15 Action Figures Now Worth Thousands
Some action figures, once sold for only a few dollars, are now valued at thousands by collectors.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 4 min read
Action figures from the 1970s through the 1990s have become highly collectible, especially if they were produced in small numbers or kept in unopened packaging. Rarity, condition, and cultural importance play the biggest roles in driving prices upward. Today, many of these toys sell at auctions and online marketplaces for thousands of dollars.
1. Rocket-Firing Boba Fett (Star Wars, 1979 prototype)
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Kenner never released this figure to the public due to safety concerns. Only a small number of prototypes exist. Collectors prize it as one of the rarest Star Wars toys. Some have sold for over $100,000.
2. Telescoping Lightsaber Darth Vader (Star Wars, 1978)
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The earliest version of Darth Vader came with a double-telescoping lightsaber. Few survived because the feature was fragile. Today, figures in mint condition can sell for several thousand dollars. It remains one of the most valuable early Star Wars toys.
3. Blue Snaggletooth (Star Wars, 1978)
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Kenner mistakenly produced Snaggletooth in a blue outfit with full height before correcting the design. The short red version became standard, making the blue one rare. Complete figures with accessories are highly sought after. They often reach several thousand dollars at auction.
4. Yak Face (Star Wars, 1985)
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Yak Face was released in limited numbers in Europe and Canada but never sold in the U.S. Its rarity makes it one of the last valuable figures from the original Star Wars line. Unopened versions are especially expensive. Values range into the thousands.
5. Snake Mountain He-Man Variant (Masters of the Universe, 1980s)
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Certain Masters of the Universe variants were released only in select markets. One of the rarest is a He-Man with unique accessories tied to Snake Mountain playsets. Mint figures are rarely found. Collectors pay thousands for them.
6. Scare Glow (Masters of the Universe, 1987)
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Scare Glow appeared late in the He-Man line, just before its decline. Fewer were produced, making him one of the rarest figures in the set. Unopened versions are especially valuable. Prices often reach thousands in collector sales.
7. Laser Light Skeletor (Masters of the Universe, 1988)
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This version of Skeletor featured light-up effects and was released mainly in Europe. Limited production makes it rare today. Figures in packaging command very high prices. They are among the most valuable He-Man collectibles.
8. Transformers G1 Optimus Prime (1984, in box)
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The first-generation Optimus Prime is highly collectible, especially unopened. The condition of the packaging adds greatly to the value. Complete boxed versions sell for several thousand dollars. It remains the centerpiece of many Transformers collections.
9. Transformers G1 Megatron (1984, in box)
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Like Optimus, Megatron is extremely valuable if complete and boxed. Some early versions came with accessories that are now difficult to find. Mint condition sets are rare due to safety recalls around toy guns. Prices can reach several thousand dollars.
10. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Scratch (1993)
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Scratch the Cat was released in very small numbers late in the TMNT line. Most stores did not stock it widely, making it a rare find today. Unopened figures are extremely valuable. Some sell for over $5,000.
11. April O’Neil with Soft Head (TMNT, 1988)
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The first April O’Neil figures had a soft head mold before switching to a hard plastic version. Fewer of the soft-headed figures exist today. Collectors pay thousands for mint versions. It is one of the most sought-after TMNT figures.
12. GI Joe Snake Eyes (1982, first release)
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The original Snake Eyes came without painted details, making it unique compared to later versions. Being one of the first GI Joe figures of the modern 3.75-inch line adds to its importance. Unopened versions are highly valuable. Some sell for thousands.
13. GI Joe Cobra Commander (1982 mail-away)
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Cobra Commander was first offered as a mail-order exclusive. This limited release made early versions rare. Complete figures with mailer packaging are especially expensive. Values often reach into the thousands.
14. WWF Hasbro Dusty Rhodes Prototype (1990s)
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Some WWF Hasbro wrestling figures never made it to wide release. The Dusty Rhodes prototype is one of the rarest, and many collectors prize it for its uniqueness. Prototypes have sold for thousands at auction.
15. Mego Spider-Man (1970s, mint condition)
Gage Skidmore on Wikimedia Commons
Mego’s 8-inch superhero figures are highly collectible. Spider-Man is one of the most valuable when found in unopened packaging. Loose figures are common, but boxed versions are rare. Prices can climb well into the thousands.