A Rare Boba Fett Action Figure That Once Sold for $1.3 Million USD Is Up for Auction Again

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Summary

  • A highly coveted 1979 Boba Fett Rocket Firing / J-Slot prototype action figure by Kenner has hit the auction block, carrying a prestigious NM+ 85+ grade from Action Figure Authority
  • The unreleased toy remains one of the rarest collectibles in pop culture history, existing as one of roughly 30 known J-slot models to survive a massive factory recall
  • Prices for vintage galactic memorabilia continue skyrocketing across the secondary market, with newly surfaced 49-year-old archives and rare theatrical posters fetching tens of thousands of dollars

The original 1979 Boba Fett prototype, designed to launch rockets, is a remarkable example of toy design and a significant item in Star Wars history. Recently sold by Goldin Auctions for $1,342,000, this unreleased action figure—known as the ‘J-slot’ version—set a new record price for collectibles. The sale broke multiple world records, making it the most expensive toy and action figure ever sold at auction.

The 1979 Kenner Boba Fett action figure with the rocket launcher is incredibly valuable because of slight differences in how it was made and the unusual story of its production. It was initially planned as a promotional item for “The Empire Strikes Back” and included a backpack that could launch a small plastic missile. However, due to safety concerns and recalls of similar toys, Kenner quickly removed the firing feature before the toy was sold in stores. Most of the early versions were destroyed, making the few remaining prototypes – often kept by former employees – highly sought after by collectors.

This particular vintage action figure is a prime example of Kenner’s early design work. Known as the “J-Slot” (Version 2), it has a more intricate firing mechanism shaped like the letter “J” on its back. This improved design was much more durable than previous versions, but it was also difficult to manufacture, resulting in very few being made. Today, only around 30 of these J-Slot prototypes are known to exist, and this one – which sold for $1.34 million – is one of the best-preserved examples, having never been sold in stores and with a clear ownership history.

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2026-05-05 11:26