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The 10 Best Star Wars Figures from the 1970s

📖 2,835 words🗓️ Published Jul 31, 2026

Direct Answer

The 10 best star wars figures from the 1970s are ranked below on measured performance, build quality, price, and how each one actually holds up in daily use rather than how it reads on a spec sheet. Each pick lists what it costs, who it suits, and what it gives up against the one above it, so the list can be read straight down without doubling back.

1. Rocket-Firing Boba Fett Prototype

The 10 Best Star Wars Figures from the 1970s — figure 1

The rocket-firing Boba Fett prototype is the definitive 1970s Star Wars figure because it is the most valuable action figure ever sold, achieving $1.34 million at Goldin in 2024. Kenner advertised it as a mail-away on early cardbacks but pulled it over a child-safety concern about the spring-loaded rocket. Roughly 100 prototypes were made, with about 70 known in private hands. Its J-slot painted variant eclipsed the prior $525,000 record, cementing its legendary status.

This piece is for institutional buyers and trophy collectors with seven-figure budgets, not casual enthusiasts. It trades away any practical play value for extreme scarcity and provenance. Compared to the vinyl cape Jawa below, which still offers a graded carded example, this prototype exists almost entirely outside the standard collector market. Its price is set by a handful of wealthy bidders, making it an illiquid asset with no realistic entry point for most.

2. Vinyl Cape Jawa

The 10 Best Star Wars Figures from the 1970s — figure 2

The vinyl cape Jawa ranks second because it is the rarest mass-produced figure in the entire Kenner line, with Kenner using the flimsy vinyl cape only briefly before switching to cloth. A 12-back carded AFA 90 example sold for $44,261 at Hake's in July 2024, with an AFA 75 EX+/NM bringing $36,000 earlier that year. The value cliff is steep below AFA 80, making high-grade examples exceptionally sought after.

This figure is for advanced collectors who can authenticate the vinyl cape, as reproductions are among the most common fakes in the hobby. It trades away affordability and ease of verification for extreme rarity. Compared to the rocket-firing Boba Fett prototype above, it is more accessible at roughly $30,000–$45,000 for high-grade carded pieces, but still requires deep pockets. Buyers must rely on AFA encapsulation or documented auction provenance to avoid costly counterfeits.

3. Double-Telescoping Luke Skywalker

The 10 Best Star Wars Figures from the 1970s — figure 3

The double-telescoping Luke Skywalker ranks third due to its iconic status and the fragility of its two-piece extending lightsaber, which Kenner quickly replaced with a single-piece molded version. Carded examples consistently clear $20,000 and run toward $35,000 at Hake's, making it one of the most valuable production figures from the 1978 launch wave. The thin extending tip was fragile by design, so most surviving loose examples have damaged sabers, pushing demand toward graded carded pieces.

This figure is for collectors who prioritize production variants and are willing to pay a premium for the earliest saber design. It trades away the durability of later figures for historical significance and rarity. Compared to the vinyl cape Jawa above, it is more recognizable but similarly expensive, with graded examples in the $20,000–$35,000 range. Buyers must be wary of retrofitted sabers transplanted onto later figures, making AFA certification essential for authentication.

4. Darth Vader 12-Back Carded

The 10 Best Star Wars Figures from the 1970s — figure 4

Darth Vader on a 12-back card ranks fourth because it is the most iconic villain from the launch wave, with prices ranging from roughly $3,000 to $25,000 entirely dependent on grade. Mid-grade carded examples sit in the low thousands, while top-pop AFA 85-plus pieces reach well into five figures.

This figure is for collectors building a carded 12-back set, as Vader is an anchor piece that most collections aspire to own. It trades away the rarity of variants like the double-telescoping Luke for broader recognizability and a more liquid market. Compared to the Luke above, it is more affordable at the mid-grade level, with AFA 80 examples in the low-to-mid four figures.

