Collecting Star Wars Collectible From a Long Time Ago, in a Galaxy Far, Far Away

Whether you grew up seeing the original trilogy in theaters or have the joy of introducing your kiddos to the franchise for the first time, there's no doubt about it—Star Wars is one of the most iconic stories in history. Bring your love for Leia, Luke, and Han Solo off the screen and into your home with countless Star Wars memorabilia like action figures, signed posters, toys, and more.

We’re happy to welcome you, young Padawan, to your complete guide to Star Wars collectibles. Learn about different Star Wars action figure brands and comic strips and what makes certain pieces more valuable than others, and find inspiration for showcasing your favorite designs around your home. May the Force be with you as you shop!  

Let's Define Star Wars Memorabilia

Memorabilia is most accurately defined as items related to people, events, media, and time periods that are often considered remarkable, collectible, and worthy of remembering. Star Wars memorabilia, specifically, can cover anything from a secondhand movie poster to a one-of-a-kind figurine. As you stroll through your favorite antique malls near Chicago, keep your eyes open for authentic collectibles.

Star Wars' Big Impact on Pop Culture

Before the first Star Wars was released to the silver screens, no one could have guessed just how popular it would become. But, when Star Wars: A New Hope came out in 1977, it quickly became a global phenomenon—and it's been that way ever since! With 12 live-action movies, at least nine animated shows, and a handful of hit-limited TV series, the Star Wars universe is constantly expanding and gathering new fans in every generation.

The creator, George Lucas, had the foresight to secure the licensing and merchandising rights to any Star Wars products based on the characters and logos in the movie. When the movie turned out to be a success, he was quick to monetize, releasing a wide variety of branded products, including Star Wars action figures, wristwatches, lunch boxes, and more!

The popularity of those Star Wars collectibles changed how film studios would advertise movies. They remain sought-after collectibles in the movie memorabilia community today.

The 3 Reasons Fans Love Collecting Star Wars Memorabilia

When it comes down to it, there are three main reasons Star Wars memorabilia is as popular as it was when it was first released:

1. Personal History and Nostalgia

There's something to be said about the power of feeling like a kid again. Collecting Star Wars memorabilia allows fans to have a physical representation of the films, characters, and movie-magic moments that shaped their childhood. If getting a glimpse of your Star Wars action figures gives you that giddy, nostalgic feeling, then why wouldn't you want them in your home?

2. Financial Investment and Potential

Would you believe that certain Star Wars collectibles are extremely valuable? Many amazing finds appreciate in value over time, especially if the Star Wars action figure or costume is kept in mint condition or considered rare. When you make your budget for these purchases, you can rest assured knowing that one day, if you ever decide to resell the item, other passionate collectors are all but guaranteed to pay a pretty penny to own it next.

3. The Thrill of the Hunt

At this point, Star Wars has at least several hundred million fans around the globe, which can make buying memorabilia a bit competitive. But for many collectors, that's half the fun! If you enjoy the challenge of searching for rare, limited edition items at Algonquin vendor malls, then you'll love hunting for Star Wars action figures in your free time!  

What Makes Star Wars Collectibles Valuable?

Though there are plenty of modern Star Wars action figures and toys made each year, older Star Wars collectibles have only increased in value over time. The more vintage designs are often priced based on these crucial factors:  

• Rarity: Star Wars action figures or nostalgic toys that were produced in limited runs or feature obscure characters become more valuable over time

• Condition: if a design is in excellent physical condition or still in the original, unopened package, it's considered Mint on Card (MOC) and commands an increased value

• Errors: if a design has a production variety, error, or misprint, it's considered desirable

• Age: typically, the older the item, the more valuable it becomes, especially if it's related to the first three movies

• Provenance: if an item was used on-screen, it goes for a high price every time

Do Autographs Increase the Value of Star Wars Memorabilia?

Ah, autographs—the age-old debate when it comes to valuing collectible items. In the world of Star Wars memorabilia, an authentic and desirable autograph does tend to increase the price of an item. This is especially true with signatures from deceased stars like Carrie Fisher or in-demand celebrities, such as Mark Hammi.

Some collectors prefer their Star Wars collectibles completely free of autographs. If you fall into this category, don't worry! There are plenty of unsigned Star Wars action figures, promotional cardboard cutouts, and more waiting out there for you.  

The Most Popular Characters Found in Star Wars Collectibles

When you combine the books, comics, games, and movies, there end up being over 21,000 named characters in the Star Wars universe. If you come across a Star Wars action figure, poster, or toy in a Louisville, KY, vendor mall that features these fan-favorites, don't hesitate to add it to your collection:  

• Darth Vader

• Luke Skywalker

• Boba Fett

• R2-D2

• C-3PO

• Mandalorian

• Grogu

• Chewbacca

• Han Solo

• Obi-Wan

• Darth Maul

• Princess Leia

The Most Popular Types of Star Wars Memorabilia to Look Out For

If you can quote The Last Jedi from memory or have a newfound love of Baby Yoda, then you can appreciate a good Star Wars collectible find. Head to the largest antique mall in Illinois and keep a keen eye out for these popular categories of Star Wars memorabilia to get your collection started:

Kenner Star Wars Action Figures

Kenner Star Wars action figures are perhaps the most desirable Star Wars collectible of all. The toy company was one of the only brands to agree to Lucas's license request, releasing 96 figurines, vehicles, and various playsets between 1978 and 1985 and selling more than 300 million units during their initial runs. Though they produced toys for other franchises, such as Batman or Jurassic Park, the Star Wars action figures remain the company's most famous line.

