The Unfortunate History Behind The Record-Setting Star Wars Toy That Just Sold for $1.3 Million

by

Star Wars action figures are among the most popular and valuable collectibles. The vintage figures made by Kenner from 1977 to 1985 are especially prized, with rare items like the “Vinyl Cape Jawa” selling for over $30,000. But one Star Wars toy stands out as exceptionally valuable, and its high price is linked to a sad story.

A 1979 Kenner Star Wars Boba Fett action figure, famous for its rocket-firing feature, recently sold for a record-breaking $1.3 million through Goldin Auctions, making it the most expensive Star Wars figure ever sold. This particular figure is incredibly rare – one of fewer than 100 prototypes created – and was never released for general sale. Its value stems from both its rarity and the fact that it was recalled due to safety concerns, adding to its mystique and appeal for collectors.

The Coveted Boba Fett Action Figure Was Shelved Because of a Different Toy’s Choking Hazard

The announcement of the Boba Fett action figure generated a lot of excitement. It was designed to shoot missiles from its backpack and was meant to be a special gift for fans who bought four or more other Star Wars figures. Unfortunately, the Boba Fett figures kids received didn’t actually launch the missiles because the firing mechanism was considered unsafe. The problem stemmed from a design borrowed from Mattel’s Battlestar Galactica toy line.

In the late 1970s, Mattel released four space-themed toys – the “Colonial Viper,” “Colonial Scarab,” “Colonial Stellar Probe,” and “Cylon Raider” – all of which shot plastic missiles. These 1.25-inch missiles, however, proved to be dangerous. Reports surfaced of children accidentally swallowing or choking on them, and tragically, one four-year-old child died. As a result, Mattel initiated a large recall, offering consumers a free Hot Wheels car in exchange for the missiles through their Missile Mail-In program. The toys themselves were then redesigned to eliminate the hazard.

The unfortunate death of a child brought a serious issue to the attention of Kenner executives. The missile on their Boba Fett toy was similar to one causing problems with a Mattel product, so Kenner completely redesigned it. While kids eventually received Boba Fett toys, the missile was permanently fixed in place, and the packaging was updated to explain that the launcher had been removed as a safety precaution.

When production of the Boba Fett action figures with firing missiles was stopped, a few prototypes were made. Some Kenner employees likely kept these prototypes as souvenirs, while the rest were discarded. Today, only three of these figures remain, and their rarity, combined with the story behind why they’re so scarce, makes them incredibly valuable collectibles that have sold for record prices.

What do you think? Leave a comment below and join the conversation now in the ComicBook Forum!

https://comicbook.com/collectibles/news/star-wars-most-valuable-last-17-figure-accidentally-unearthed-in-attic-stash-worth-thousands/embed/#

Read More

2026-04-14 05:10