5. Princess Leia Organa 12-Back

The 10 Best Star Wars Figures from the 1970s — figure 5

Princess Leia Organa on a 12-back card ranks fifth because she is the only female figure in the launch wave, which drove lower production numbers and makes high-grade carded survivors genuinely tougher than the male leads. Carded examples range from roughly $2,500 to $15,000, with demand pushed toward carded pieces because loose examples often suffer from missing belts and blasters.

This figure is for collectors completing the original twelve 12-backs, as Leia is often the hardest to find in high grade. It trades away the affordability of more common figures for genuine scarcity among the launch wave. Compared to Darth Vader above, she is typically more expensive at comparable grades due to lower survival rates. Buyers should prioritize AFA-graded examples to ensure completeness and authenticity, as loose versions are often incomplete.

6. Luke Skywalker Single-Saber 12-Back-C

The 10 Best Star Wars Figures from the 1970s — figure 6

The single-saber Luke Skywalker on a 12-back-C card ranks sixth because it is the most realistic carded hero figure for a collection being built rather than inherited. AFA 80 NM examples list regularly in the low-to-mid four figures, with prices ranging from roughly $2,000 to $10,000 at AFA 80-plus. The 12-back-C sub-variant differs in printing and offer details from earlier 12-backs, and this distinction often confuses new buyers.

This figure is for serious collectors starting their first graded carded piece, as it provides a solid anchor at a more accessible price point. It trades away the rarity of the double-telescoping version for affordability and a clearer authentication path. Compared to Princess Leia above, it is generally less expensive at the same grade, making it a better on-ramp. Buyers should verify the 12-back-C cardback from a clear photograph of the reverse to avoid cardback substitution.

7. Sand People Tusken Raider 12-Back

The 10 Best Star Wars Figures from the 1970s — figure 7

Sand People (Tusken Raider) on a 12-back card ranks seventh because it is the most affordable launch-wave carded figure in high grade, with prices ranging from roughly $1,500 to $8,000 graded. Its vinyl cloak and gaderffii staff are the usual loose-completion headaches, which pushes demand toward carded examples. As one of the original twelve figures from the 1977–1978 first wave, it offers genuine historical significance without the five-figure premiums of the main heroes.

This figure is for collectors seeking a high-grade carded piece at a lower cost, ideal for learning the nuances of grading and cardback identification. It trades away the recognizability of characters like Luke or Vader for better value and a more forgiving price point. Compared to Luke Skywalker above, it is typically less expensive at the same AFA grade, making it a smart first purchase.

8. Death Star Space Station Playset

The 10 Best Star Wars Figures from the 1970s — figure 8

The Death Star Space Station playset ranks eighth because it is Kenner's flagship 1978 playset, offering a foam trash compactor, working elevator, and swinging rope bridge for roughly $250 loose-incomplete to $3,000 AFA boxed. Originally retailing at $17.99, its appreciation is driven by survivorship and completeness, with the foam and light bridge almost always missing. This makes graded sealed examples carry the premium, as completeness is the primary value driver.

This playset is for collectors building a display rather than a carded set, as it offers a centerpiece for a vintage Tatooine or Death Star scene. It trades away the portability and grading simplicity of carded figures for physical presence and interactive play value. Compared to the Sand People figure above, it is more affordable at loose complete levels, but graded boxed examples can reach the low thousands.

9. Patrol Dewback

The 10 Best Star Wars Figures from the 1970s — figure 9

The Patrol Dewback ranks ninth because it is Kenner's large Tatooine lizard creature from 1979, sized to carry a 3.75-inch figure, with prices ranging from roughly $300 loose to $2,500 AFA sealed. The saddle and reins are the parts that walk away, making completeness a key factor in value. As a creature rather than a figure, it offers a unique display opportunity that enhances any desert-themed collection.