If you were a kid during those times, you likely took your Star Wars action figure out of its packaging and played with it for years, resulting in a little wear and tear. But remember—even if it's not in mint condition, there are still plenty of collectors willing to cough up cash to add it to their own set of Star Wars action figures.   

What Are the Most Valuable Kenner Star Wars Action Figures?

Not all Kenner action figures are equal. If you find one of these Star Wars action figures in the wild, you've just about won the lottery:

• 1984 Kenner Luke Skywalker Imperial Stormtrooper Outfit (POTF): includes a removable Stormtrooper helmet, Imperial blaster rifle, and collectible coin

• 1977 Kenner Chewbacca (12-Back): features his signature Wookie Bowcaster

• 1978 Kenner Jawa Vinyl Cape: one of the rarest Star Wars collectibles ever released, the short-statured scavenger wore a tiny brown vinyl cloak for a quick release before it was redesigned to wear a brown cloth robe

• 1978 Kenner R5-D4 (20-Back): featured two legs and a rotating head, similar to the R2-D2 designs

• 1979 Kenner Boba Fett 12-Inch Figure: comes with a jetpack, removable missile, brown cape, laser rifle, and a set of braided Wookie scalp trophies

How Are Star Wars Action Figures Graded?

Star Wars action figures are primarily graded by either the Action Figure Authority (AFA) or Collector Archive Services (CAS). The professionals consider the figurine's overall condition, the backing card, and the plastic bubble known as the "blister" before rating it on a scale of 10 to 100. These Star Wars collectible grades can be further separated into three categories:

• Gold Level: a high-scoring Star Wars action figure graded 85 and above, with very minor, unnoticeable damage or errors

• Silver Level: a common Star Wars action figure graded from 75 to 85, featuring smaller, relatively insignificant flaws

• Bronze Level: a Star Wars action figure graded anywhere from 10 to 70, often with immediately noticeable defects

Star Wars Trading Cards

Collecting trading cards isn't strictly reserved for baseball or Pokémon fans—Star Wars collectible lovers can partake, too! Topps released the first card designs in 1977 in an effort to increase interest in the sci-fi series, but it wasn't until 2002, when the designer of Magic: The Gathering created the perfect trading card game, that fans became obsessed—even when it went out of print!

If you're interested in collecting trading cards or want to play with friends, you'll be happy to note that, decades later, a company named Fantasy Flight Games has introduced full decks for a revamped game, Star Wars: Unlimited! Shop at the antique mall in Highland for sets and individual cards to build the Star Wars collectible deck of your dreams.

Star Wars Posters and Promotional Materials

When it comes to collecting Star Wars memorabilia, promotional materials will always become more valuable over time. Since each Star Wars film had multiple releases in different countries around the globe, there are countless variations and designs to look out for. From the super-rare "Revenge of the Jedi" poster from 1982 that was redesigned before its actual release as "Return of the Jedi" to the original Star Wars poster by Tom Jung from 1977, there are plenty of Star Wars posters to choose from.

If you're searching for a poster to put up in your at-home movie theater or smaller designs for an art gallery, remember that not all posters are necessarily financially valuable—some are a dime a dozen. Consider searching for these Star Wars collectible posters and additional promotional materials at your favorite Algonquin antique mall:

• "Triple Bill" posters: only 18 made for a one-time trilogy screening in the ‘80s, selling for around $20,000

• Lobby cards: small, printed cards displaying scenes from the movie set out in the theater lobby to attract audiences can go for hundreds of dollars, depending on the film

• Magazine spreads: interviews and promotional photoshoot images from around the time of the movie's release

Star Wars Comic Books

If you come across a Star Wars comic book in your local comics shop or Illinois vendor mall, don't discard it—some of these floppies fetch a high price! The Star Wars comics were produced by Marvel in 1977, a month before the first film premiered, starting with a six-issue adaptation of the movie and going on to publish over a hundred new stories that expanded the universe beyond the film franchise. If you're a comic book collector, make sure to keep your eyes peeled for mint condition Star Wars collectible issues the next time you shop.  

Pro tip: if the comic has a 35c printed in a square box on the top left corner as well as a UPC bar code at the bottom left, you've found a valuable 35-cent price variant edition. Send it in for an official appraisal and add it to your collection!

Star Wars Lego sets

Get your kids involved with your favorite hobby by purchasing and building Star Wars Lego sets! Everyone's favorite building block toy brand has been releasing Star Wars collectible designs for over 25 years, and there's no sign of slowing down any time soon.

Available sets include the Millennium Falcon, Jabba's Sail Barge, Mos Eisley Cantina, and so much more. You're never too old to have fun reenacting the "I am your Father" scene with Darth Vader and Luke minifigs. 

As far as movies go, it's hard to beat the legacy Star Wars has left behind. With iconic quotes, beloved characters, and genre-defining plots, it's no wonder it remains one of the most popular franchises ever created. If you're ready to take your obsession to the next level, consider curating your own collection of Star Wars memorabilia and head to your nearest America's Antique Mall location to start shopping today.