Delia has nearly 30 years of experience at regional and international auction houses in the United States, and is also currently the editor of an art and antiques trade publication that tracks market trends, auctions and antiques shows. Delia is a generalist in glass, ceramics, silver and other metals, fine art, textiles, antiquities, wines and spirits, stamps and currency, collectibles and dolls and toys. Additionally, she is a specialist in 15th to 21st Century furniture from around the world. Her extensive professional network of appraisers, curators, dealers and collectors has proven to be an invaluable resource in her work for Mearto.
Do you want to know the value of your action figure collection? Mearto provides quick and affordable online appraisals of action figures. All you have to do is click on the “Start Appraisal” button above and follow the steps to send us information about and images of your action figure. One of our qualified and experienced specialists will review and get back to you with a fair market and insurance value, typically within 48 hours.
Have questions about the valuation provided, or would you like some advice about selling your action figures? We are here to help! Our platform allows you to chat back and forth with a specialist to ensure that all of your questions are answered.
We often help our customers to find the value of their action figures and answer the difficult question "are action figures worth money?" Here are a few action figure appraisals that our specialists has done:
Although modern action figures became a cultural phenomenon in the 1960s, the concept of toy figurines goes back centuries. Ancient civilizations crafted small figures out of materials like clay, stone, ivory, bone, and wood. These early figurines often represented humans, animals, or mythological creatures and were primarily used as children's toys.
The early 1960s saw the creation of what we now know as action figures. Hasbro’s G.I. Joe, launched in 1964, is considered the first official action figure. It was quickly followed by Palitoy’s "Action Man" in 1966. Both figures stood 12 inches tall, featured plastic construction, and were accompanied by various accessories, establishing the basic formula that would define action figures for decades to come.
The distinction between action figures and dolls often comes down to marketing and design. Action figures, typically targeted toward boys, often feature exaggerated muscles, superhero aesthetics, or military designs, frequently posed for combat or adventure. They come with numerous accessories and are rooted in action-packed narratives. Dolls, generally marketed to girls, have a more lifelike appearance, with fashionable outfits and more nurturing play scenarios, focusing on real-world environments rather than fantasy.
The 1980s marked a turning point, with adult collectors embracing action figures driven by nostalgia for childhood favorites like Star Wars and G.I. Joe. This surge was further fueled by comic book fandoms, science fiction culture, and the emergence of online marketplaces. Action figures evolved from simple toys into valuable collectibles that could appreciate in value over time, with limited editions and rare variants becoming highly sought after.
The value of certain action figures has skyrocketed over the years, with some selling for staggering sums at auction. The highest-priced figure ever sold was a prototype of the G.I. Joe “Rocket-firing” Boba Fett, fetching $185,850. Another standout sale was a rare vinyl-caped Jawa from Star Wars, sold online for an impressive $18,000. These examples highlight how some action figures have transcended their original purpose as toys, becoming prized pieces of pop culture history.
Some of the most frequently collected and recognized action figure lines include Star Wars, G.I. Joe, Transformers, Masters of the Universe, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Batman, Marvel Comics, and Power Rangers. These franchises have spanned generations, with many figures being produced in various iterations over the years.
The value of an action figure is determined by several factors. Rarity is often the most significant, but condition, age, packaging (whether it’s mint-in-box), and demand also play important roles. Figures that are older, well-preserved, and in their original packaging tend to command higher prices. Limited edition or exclusive releases can also be particularly valuable.
If you’re ready to sell your collection, the first step is to research the current market value. For high-value figures, selling them individually can maximize profit, while bundling lower-value figures might make for a quicker sale. Highlight any unique or rare features, and always provide clear, high-quality photos. When it comes to choosing where to sell, online marketplaces like eBay, specialized auction houses, or collectible forums are great options. Be sure to package your figures carefully to avoid damage and use a reputable shipping service to ensure safe delivery.
Let Mearto help you unlock the true value of your action figures with our expert appraisals and guidance!
I received a response and information regarding my items in less than 48 hours, which I appreciated. The appraiser was very knowledgable.
Kristal Hicks Torpey
Austin Phillips
I received a quality appraisal in less than 48 hours. I also acquired a second opinion of an industry expert who concurred with Mearto's appraised value.
Todd Roper