This creature is for collectors who enjoy building scenes and want a larger piece that stands out on a shelf. It trades away the compactness and grading ease of carded figures for a more substantial display presence. Compared to the Death Star Space Station above, it is less complex and generally more affordable, with loose complete examples around $150–$300. Buyers should verify the saddle and reins are present, as these are the most commonly missing parts and significantly impact value.

10. Early Bird Certificate Package

The 10 Best Star Wars Figures from the 1970s — figure 10

The Early Bird Certificate Package ranks tenth because it is the first Star Wars toy ever sold, offered by Kenner for $7.99 in 1977 when actual figures were not ready for the holidays. Complete packages trade in the $700–$1,500 range, with AFA-graded boxed examples higher, making it the origin point of the entire line. The redeemed mailer set included Luke with the DT saber, Leia, Chewbacca, and R2-D2, adding historical significance.

This package is for new collectors who want to own a piece of Star Wars history without the five-figure premiums of high-grade carded figures. It trades away the visual appeal of a carded figure for the unique story of the line's launch. Compared to the Patrol Dewback above, it is more historically significant but less display-friendly, as it is essentially a certificate and stand.

How we ranked these

We measured auction hammer prices from Hake's, Goldin, and Heritage for 1970s Kenner Star Wars figures, weighting cardback generation, production variant, AFA grade, and population report scarcity. We prioritized verified sales over asking prices, and gave extra weight to recent comps like the 2024 Boba Fett and vinyl cape Jawa results.

We deliberately ignored nostalgia, personal attachment, and retail memory, as these do not set market prices. We also excluded unverified seller claims and anecdotal forum chatter. The ranking focuses on documented, repeatable market data, not emotional value or speculative future appreciation.

What to look for

What actually matters is cardback generation, variant authenticity, and AFA grade. A 12-back Vader is worth multiples of a 20-back. A confirmed double-telescoping Luke or vinyl cape Jawa carries huge premiums, but only if authenticated. Grade drives value non-linearly: expect each 5-point AFA step above 75 to add 40–100%.

The biggest mistake is buying raw 'mint' pieces from photos. Recards, re-glued bubbles, and fake variants are rampant. Pay for AFA encapsulation or documented provenance above four figures. Also, verify completeness on playsets—missing foam or saddles can halve value. Always compare against three recent hammer comps, not asking prices.

FAQ

What is the most valuable 1970s Star Wars figure?

The rocket-firing Boba Fett mail-away prototype from 1979. A J-slot painted example sold for $1.34 million through Goldin in 2024, the most ever paid for an action figure, eclipsing an earlier $525,000 record for the same type of piece.

Why is the vinyl cape Jawa worth so much more than the cloth version?

Kenner used the flimsy vinyl cape only briefly before switching to cloth, so the vinyl version is the rarest mass-produced figure in the line. A 12-back carded AFA 90 example sold for $44,261 at Hake's in July 2024, with an AFA 75 EX+/NM at $36,000 earlier that year.

What is the best value entry into 1970s Star Wars collecting?

The 1977 Early Bird Certificate Package at roughly $700–$1,500 complete. It was Kenner's $7.99 stopgap when figures were not ready for the holidays, making it the first Star Wars toy ever sold and the origin point of the entire line.

Are reproductions a serious problem in this category?

Yes. Vinyl capes, double-telescoping sabers, recarded figures, and re-glued bubbles are all faked, and the highest-premium features attract the most fakes. For anything above four figures, buy AFA-graded pieces with documented auction provenance rather than photo inspection.

Do loose figures and playsets hold value?

Some do, but completeness rules. A loose complete Death Star Space Station trades around $300–$500 and a loose complete Dewback around $150–$300, while missing foam, light bridges, saddles, staffs, and blasters crater those numbers. Carded and graded pieces carry the five-figure premiums.

Should I buy raw and grade it myself, or buy already graded?

Buy already graded until you can independently authenticate cardbacks and variants. Raw buying is where the arbitrage is, but it is also where the recards live, and a grading fee spent on a piece that returns below expectation is worse than paying the graded premium.

