That dusty box of Star Wars figures in your loft might just be sitting on a goldmine. What once was simple childhood toys has transformed into one of the hottest collecting markets in 2025, and I’m seeing prices that regularly shock even the most optimistic sellers.
Sam Holmes, Toy Valuer at Potteries Auctions
From playground to profit
Let me share something remarkable from our September auction. A collection of loose vintage Palitoy and Kenner Star Wars action figures sold for £880. What was the vendor expecting? A humble £30-£60. That’s nearly 2,000% above expectations.
These weren’t mint-in-box rarities either. These were played-with figures that had seen action on bedroom floors. But collectors saw their value from a mile away.
A tray of Palitoy/Kenner vintage Star Wars action figures, sold for £880
The figures that command serious money
In our September 2025 auction alone, 68 Star Wars lots generated over £6,000 in hammer prices, averaging nearly £90 per lot. The real stars? Vintage Kenner and Palitoy figures from the original trilogy era.
A 12-inch Boba Fett in original packaging achieved £400, while just five loose 3¾-inch figures reached the same price. One rare ‘Last 17’ Yak Face figure sold for £260. Even playsets performed brilliantly, a Land Speeder and Land of the Jawas set in original boxes reached £280, nearly three times the top estimate.
A character you may not even recognise, Yak Face here is one of the most sought-after figures by Star Wars collectors due to the rarity of the figure, this one sold for £260
Why the market has exploded
The “kidult” phenomenon has revolutionised collecting. Adults now account for 29% of all toy spending, and Star Wars sits right at the heart of this trend. These are professionals with disposable income chasing the nostalgia of their youth.
The global collectables market tells the story in numbers. Valued at $19.2 billion in 2023, it’s projected to hit $45.2 billion, with Star Wars representing one of the most valuable segments within that growth.
What drives value?
Condition matters but even played-with figures sell well if complete and authentic. Rarity is crucial, particularly ‘Last 17’ figures and character favourites like Boba Fett and Darth Vader. Original Kenner and Palitoy pieces from the 1970s and 80s are the gold standard.
A vintage Palitoy/Kenner set ‘Land of the Jawas’, sold for £280
Perfect timing
Market conditions couldn’t be better. Our September auction demonstrated just how competitive things have become, with items consistently exceeding estimates. The generation who grew up with the original trilogy now has both the nostalgia and the disposable income to invest in quality pieces.
Don’t assume your Star Wars collection is worthless just because figures are loose or boxes are worn. The difference between someone who understands the collector market and someone who doesn’t, can mean hundreds or thousands of pounds.
Contact us on 01782 638100 or enquiries@potteriesauctions.com for more information.
