The Most Expensive Vintage Toys of All Time

Why are some vintage toys so expensive? Vintage toys have an element of nostalgia, which solidifies them as a significant piece of our culture for decades! The value also stems from their rareness, authenticity, and condition.

Toys are generally considered rare when few models exist, there were errors made during manufacturing, they were made as prototypes, or they were designed as one-of-a-kind special edition figures. A lot of times these expensive vintage toys are made by popular, well-known brands, or the toy itself is inspired by an element of pop culture from that time.

There are experts in the field who can assess the authenticity of these toys by examining them. They can usually determine whether or not the toy is a rare piece and estimate its value. The condition of the toy also plays a huge role in the assessed value. Vintage toys that are kept clean and stored in the original packaging with no damage are generally worth more.

Every generation has a handful of notable vintage toys. Let's go over some of the most expensive vintage toys that have ever been sold!

1. Barbie by Stefano Canturi

Sold for $302,500 in 2010

This one-of-a-kind doll is the most expensive Barbie ever sold. It was designed by Moulin Rouge jewelry designer, Stefano Canturi, and features a rare argyle one-carat pink diamond.

2. 1963 G.I. Joe

Sold for $200,000 in 2003

The 12” G.I. Joe figure is hand-painted and features a hand-sewn uniform. This prototype was sold in 2003 and donated to the Library of Congress in 2018.

3. 1979 Star Wars Rocket Firing Boba Fett

Sold for $185,850 in 2019

This rare Boba Fett prototype was one of the early production variants created. This figurine version was recalled before it even hit the market due to safety concerns with the rocket-firing feature.

4. Steiff Louis Vuitton bear

Sold for $182,550 in 2000

This Steiff Louis Vuitton bear is the priciest teddy bear ever sold! Steiff had several old teddy bears valued at over $100,000. But, the bears made in collaboration with Louis Vuitton were the most expensive.

5. 1930 Tipp & Co. Mickey Mouse Motorcycle

Sold for $110,000 in 2000

Walt Disney created Mickey Mouse in 1928 and consistently altered his look for the following two decades. This particular Mickey toy, made in Germany for the U.S. market, is the most expensive one ever sold in the franchise. Eighteen of these tin wind-up motorcycles with Mickey and Minnie are known to exist, and this specific one remains in the original packaging.

6. 1985 Transformers Autobot Air Guardian Jetfire

Sold for $25,000 in 2021

This Optimus Prime action figure was so popular that Hasbro reissued it in 2007 as a mail-in offer in the U.S. and Canada.

7. 1969 Hot Wheels Pink VW Beach Bomb

Sold for $150,000 in 2018

This pink Volkswagen microbus with two surfboards is only known to have two models. Mattel made these Beach Bombs in pink to appeal to more girls, but it initially did not take off. This is what makes it extra rare since fewer exist.

Edited by: Ben Thompson