How does cardback generation affect value?

The 12-back card is the only style from the 1977–1978 first wave. The same Darth Vader on a 20-back or later card is materially less valuable. Sub-variants like 12-back-A, -B, and -C also matter, and the distinction routinely confuses new buyers.

What are the common missing parts on playsets?

For the Death Star Space Station, the foam trash compactor and light bridge are almost always missing. The Dewback's saddle and reins, the Sand People's gaderffii staff and cloak, and Leia's belt and blaster are also common losses. Ask for piece-by-piece photos.

How should I store carded figures?

Store carded pieces vertically, out of UV, in stable temperature and humidity. Bubble yellowing drops a grade fast and is irreversible. Cardboard playset structures warp and stain over decades. Direct sunlight, attic heat cycling, and basement humidity are all slow destroyers.

What is the liquidity risk at the high end?

Mid-tier carded 12-backs are liquid—you can exit in weeks. Six-figure and seven-figure pieces are not; the buyer pool is measured in dozens and the sale is an event. If you might need money back inside a year, stay in the liquid tier.

Sources

flowchart TD S["The 10 Best Star Wars Figures from the"] S --> N0["1. Rocket-Firing Boba Fett Prototype"] N0 --> N1["2. Vinyl Cape Jawa"] N1 --> N2["3. Double-Telescoping Luke Skywalker"] N2 --> N3["4. Darth Vader 12-Back Carded"]

flowchart LR C["The 10 Best Star Wars Figures from the"] C --> H0["9. Patrol Dewback"] C --> H1["10. Early Bird Certificate Package"] C --> H2["How we ranked these"] C --> H3["What to look for"]

Related on PULSE

[More star wars figures from the 1970s rankings and buying guides](/knowledge)
[PULSE Tools and calculators](/tools)
[Everything on PULSE RevOps](/)

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## Direct Answer

The 10 best star wars figures from the 1970s are ranked below on measured performance, build quality, price, and how each one actually holds up in daily use rather than how it reads on a spec sheet. Each pick lists what it costs, who it suits, and what it gives up against the one above it, so the list can be read straight down without doubling back.

## 1. Rocket-Firing Boba Fett Prototype

![The 10 Best Star Wars Figures from the 1970s — figure 1](/assets/qa/co0035-b1.jpg)


```mermaid
flowchart TD
  S["The 10 Best Star Wars Figures from the"]
  S --> N0["1. Rocket-Firing Boba Fett Prototype"]
  N0 --> N1["2. Vinyl Cape Jawa"]
  N1 --> N2["3. Double-Telescoping Luke Skywalker"]
  N2 --> N3["4. Darth Vader 12-Back Carded"]
```


The rocket-firing Boba Fett prototype is the definitive 1970s Star Wars figure because it is the most valuable action figure ever sold, achieving $1.34 million at Goldin in 2024. Kenner advertised it as a mail-away on early cardbacks but pulled it over a child-safety concern about the spring-loaded rocket. Roughly 100 prototypes were made, with about 70 known in private hands. Its J-slot painted variant eclipsed the prior $525,000 record, cementing its legendary status.

This piece is for institutional buyers and trophy collectors with seven-figure budgets, not casual enthusiasts. It trades away any practical play value for extreme scarcity and provenance. Compared to the vinyl cape Jawa below, which still offers a graded carded example, this prototype exists almost entirely outside the standard collector market. Its price is set by a handful of wealthy bidders, making it an illiquid asset with no realistic entry point for most.


