Hi everyone,

I just wondered if anyone could help me with something. I collect minifugres and have paid quite a lot for them and just the other day I noticed that some of the Batman collection have nearly halved in value since I bought them. I didn't really expect this but assume it is either because of the influx of counterfeit printing figures, the same characters being given a modern and cheaper alternative or a combination of the two. Would anyone be able to confirm whether these are likely? I also saw that some of the older Star Wars figures have also dropped...

Also another related question, if the quality of counterfeit printed figures is going to keep improving is there any point paying huge amounts for SDCC minifgures? I ask because I have a couple but don't really want to hold on to them if they're only going to go down in value. I bought them to keep, but if they're worth less than the silly amounts paid then it's a little harder to justify the pursuit! Any advice or opinion greatly appreciated.

Part of the value of minifigs comes from rarity. If there is only 1 white Boba Fett version it is the only one collectors can get and therefore will have more demand. But then if another variant comes out the demand has dropped because now people will want one or the other or both.

If you really want minifigs that will hold their value you need very limited choices like the solid gold C3-P0 which is very unlikely to ever be reproduced. Also, generally a real collector will be able to tell an authentic vs. counterfeit. The more casual fan is the one who won't care and would rather have the cheaper alternative.

Hi everyone,

I just wondered if anyone could help me with something. I collect minifugres and have paid quite a lot for them and just the other day I noticed that some of the Batman collection have nearly halved in value since I bought them. I didn't really expect this but assume it is either because of the influx of counterfeit printing figures, the same characters being given a modern and cheaper alternative or a combination of the two. Would anyone be able to confirm whether these are likely? I also saw that some of the older Star Wars figures have also dropped...

It is normally down to supply and demand. In most cases, I don't think the price drop is due to counterfeits, it is more availability - eg. the same Joker has now appeared in a numebr of sets so his value is likely to drop. More modern alternatives don't necessarily affect the prices of older figures, if the older ones still have some demand because they are different. Although prices of yellow skin SW characters were hit, since most people want fleshie to tie in with modern ones.

Also another related question, if the quality of counterfeit printed figures is going to keep improving is there any point paying huge amounts for SDCC minifgures? I ask because I have a couple but don't really want to hold on to them if they're only going to go down in value. I bought them to keep, but if they're worth less than the silly amounts paid then it's a little harder to justify the pursuit! Any advice or opinion greatly appreciated.

If you are happy owning a fake, then get the cheaper fake. If not, you will need to pay the higher asking price.

Part of the value of minifigs comes from rarity. If there is only 1 white Boba Fett version it is the only one collectors can get and therefore will have more demand. But then if another variant comes out the demand has dropped because now people will want one or the other or both.

For white Boba, I don't see the price of the old one dropping much with the new one coming out. They are so different, many collectors will still want them both. In fact, the new white one coming out may make some collectors want both, and could even push up the price a little.

Edited February 25, 201510 yr by MAB

There's a new white Boba coming out? Huh. I guess I've been busy lately and not been paying attention.

I think it's the same with most items, though. I do believe that demand for the old white BF will drop when the new one is released because, while some "collectors" might want a particular one (or both), the casual collector just wants to say "I have a white Boba Fett."

I experienced this with my 4504 Millennium Falcon... at one point valued over $300, significantly dropped with newer (and ostensibly better) versions came out. I still have my 4504 in a box... not because I'm a collector, but because I have no space for it. When the midi-scale Falcon came out, I bought and built it. I just want one of every ship, so will not pay high prices for old ships if a new version comes out and I can get that one instead.

Same thing with my collection of Superheroes... I don't need every variation, I just need "a" batman, "a" joker, for my display. So I do think values drop because, while I'm not like everybody else in that respect, I think a lot of casual collectors are.

As far as bootlegs go, there's a whole thread about that, too. I was very disappointed to see, after collecting for a few years, that you can buy knock-offs of essentially my complete collection for like $50. But it does mean something to me that mine is original, and if I wanted to sell it, that it's all original LEGO.

I did buy bootleg Fantastic Four, but only because TLG doesn't make it.... however, even they are not on display with my genuine figures, and I bagged and tagged the ridiculous accessories they came with as "not real LEGO."

The casual buyer is unlikely to pay $60 or whatever for a figure anyway, so the fact that they can buy one for probably $10 with a book won't change the price of the original.

Maybe not $60 for a White Boba Fett, but a lot of "unique" super heroes are in the sub-$20 range... $15 to $20 for some figures that, if there were more alternatives, might be $10 to $15 instead.

Yeah, I guess if a collector only wants one Riddler for example, they can choose a cheaper one of the two recent ones available. I wonder how many buy one, then decide they should probably get the alternative versions anyway.

