Section · Collectible toys
Collectible toys
Small toy cars, action figures and vinyl art toys can be worth far more than their original price – if the variant, the condition and the packaging are right.
What collectors look for
- Die-cast cars: Matchbox models by Lesney (from 1953) and early Hot Wheels (from 1968, with the red-striped «Redline» tyres).
- Action figures: above all the vintage Kenner Star Wars line (1978–1985), but also Masters of the Universe, G.I. Joe and others.
- Designer and art toys: limited vinyl figures such as KAWS Companions and Medicom's Bearbrick, often in collaboration with artists.
- Prototypes and variants: test colours, unreleased versions and production errors are the rarest pieces of all.
Small toys, big prices
The famous examples are tiny. A prototype of Kenner's rocket-firing Boba Fett figure from 1979 – withdrawn before release because of choking concerns – sold for a record $525,000 in 2024; another example fetched $236,000 at Hake's in 2022. A pink Hot Wheels «Rear-Loader Beach Bomb», a Volkswagen bus that was never sold in shops, changed hands for about $150,000.
In art toys, KAWS Bearbrick figures in the large 1000% size sell for between about $940 and $33,500. For almost all toys, the rule is the same: an unopened original in mint condition can be worth many times a played-with example.
Condition terms
- MOC / MIBmint on card / mint in box – unopened, the highest value.
- Boxed, openedwith the original box, but played with or displayed.
- Loose, completewithout packaging, but with all parts and accessories.
- Gradedsealed and graded by a grading service, e.g. AFA for action figures.
What collectible toys sell for
Public auction results show the range – not what a specific piece is worth.
Boba Fett rocket-firing prototype, 2024; Hot Wheels pink Beach Bomb about $150,000.
Typical price range on the resale market.
Most toys from childhood collections – still worth checking for rare variants.
How to check what you have
- Packaging: Original boxes, cards and blister packs can multiply the value. Check for reproduction cards and boxes, which are widely sold.
- Variant: Colour, wheels, logo and small details decide. A rare colour of a common model can be worth a hundred times more.
- Condition: Paint loss, broken parts, yellowed plastic and sun fading reduce value sharply.
- Completeness: Weapons, accessories and inserts are often missing – and are also reproduced. Originals are worth more.
- Markings: Look for maker's marks, dates and country of manufacture on the base or body.
Questions
Are my old Matchbox cars worth anything?
Most played-with Matchbox cars are worth little, but rare colours, early models and boxed examples in mint condition can be valuable. Specialist auction houses such as Vectis sell them regularly.
What makes a Star Wars figure valuable?
Unopened figures on their original card, early versions, rare variants and prototypes. Graded examples in top condition sell for the highest prices.
Should I open or clean a boxed toy?
No. Leave it as it is and get it assessed first – opening or cleaning can reduce the value considerably.
Do you own collectible toys?
Photograph the front, the back and any marks, signatures or seals, and get a free estimate. For insurance, a sale or an estate, order an appraisal with a notarized signature.
Sources
- Antique Trader – Rare Star Wars Boba Fett prototype sells for record $525,000
- Auction Daily – Boba Fett rocket-firing prototype sells for $236,000 at Hake's
- EVORETRO – How a rare 1969 Hot Wheels model sold for $150k
- 1stDibs – KAWS Bearbrick 1000% prices
- Vectis Auctions – Matchbox auctions
Images: public domain, via Wikimedia Commons. This page does not offer works for sale.