## 2. Vinyl Cape Jawa

![The 10 Best Star Wars Figures from the 1970s — figure 2](/assets/qa/co0035-b2.jpg)


```mermaid
flowchart LR
  C["The 10 Best Star Wars Figures from the"]
  C --> H0["9. Patrol Dewback"]
  C --> H1["10. Early Bird Certificate Package"]
  C --> H2["How we ranked these"]
  C --> H3["What to look for"]
```


The vinyl cape Jawa ranks second because it is the rarest mass-produced figure in the entire Kenner line, with Kenner using the flimsy vinyl cape only briefly before switching to cloth. A 12-back carded AFA 90 example sold for $44,261 at Hake's in July 2024, with an AFA 75 EX+/NM bringing $36,000 earlier that year. The value cliff is steep below AFA 80, making high-grade examples exceptionally sought after.

This figure is for advanced collectors who can authenticate the vinyl cape, as reproductions are among the most common fakes in the hobby. It trades away affordability and ease of verification for extreme rarity. Compared to the rocket-firing Boba Fett prototype above, it is more accessible at roughly $30,000–$45,000 for high-grade carded pieces, but still requires deep pockets. Buyers must rely on AFA encapsulation or documented auction provenance to avoid costly counterfeits.

## 3. Double-Telescoping Luke Skywalker

![The 10 Best Star Wars Figures from the 1970s — figure 3](/assets/qa/co0035-b3.jpg)


The double-telescoping Luke Skywalker ranks third due to its iconic status and the fragility of its two-piece extending lightsaber, which Kenner quickly replaced with a single-piece molded version. Carded examples consistently clear $20,000 and run toward $35,000 at Hake's, making it one of the most valuable production figures from the 1978 launch wave. The thin extending tip was fragile by design, so most surviving loose examples have damaged sabers, pushing demand toward graded carded pieces.


This figure is for collectors who prioritize production variants and are willing to pay a premium for the earliest saber design. It trades away the durability of later figures for historical significance and rarity. Compared to the vinyl cape Jawa above, it is more recognizable but similarly expensive, with graded examples in the $20,000–$35,000 range. Buyers must be wary of retrofitted sabers transplanted onto later figures, making AFA certification essential for authentication.

## 4. Darth Vader 12-Back Carded

![The 10 Best Star Wars Figures from the 1970s — figure 4](/assets/qa/co0035-b4.jpg)


Darth Vader on a 12-back card ranks fourth because it is the most iconic villain from the launch wave, with prices ranging from roughly $3,000 to $25,000 entirely dependent on grade. Mid-grade carded examples sit in the low thousands, while top-pop AFA 85-plus pieces reach well into five figures.


This figure is for collectors building a carded 12-back set, as Vader is an anchor piece that most collections aspire to own. It trades away the rarity of variants like the double-telescoping Luke for broader recognizability and a more liquid market. Compared to the Luke above, it is more affordable at the mid-grade level, with AFA 80 examples in the low-to-mid four figures.

## 5. Princess Leia Organa 12-Back

![The 10 Best Star Wars Figures from the 1970s — figure 5](/assets/qa/co0035-b5.jpg)


Princess Leia Organa on a 12-back card ranks fifth because she is the only female figure in the launch wave, which drove lower production numbers and makes high-grade carded survivors genuinely tougher than the male leads. Carded examples range from roughly $2,500 to $15,000, with demand pushed toward carded pieces because loose examples often suffer from missing belts and blasters.


This figure is for collectors completing the original twelve 12-backs, as Leia is often the hardest to find in high grade. It trades away the affordability of more common figures for genuine scarcity among the launch wave. Compared to Darth Vader above, she is typically more expensive at comparable grades due to lower survival rates. Buyers should prioritize AFA-graded examples to ensure completeness and authenticity, as loose versions are often incomplete.

## 6. Luke Skywalker Single-Saber 12-Back-C

![The 10 Best Star Wars Figures from the 1970s — figure 6](/assets/qa/co0035-b6.jpg)


The single-saber Luke Skywalker on a 12-back-C card ranks sixth because it is the most realistic carded hero figure for a collection being built rather than inherited. AFA 80 NM examples list regularly in the low-to-mid four figures, with prices ranging from roughly $2,000 to $10,000 at AFA 80-plus. The 12-back-C sub-variant differs in printing and offer details from earlier 12-backs, and this distinction often confuses new buyers.


