7 Rare Action Figures to Look for in 2024-25
For action figure collectors, a common experience is the thrill of the hunt for rare collectibles. Whether you are starting to explore the hobby of vintage toy collecting or hunting down the latest gems from the modern toy scene, there’s always something to score. A lot of collectible action figures are going through changes in time, and 2024-25 is a time when absolute gems will be available. But what is actually worth trying to find? Let’s break it down.
Vintage G.I. Joe Figures: The Holy Grail of Collecting
We’ll start with the classics: G.I. Joe figures from the ’80s and early ’90s. These iconic collectible action figures with their iconic accessories and military gear never seem to lose value. Some of the rarest ones are actually worth quite a bit — some even worth thousands. The Green Beret G.I. Joe figures, for instance, can be worth as much as $2,400 in mint condition. If you can find one still in its original box, you’re sitting on a small fortune.
The best part? It’s a figure you actually want to play with. If only you could get the courage to take it out of the box!
Star Wars: The Vintage Collection – For the Force to Be With You
Star Wars is pop culture memorabilia royalty — we all know that. However, when it comes to the value of these collectors’ items, there is only one thing that can be said: Certain figures from the vintage collection are literally out of this world. Take Vlix, the obscure Star Wars figure from the ‘80s that was only available in Brazil at one point. It can be worth hundreds, depending on its condition and packaging, perhaps because it is so little-known. And if you just so happen to stumble upon one of those elusive Vintage Star Wars action figures, expect to cough up the bucks, baby, because these beauties are becoming quite the rarity.
Marvel Legends – The Modern Collectible Heavyweights
In the collector’s playbook of investing in collectibles, Marvel Legends figures occupy a special place. They are not just the hottest collectible items to grab in 2024 but also part of a whole universe of figures, all of which are worthwhile. However, some rarely-seen Marvel figures can go for anywhere between $200 and $500—and that’s for a figure only a few years old!
But if you can somehow score a limited run Silver Shirt Luke Cage, you may have a future classic in your collection. It packs a ton of value for something you might not have seen in stores for long.
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The Reign of Funko Pops – The King of Pop Culture Collecting
If you’re unfamiliar with Funko Pops, what rock have you been under? These cute little vinyl toys have blown up the antique collectibles market. Although they’re generally budget friendly, a few limited-edition releases can soar in price. You know — glow-in-the-dark chase variants or convention-exclusives. A retired Funko Pop can suddenly skyrocket in value to hundreds of dollars, especially when they’re linked to a popular franchise like Harry Potter or Marvel.
Thus for any investing, stick to the rarest, most elusive pops. They may seem adorable now, but just wait until they’re worth a mint.
Masters of the Universe: He-Man and Skeletor—A Battle for Your Wallet
Classic Mezco Robots Toy Of The Week: Who Doesn’t Love The Vintage Toy Find? These figures are about as iconic as it gets. The most coveted bits from the ‘80s, such as the Faker action figure, can go for a respectable $2,000. It’s fascinating to think that something so radical (at least if you ask He-Man fans) could command such a high price tag now. Even Skeletor’s minions and He-Man’s friends are sought after, so don’t ignore the random figures at your local thrift store — you could be a lucky collector.
The Magic of Misprints: Why Bizarre Variants Are Worth the Hunt
If you’ve ever seen a misprint action figure, then you understand all too well what I mean when I say, “cha-ching!” Many of the rarest collectibles are the ones that never quite made it to store shelves, only to be pulled at the last minute. Misprints or limited-edition releases often fetch twice, even three times, as much as their initial price. An Attack Armor Batman from Mattel, for example, released in limited numbers, can fetch as much as $500 if it’s still in the box. So, the next time you see a strange action figure, don’t dismiss it as a factory error — it might be the next big thing.
The Rise of Modern-Day Custom Figures
As custom action figure makers rise, the collector’s market is becoming a lot more personal. They have artistic value and can be molded into any figure you desire. Some of these customized pieces are selling at wild prices due to their unique designs. Whether it is a more obscure and different than normal custom figure from the Marvel Universe or a rare variant from the Star Wars Universe that’s been produced by a small handful of creators, custom collectibles are trending toward being one of the most entertaining aspects of the hobby.
Collectibles Authentication Tips: Know What You’ve Got
And now, we get to the most important tip for any serious collector — authentication is everything. So whether you’re buying or selling, it’s essential to know how to value collectibles and how to authenticate them. Watch out for numbers that seem “too good to be true.” Always check the packaging, condition, and credentials (of course the authenticity certificates). For action figures, a single scratch on the box can cost you hundreds of dollars off your potential selling price.” Remember: condition is king.
Wrapping It Up: Happy Hunting!
With that said, 2024-25 is probably the year to dive into the world of rare action figures. Whether it’s an old G.I. Joe you’re hunting for a new Marvel collectible, the marketplace is filled with options. Just make sure you fortify yourself with a good collector’s guide, stay current with pop culture memorabilia, and look for those hard-to-find, barrel-pricing collectibles.
And who knows? You may just find the next big thing — and even get to play with it before cashing out for a nice return. Happy hunting and may the toy gods be ever in your favor!
