from 1978. This figure features a cape made of vinyl, as opposed to the later version that had a cloth cape. The vinyl cape version is much rarer and can sell for several thousand dollars in good condition.

Other rare original trilogy variants include the Blue Snaggletooth figure, which was only available through a Sears exclusive cantina playset, and the "Rocket-Firing Boba Fett" figure, which was never released due to safety concerns.

Conclusion

Identifying original trilogy action figure variants can be a rewarding and challenging experience for collectors. By using reference guides and paying close attention to details, you can become an expert in identifying these variations. And if you're lucky enough to come across one of the rarest variants, you could be sitting on a valuable piece of Star Wars history.