This figure is for serious collectors starting their first graded carded piece, as it provides a solid anchor at a more accessible price point. It trades away the rarity of the double-telescoping version for affordability and a clearer authentication path. Compared to Princess Leia above, it is generally less expensive at the same grade, making it a better on-ramp. Buyers should verify the 12-back-C cardback from a clear photograph of the reverse to avoid cardback substitution.

## 7. Sand People Tusken Raider 12-Back

![The 10 Best Star Wars Figures from the 1970s — figure 7](/assets/qa/co0035-b7.jpg)


Sand People (Tusken Raider) on a 12-back card ranks seventh because it is the most affordable launch-wave carded figure in high grade, with prices ranging from roughly $1,500 to $8,000 graded. Its vinyl cloak and gaderffii staff are the usual loose-completion headaches, which pushes demand toward carded examples. As one of the original twelve figures from the 1977–1978 first wave, it offers genuine historical significance without the five-figure premiums of the main heroes.

This figure is for collectors seeking a high-grade carded piece at a lower cost, ideal for learning the nuances of grading and cardback identification. It trades away the recognizability of characters like Luke or Vader for better value and a more forgiving price point. Compared to Luke Skywalker above, it is typically less expensive at the same AFA grade, making it a smart first purchase.


## 8. Death Star Space Station Playset

![The 10 Best Star Wars Figures from the 1970s — figure 8](/assets/qa/co0035-b8.jpg)


The Death Star Space Station playset ranks eighth because it is Kenner's flagship 1978 playset, offering a foam trash compactor, working elevator, and swinging rope bridge for roughly $250 loose-incomplete to $3,000 AFA boxed. Originally retailing at $17.99, its appreciation is driven by survivorship and completeness, with the foam and light bridge almost always missing. This makes graded sealed examples carry the premium, as completeness is the primary value driver.

This playset is for collectors building a display rather than a carded set, as it offers a centerpiece for a vintage Tatooine or Death Star scene. It trades away the portability and grading simplicity of carded figures for physical presence and interactive play value. Compared to the Sand People figure above, it is more affordable at loose complete levels, but graded boxed examples can reach the low thousands.


## 9. Patrol Dewback

![The 10 Best Star Wars Figures from the 1970s — figure 9](/assets/qa/co0035-b9.jpg)


The Patrol Dewback ranks ninth because it is Kenner's large Tatooine lizard creature from 1979, sized to carry a 3.75-inch figure, with prices ranging from roughly $300 loose to $2,500 AFA sealed. The saddle and reins are the parts that walk away, making completeness a key factor in value. As a creature rather than a figure, it offers a unique display opportunity that enhances any desert-themed collection.

This creature is for collectors who enjoy building scenes and want a larger piece that stands out on a shelf. It trades away the compactness and grading ease of carded figures for a more substantial display presence. Compared to the Death Star Space Station above, it is less complex and generally more affordable, with loose complete examples around $150–$300. Buyers should verify the saddle and reins are present, as these are the most commonly missing parts and significantly impact value.


## 10. Early Bird Certificate Package

![The 10 Best Star Wars Figures from the 1970s — figure 10](/assets/qa/co0035-b10.jpg)


The Early Bird Certificate Package ranks tenth because it is the first Star Wars toy ever sold, offered by Kenner for $7.99 in 1977 when actual figures were not ready for the holidays. Complete packages trade in the $700–$1,500 range, with AFA-graded boxed examples higher, making it the origin point of the entire line. The redeemed mailer set included Luke with the DT saber, Leia, Chewbacca, and R2-D2, adding historical significance.

This package is for new collectors who want to own a piece of Star Wars history without the five-figure premiums of high-grade carded figures. It trades away the visual appeal of a carded figure for the unique story of the line's launch. Compared to the Patrol Dewback above, it is more historically significant but less display-friendly, as it is essentially a certificate and stand.


