10 Old Toys That Sold for Thousands on eBay
Discover how nostalgia and rarity turn old toys like vintage Star Wars figures, Beanie Babies, and classic Lego sets into jaw-dropping treasures worth thousands on eBay!
- Alyana Aguja
- 4 min read
Old toys are full of secrets, with some of the more unusual items selling for thousands of dollars on eBay. From the classic double telescoping Star Wars action figures to the limited-production Beanie Babies, collectors pay top dollars for nostalgic artifacts that speak to pop culture history. Whether a vintage Hot Wheels or a prototype GI Joe action figure, the world of toy collecting reveals just how much childhood memories are worth in today’s marketplace.
1. Vintage Star Wars Action Figures (1970s-1980s) - Luke Skywalker (Double Telescoping)
Image from eBay
This hard-to-find double telescoping lightsaber version of Luke Skywalker sold for in excess of $25,000. The figure was never made in large numbers, and most of the ones out there have shattered sabers. Due to its rarity and state of preservation, collectors are willing to shell out a lot of cash for this piece of Star Wars history.
2. 1985 GI Joe Action Figure – Prototype
Image from Collector Archive Services
A 1985 prototype GI Joe action figure sold for an astonishing $200,000. The figure, which was never mass-produced, is an extremely rare artifact. Its rarity was driven by its singular status in the history of toys as a memorabilia item from a cultural behemoth franchise.
3. Beanie Babies – Princess Diana Bear
Image from TODAY.com
A commemorative Princess Diana Beanie Baby, produced in 1997 in honor of the deceased princess, was auctioned for almost $100,000. The bear’s rarity was furthered by the Ty company’s low production levels and the publicity surrounding Princess Diana’s death. Beanie Babies gained a colossal popularity boom during the ’90s, with some of the rarest selling for a small fortune.
4. Hot Wheels – 1969 “Rear-Loading” Beach Bomb
Image from Car and Driver
A 1969 Hot Wheels Beach Bomb with rear-loading functionality, which was originally removed from production, went for $150,000. Its rarity is easy to understand: Hot Wheels re-engineered the toy before it could go into mass production. The example, a sought-after collector’s item, became the iconic representation of an unanticipated rarity.
5. Action Comics #1 (Superman)
Image from Wikipedia
While not technically a “toy,” Action Comics #1, which features the first appearance of Superman, is frequently sold in conjunction with antique toys—a copy of the comic sold for over $3.2 million, a record. Fans of vintage toys and comics often overlap, and this comic is still one of the most prized items in pop culture history.
6. Teddy Ruxpin (Original Model)
Image from eBay.ph
The original 1985 Teddy Ruxpin doll, an animatronic teddy bear with a built-in cassette player, sold for over $5,000. Teddy Ruxpin was one of the first truly interactive toys that enchanted children in the 1980s. The first generation’s rarity and nostalgic appeal have made it a collectible item for those who grew up with it.
7. Mego Spider-Man (1970s)
Image from Mego Museum
A vintage Mego Spider-Man action figure from the 1970s, particularly in mint condition, can sell for up to $10,000. Mego’s 8-inch figures were a hit years ago, and Spider-Man is one of the most popular. These retro action figures are coveted by collectors, especially when still in their original packaging.
8. The 12-Inch “Big Jim” Action Figures (1970s)
Image from Toysyouhad.com
Early ’70s Big Jim action figures were worth as much as $5,000 each, particularly if they were in mint condition. Made by Mattel, Big Jim was one of the first rivals of GI Joe and came with a range of clothing and accessories. Due to its scarcity, collectors had a high demand for full sets and clean figures.
9. Nintendo World Championships Gold Cartridge (1990)
Image from Reddit
In 1990, Nintendo organized a championship and produced a special gold cartridge for the winners. These cartridges are extremely rare and have been sold on eBay for more than $100,000. Less than 30 are thought to have been produced, and the gold cartridge is now considered a holy grail among video game collectors.
10. Lego – 1987 “Set 375” Castle
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The original Lego Castle set (Set 375), made in 1987, can sell for more than $10,000, depending on its condition and completeness. It’s one of the most recognizable early Lego castle sets, and the lack of these old pieces in mint condition makes them extremely desirable. Retro Lego enthusiasts and collectors have pushed its price into the stratosphere.