Rare and Valuable Collectible Figures: What to Look For

In my opinion, collecting figures isn’t just a hobby, it’s the love for characters that have connected with you on a deeper level. But just because you may have found a figure of a character you absolutely love, doesn’t mean you should drop the cash for it. One thing I always tell collectors is that not all figures hold the same value.

Depending on the figure, some can spike in value due to rarity, exclusivity, and demand. Knowing what to look for in rare and valuable figures can help you make smart collecting choices that increase your collection’s value! In this guide, I’ll explore the factors that make a figure rare and provide examples across various fandoms, including anime, sci-fi, superheroes, and gaming.

What Makes A Figure Rare & Valuable

1. Limited Edition & Exclusive Releases

Limiting production of your product will make it rare and increase the price naturally. Restricting the availability of a figure to certain locations or retailers can also drive up its value. These two factors are super important for those that want their figure collection to increase in value. If you want your collection to be an investment it is smart to find limited edition figures and figures that aren’t available through your typical sellers. How do you find these amazing figures? You may find them at:

Convention Releases: Figures released at events like San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC), New York Comic Con (NYCC), and Wonder Festival (WonFes) are typically produced in low numbers and can become highly sought after.

Store Releases: Retailers like Target, Walmart, Amazon, and specialty shops offer exclusive figures that aren’t available elsewhere, increasing their demand.

Manufacturer-Exclusive Pre-Orders: Some figures are only available through specific companies like Good Smile Company, Sideshow Collectibles, or Kotobukiya, making them harder to find later.

2. Discontinued or Vaulted Figures

Another key point to keep in mind with figures is that some producers will only produce them once, ever. These figures that are no longer produced are called discontinued or vaulted. When the production stops, that will directly affect the price as it is now super difficult to get. You can’t just find it anytime you want. Companies like Funko and LEGO retire products regularly, making certain figures from past years highly desirable among collectors! Discontinued figures have been some of the most expensive ones I’ve seen in person.

3. Character Popularity & Cultural Impact

The more popular the character affects the value too! However, due to reboots, anniversaries, movie releases, or major events lead to an increased demand for older collectibles as younger collectors have a new interest in the character. This is where smart collecting can really make your collection an investment.

4. Signature & Autographed Figures

If you are able to attend conventions that feature voice actors, creators or designers for specific characters you can add value to your figure just by getting it signed. I highly recommend saving up for a convention or two if your goal is having a valuable collection. Be ready to have extra cash on hand though as you’ll have to pay to get your collectibles signed.

5. Production Errors & Variants

Collecting factory error figures can be tricky. This can be as small as a missing a piece of hair or very obvious like color not matching the original character. However, these can be mistaken for fakes or bootlegged figures. I recommend to not assume any figure you find that has a mistake is a legit figure, instead assume it is bootlegged until you know how to identify the fakes from the real figures. You can easily get scammed if you don’t know exactly what you are looking at. Once you’ve been collecting for a while and definitely know legit figures from fakes, then try your hand at adding a few of these “misprints” to your collection.

Rare & Valuable Figures Across Fandoms

Not every collector collects the same things which is why every collection is unique and fun! I’ve included a list of figure types that can become valuable for different fandoms.

Anime Collectibles

Good Smile Company Limited Editions: Special Nendoroid and Figma figures that sell out quickly can become collector’s items.

Prize Figures: Some seemingly inexpensive prize figures (like certain Banpresto figures) gain value over time due to limited re-releases. This is especially true if the character isn’t well represented in figure form, or the anime is an older anime from the 80s.

Kotobukiya & Alter Exclusive Statues: Premium anime statues with detailed sculpting and paintwork often become rare when production runs are small.

Sci-Fi & Fantasy Figures

– Star Wars Black Series & Hot Toys Exclusives: Figures of classic characters like Boba Fett, Darth Vader, or rare Clone Troopers are highly sought after.

– Lord of the Rings & Game of Thrones Collector Statues: Special edition statues from companies like Weta Workshop can become valuable collector’s pieces.

– Doctor Who Limited Edition Figures: Big Chief Studios’ figures of the Doctor and companions often become hard to find.

Comic Book & Superhero Figures

– Marvel Legends & DC Multiverse Rare Editions: Figures of less common characters or limited releases can gain value.

– Sideshow Collectibles & Hot Toys Premium Figures: High-end, detailed figures of superheroes like Spider-Man, Iron Man, and Batman often increase in worth over time.

– Classic McFarlane Toys Releases: Older McFarlane action figures, especially from the Spawn series, can fetch high prices among collectors.

Pop Culture & Gaming Figures

Funko Pop Grails: Vaulted (discontinued) Funko Pops, Chase variants, and exclusives can be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

Video Game Figures: Collectibles from franchises like Zelda, Final Fantasy, and Cyberpunk 2077 tend to appreciate in value.

LEGO Collectible Minifigures: Retired minifigure sets from Star Wars, Harry Potter, and Marvel often become rare and valuable.

Where to Find Rare & Valuable Figures

If you’re looking to build your collection or invest in rare figures, consider these sources:

Online Marketplaces: Websites like eBay, Mercari, and MyFigureCollection are great for tracking down rare collectibles.

Specialty Stores & Collector Shops: Local and online specialty shops often stock exclusive and hard-to-find figures.

Conventions & Trade Shows: Events like SDCC, NYCC, and Anime Expo offer exclusive figures that can become valuable over time.

Subscription Boxes: Some subscription boxes offer exclusive figures that may gain value in the future.

Special Services: Some individuals who love collecting have created services that help hunt down that special figure for you. With My Anime Box I’ll hunt down your favorite figures and do the leg work while you relax! These are great for collectors who may be limited on time.

Tips for Collectors Looking to Invest in Rare Figures

– Track Upcoming Exclusives & Pre-Orders: Many figures become rare right after release, so securing pre-orders is key.

– Know When to Buy & Hold: Some figures appreciate in value over time, while others peak early—research before making purchases.

– Store & Preserve Figures Properly: Keeping figures in their original packaging and avoiding direct sunlight can help maintain their value.

Conclusion

While collecting figures can be an exciting investment, the most important factor is collecting what you love. That said, I don’t judge collectors who see their collection as an investment! Whether you’re hunting for a rare anime statue, a Star Wars Black Series figure, or a vaulted Funko Pop, understanding what makes a collectible valuable will help you make the most of your collection. And if you ever get tired of the hunt, give My Anime Box a try and I’ll do the hunting for you!