## How we ranked these

We measured auction hammer prices from Hake's, Goldin, and Heritage for 1970s Kenner Star Wars figures, weighting cardback generation, production variant, AFA grade, and population report scarcity. We prioritized verified sales over asking prices, and gave extra weight to recent comps like the 2024 Boba Fett and vinyl cape Jawa results.

We deliberately ignored nostalgia, personal attachment, and retail memory, as these do not set market prices. We also excluded unverified seller claims and anecdotal forum chatter. The ranking focuses on documented, repeatable market data, not emotional value or speculative future appreciation.

## What to look for

What actually matters is cardback generation, variant authenticity, and AFA grade. A 12-back Vader is worth multiples of a 20-back. A confirmed double-telescoping Luke or vinyl cape Jawa carries huge premiums, but only if authenticated. Grade drives value non-linearly: expect each 5-point AFA step above 75 to add 40–100%.


The biggest mistake is buying raw 'mint' pieces from photos. Recards, re-glued bubbles, and fake variants are rampant. Pay for AFA encapsulation or documented provenance above four figures. Also, verify completeness on playsets—missing foam or saddles can halve value. Always compare against three recent hammer comps, not asking prices.

## Related questions

### What does '12-back' mean?

It refers to the 1977–1978 first-wave cardback that pictured the original twelve figures on the reverse. It is the earliest card style and the only one from the launch wave, which is what gives it the premium over 20-back and later cards of the same figure.

### Why was the rocket-firing Boba Fett never released?

Kenner advertised it as a mail-away on early cardbacks, then pulled it before production over a child-safety concern about the spring-loaded firing rocket. Roughly 100 prototypes were made; about 70 are known in private hands today.

### Is a loose figure ever worth grading?

Rarely, unless it is a confirmed production variant like a double-telescoping saber or vinyl cape. For standard loose figures, completeness of accessories drives value more than encapsulation does, and grading fees can exceed the value added.

### How do I check a comp before bidding?

Search Hake's results, Goldin's archive, Heritage's archive, and eBay's sold-listings filter for the same figure at the same AFA grade within the last 24 months. Three matching hammer prices is a comp; one asking price is not.

### What is the most affordable carded 12-back in high grade?

Sand People (Tusken Raider) is typically the most affordable launch-wave carded figure in high grade, ranging from roughly $1,500 to $8,000 graded. The vinyl cloak and gaderffii staff are the usual loose-completion headaches.

### How does AFA grade affect value?

The value curve is steeply non-linear at the top. The distance from AFA 75 to AFA 85 on a scarce carded piece is often larger in dollars than the entire price of an AFA 60 example. Bubble clarity, centering, card corners, and print gloss drive the number.

### What are the risks of buying raw figures?

Recards and re-glued bubbles are the most common fraud. A genuine loose figure sealed onto a genuine but empty vintage card, or an original bubble lifted and re-glued, defeats photo inspection. AFA encapsulation or Hake's provenance is mandatory above four figures.

### What is the Early Bird Certificate Package?

It was Kenner's $7.99 stopgap when figures were not ready for the 1977 holidays. It contains an empty display stand and mail-in certificate. Complete packages trade around $700–$1,500, and it is the first Star Wars toy ever sold.

## FAQ

**What is the most valuable 1970s Star Wars figure?**

The rocket-firing Boba Fett mail-away prototype from 1979. A J-slot painted example sold for $1.34 million through Goldin in 2024, the most ever paid for an action figure, eclipsing an earlier $525,000 record for the same type of piece.

**Why is the vinyl cape Jawa worth so much more than the cloth version?**

Kenner used the flimsy vinyl cape only briefly before switching to cloth, so the vinyl version is the rarest mass-produced figure in the line. A 12-back carded AFA 90 example sold for $44,261 at Hake's in July 2024, with an AFA 75 EX+/NM at $36,000 earlier that year.

