1977 First Shot Darth Vader Action Figure Sells for Massive Price

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Action figures are often valuable collectibles, but those from Star Wars are especially popular. Ever since the first Star Wars movie, A New Hope, came out in 1977, fans have been eager to collect the toys based on the films. And within that world of Star Wars collectibles, certain figures are much rarer and more valuable than others. Recently, one of the rarest Darth Vader action figures sold for a very high price.

A 1977 Darth Vader action figure, still in its original packaging, recently sold for an incredible $51,241 at a Goldin auction, setting a new record for that particular item. Only one other of these figures is known to exist. The auction, which concluded on June 3rd, also saw other Star Wars collectibles reach record prices, including a prototype Boba Fett figure from 1979 that went for $86,620 and a helmet from the Return of the Jedi film that sold for $91,500.

What Makes This Darth Vader So Special?

Although this Darth Vader action figure isn’t the most expensive one ever sold – that record belongs to a 1978 figure with a unique lightsaber that went for $130,095 earlier this year – it’s still a significant piece of Star Wars toy history. To understand why, you have to remember when the first Star Wars movie came out in 1977. No one knew if the film would be a hit, as there hadn’t been anything like it before. Because of this uncertainty, Kenner, the toy manufacturer, didn’t produce a large number of toys in advance. While this seemed smart at the time, it almost became a disaster. Demand for Star Wars toys was incredibly high immediately, putting Kenner in a tough spot, especially with the Christmas season approaching.

To meet the huge demand for Star Wars toys and buy themselves some extra time, Kenner launched a surprisingly clever campaign called the “Empty Box Campaign.” Customers could purchase an empty box showcasing images of the 12 Star Wars figures planned for release in 1978. The box doubled as a display kit, and also included a certificate guaranteeing the first four figures would be shipped in early 1978. The campaign was incredibly popular.

What’s the connection to Darth Vader? While Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, R2-D2, and Chewbacca were the initial characters for the toy line, this Darth Vader figure dates back to the same early design phase. This particular figure is a very early prototype – one of the first versions created to test the toy’s design and features. It’s special because it includes unique elements like a rounded lightsaber tip, a two-part extending lightsaber, and a different style cape. Most importantly, the lightsaber design on this prototype was never used for the toys sold in stores, making it incredibly rare and valuable.

Because of its unusual design, complete cape, and its place in the history of early Star Wars action figures, it’s no surprise this Darth Vader figure is so valuable and fetched a high price at the recent auction.

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2026-06-06 00:10