The "holy grail" of "Star Wars" toys, a 1979 rocket-firing Boba Fett prototype, sold for a world record $525,000 at Heritage Auctions on Friday.
One of approximately 100 believed to exist, the rare action figure was pulled from production due to safety concerns and never meant to leave the factory. Yet, a precious few made it out the back door and have since become the most coveted toy in the galaxy.
The record price for a rocket-firing Boba Fett prototype was previously set in June 2022 for $236,000.
This sale also crushes the record for the most expensive toy ever sold, which belonged to a Barbie designed by Stefano Canturi which sold for $302,500 in 2010.
Even among the rarified world of the rocket-firing Boba Fett, this example stands at the top of the heap. The “L-Slot” variant, differentiated by a lack of any mechanism meant to stop the rocket from accidentally firing, is one of just five hand-painted examples believed to exist. It’s also one of just two “production paint scheme” examples.
In addition to its rarity, the toy has provenance tying it back to the famous Kern's Collection, which at one point included nine of the prototypes. The provenance is so detailed, experts are able to pinpoint the exact floor (10) of Kenner's offices, where it is said to have been "salvaged from a box of discarded toys deposited there for employees to take home."
Considering the exceptional premium paid for the figure, it’s clear collectors view these variations and details to be massive value adds.
Will Stern is a reporter and editor for cllct.