**What is the best value entry into 1970s Star Wars collecting?**

The 1977 Early Bird Certificate Package at roughly $700–$1,500 complete. It was Kenner's $7.99 stopgap when figures were not ready for the holidays, making it the first Star Wars toy ever sold and the origin point of the entire line.

**Are reproductions a serious problem in this category?**

Yes. Vinyl capes, double-telescoping sabers, recarded figures, and re-glued bubbles are all faked, and the highest-premium features attract the most fakes. For anything above four figures, buy AFA-graded pieces with documented auction provenance rather than photo inspection.

**Do loose figures and playsets hold value?**

Some do, but completeness rules. A loose complete Death Star Space Station trades around $300–$500 and a loose complete Dewback around $150–$300, while missing foam, light bridges, saddles, staffs, and blasters crater those numbers. Carded and graded pieces carry the five-figure premiums.

**Should I buy raw and grade it myself, or buy already graded?**

Buy already graded until you can independently authenticate cardbacks and variants. Raw buying is where the arbitrage is, but it is also where the recards live, and a grading fee spent on a piece that returns below expectation is worse than paying the graded premium.

**How does cardback generation affect value?**

The 12-back card is the only style from the 1977–1978 first wave. The same Darth Vader on a 20-back or later card is materially less valuable. Sub-variants like 12-back-A, -B, and -C also matter, and the distinction routinely confuses new buyers.

**What are the common missing parts on playsets?**

For the Death Star Space Station, the foam trash compactor and light bridge are almost always missing. The Dewback's saddle and reins, the Sand People's gaderffii staff and cloak, and Leia's belt and blaster are also common losses. Ask for piece-by-piece photos.

**How should I store carded figures?**

Store carded pieces vertically, out of UV, in stable temperature and humidity. Bubble yellowing drops a grade fast and is irreversible. Cardboard playset structures warp and stain over decades. Direct sunlight, attic heat cycling, and basement humidity are all slow destroyers.

**What is the liquidity risk at the high end?**

Mid-tier carded 12-backs are liquid—you can exit in weeks. Six-figure and seven-figure pieces are not; the buyer pool is measured in dozens and the sale is an event. If you might need money back inside a year, stay in the liquid tier.

## Sources

- https://hakes.com/Search/Results?q=star+wars
- https://goldin.co/
- https://comics.ha.com/
- https://www.toygrader.com/
- https://www.actionfigure411.com/star-wars/kenner-vintage-collection/star-wars-action-figures/early-bird-certificate-4506.php
- https://www.actionfigure411.com/star-wars/kenner-vintage-collection/star-wars-vehicles-and-playsets/death-star-space-station-2244.php
- https://www.brianstoys.com/
- https://www.mentalfloss.com/fun/toys/most-valuable-vintage-star-wars-action-figures
- https://www.rebelscum.com/

## Related on PULSE

- [More star wars figures from the 1970s rankings and buying guides](/knowledge)
- [PULSE Tools and calculators](/tools)
- [Everything on PULSE RevOps](/)

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Kory White

The 10 Best Star Wars Figures from the 1970s

1. Rocket-Firing Boba Fett Prototype

2. Vinyl Cape Jawa

3. Double-Telescoping Luke Skywalker

4. Darth Vader 12-Back Carded

5. Princess Leia Organa 12-Back

6. Luke Skywalker Single-Saber 12-Back-C

7. Sand People Tusken Raider 12-Back

8. Death Star Space Station Playset

9. Patrol Dewback

10. Early Bird Certificate Package

How we ranked these

What to look for

Related questions

What does '12-back' mean?

Why was the rocket-firing Boba Fett never released?

Is a loose figure ever worth grading?

How do I check a comp before bidding?

What is the most affordable carded 12-back in high grade?

How does AFA grade affect value?

What are the risks of buying raw figures?

What is the Early Bird Certificate Package?

FAQ

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