Star Wars Toys Achieve New Records & Doctor Doom’s Debut Rises in Value
by Amanda Sheriff and J.C. Vaughn
Hake’s Auctions’ Jeff Jacob Action Figure Auction Sets Multiple World Records
Hake’s Auctions hosted the Jeff Jacob Collection Part 4 Auction on February 4, producing another round of stellar results and a total of $844,000. The auction presented more rare, desirable, and high-grade toys from Star Wars and other toy lines like G.I. Joe and Transformers, setting multiple world records and seeing several results sell for well over their pre-auction estimates.
The Return of the Jedi AT-AT (Imperial All Terrain Armored Transport) AFA 85 stomped past the $4,000 to $8,000 estimate to sell for a world record price of $50,762. The toy vehicle comes with articulated legs, opening side entrance, remotely operated pulsating, flashing laser cannons, and a head that moves with a lever. It is one of eight at this grade with none higher, according to AFA’s current population report.
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The complete set of all 92 Star Wars action figures plus varieties for a total of 114 figures (all uncirculated and AFA-graded) realized $48,871, well over the $35,000 estimate. All of the Star Wars, Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi, and Power of the Force figures released from 1977 to 1985 are included, as well as two Lily Ledy figures and multiple varieties. They are all loose and encapsulated by AFA with grades that range from AFA 80 Near Mint to AFA 95 Mint.
The Palitoy Return of the Jedi Boba Fett tri-logo 70-back AFA 75 light blue variety with the unpainted knee went for $38,137, setting a world record. The figure on a Parker card with the distinct punch shape and lighter yellow backing behind the figure sold for nearly four times the estimate. The card features English, Spanish, and French text, and this is the Clipper (Amsterdam/Brussels) variety with a mini catalog on the back of the card.
The Empire Strikes Back Millennium Falcon AFA 85 with the Star Wars box photo flew to a world record $25,076. The toy vehicle features “Battle Alert” action sound, folding landing gear, opening cockpit, removable rear hatch, secret hiding compartment, space chess game table, and more. This box variety has the photo used for the earlier Star Wars issue Millennium Falcon. It is one of two examples in this grade with none graded higher.
The Empire Strikes Back Slave I AFA Uncirculated U85 was another world record setter when it hammered for $19,567, nearly double the $10,000 estimate. The spaceship toy has gravity-operated wings and removable side, clicking cannons, opening rear ramp, movable seat, and simulated “frozen” Han Solo. There are only three examples of the rare uncirculated vehicle graded higher.
The Empire Strikes Back Imperial Cruiser AFA 85 sold for a world record $7,919 and nearly quadrupled the $2,000 estimate. The vehicle features opening doors, rotating radar dish and laser cannon, six side compartments, weapons storage bin, and large prisoner compartment.
The Palitoy Star Wars Death Star cardboard playset AFA Qualified 75 that was released in the UK cleared $10,038. A Lili Ledy Return of the Jedi/La Guerra De Las Galaxias: El Regreso Del
Jedi Han Solo (Bespin outfit) 30-back AFA 75 more than doubled its estimate at $11,858. The Empire Strikes Back department store 10-pack mailer CAS 80 (with light blue text) was another world record setter when it went for $8,908. Outside of Star Wars, the G.I. Joe Duke mailer box AFA 80 (the only AFA-graded example) crushed its $700-900 estimate when it shot to $3,944.
Tracking Doctor Doom’s Debut Value from 12¢ to Over $80K
Marvel Comics is rife with villains who harness the power of magic or technological prowess. But few, if any, have a mastery of both like Doctor Victor Von Doom. The Fantastic Four’s great villain is a scientific genius and master of the dark arts with an insatiable lust for power.
Doctor Doom’s first appearance in The Fantastic Four #5 is now valued at $85,000, according to The Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide #55.
Despite being born into a poor family in Latveria, he has risen to establish his own kingdom and even achieved god-like powers.
A creation of Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, Doctor Doom was introduced in The Fantastic Four #5
(July 1962), which carried a cover price of 12¢. Eight years later, when Robert M. Overstreet published The Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide #1 in 1970, a Near Mint copy of Doctor Doom’s debut was valued at $11.
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In 1980, it took a significant jump to $135, and by Guide #20, it had more than tripled to $475. When Guide #30 was published in 2000, the first Doctor Doom was up to $3,000. It more than tripled again for Guide #40 when it reached $13,000, and ten years later, in 2020, it was up to $28,000. In 2026’s Guide #55, a Near Mint copy of Doctor Doom’s first appearance in The Fantastic Four #5 has grown to $85,000.
Amanda Sheriff is the Editor-Digital for Gemstone Publishing. J.C. Vaughn is
Gemstone’s President.