Yeah, I guess if a collector only wants one Riddler for example, they can choose a cheaper one of the two recent ones available. I wonder how many buy one, then decide they should probably get the alternative versions anyway.

Its quite common, once you have one version you have to have them all, toy companies, especially action figures take full advantage of this, and will often release a different European version to say an American version, small changes like adding a belt, change of facial expression etc. Unfortunately this rule doesn't extend to all minifigures, some figures especially those such as Batman are virtually always reproduced so never really have much value. Figures such as the original Hulk hold high interest because his remake was different and the original set price was relatively high. Figures from Star Wars are also highly collectible, purely because its Star Wars go for the obvious ones, like main characters but also popular off shoot characters like some of the guards, storm troopers are nice to display but hold little value as they're always reproduced, slight tweaks over the years as LEGO improves its printing and design techniques, but ultimately all the same.

What is slightly encouraging is that no one here has referred to the improving quality of counterfeits. I think one of my main fears isn't that values will fluctuate y themselves, it's that the quality of counterfeits and machine printing will improve to such a degree that it will be very difficult to discern between an original SDCC figure and a fake - that being a real possibility is what terrifies me the most.

Edited February 26, 201510 yr by shinobisgreenshinpads

Variations are a big thing and whether an updated figure has been released.

Greedo in the SW line is a good example of this... the Cloud City Boba Fett will always have a high secondary market value even though we now have an updated version in it's 3rd incarnation with arm printing to match the Cloud City version.

Lando in his Cloud City costume is currently rare and expensive and is the classic look for the character... when (if!!) an updated version is released we may see the clamour for the older version drop a little... and with it the price.

I got into the Super Heroes theme after wanting a Batman figure and picking up the Catwoman Motorcycle set for around £4 in a clearance... so then I had a grey and blue Batman.. but I wanted a black suit version so picked up another set... I now have all the Batman variations and several pad printed customs.

I actually picked up both bootleg Zur En Arhh figures and then added a genuine Lego cape, arms and hands. Yes I'd like an original and if I manage to find one for less than silly money then I'll pick it up but this version actually looks pretty identical and for display it's ideal.

I'm not one of those people who would be happy to have counterfeit figures of Lego figures I could readily buy in my collection and the only bootlegs I've got are of those that haven't been produced by Lego... I've even replaced bootlegs with original pad printed customs they were copied from.

Some older Batman figures such as the original Nightwing still sell well and for relatively high amounts... although you can occasionally pick them up lower if you're patient/lucky. There is a bootleg figure of Nightwing with a similar blue styling but I think anyone who is interested in owning genuine Lego figures wouldn't simply substitute one for the other.

What is slightly encouraging is that no one here has referred to the improving quality of counterfeits. I think one of my main fears isn't that values will fluctuate y themselves, it's that the quality of counterfeits and machine printing will improve to such a degree that it will be very difficult to discern between an original SDCC figure and a fake - that being a real possibility is what terrifies me the most.

I don't think they're close... at least not close enough that you wouldn't be able to tell. They all have telltale things either in the moulding or slight fluctuations in the design that stop them being confused for an original.

The SY Batman ZEA has the bat emblem on the front symmetrical which the original isn't... it also doesn't have the Bat Radia on the back design... the head is also single sided. The Decool version has moulding issues such as sharp shoulders and different hips although the design is closer.. it also has a double sided head. It's like they do things on purpose so they're not exact. NYTF Iron Man has a different back print... Green Arrow has brown straps instead of black... etc

While quality is getting better on some of them I don't think they're close to the stage of being identical in either design, mould shape or print.

What is slightly encouraging is that no one here has referred to the improving quality of counterfeits. I think one of my main fears isn't that values will fluctuate y themselves, it's that the quality of counterfeits and machine printing will increase to such a degree that it will be very difficult to discern between an original SDCC figure and a fake - that being a real possibility is what terrifies me the most.

The value in an SDCC figure is mostly in it being sealed, so you couldn't really ever tell without opening it, so the fear will always be a real one. Apparantly the chinese knock off's that plaster ebay, are pretty decent quality but again without opening it, how would you be able to check for the LEGO markings on the parts?

The value in an SDCC figure is mostly in it being sealed, so you couldn't really ever tell without opening it, so the fear will always be a real one. Apparantly the chinese knock off's that plaster ebay, are pretty decent quality but again without opening it, how would you be able to check for the LEGO markings on the parts?

Have any SDCC figures actually been sealed? The blister cases are something that can simply pop open. I've never seen an image of any SDCC figure from any year that has had any kind of breakable seal.

Have any SDCC figures actually been sealed? The blister cases are something that can simply pop open. I've never seen an image of any SDCC figure from any year that has had any kind of breakable seal.

Not seen an image of it open. Seen pictures of the figure standing alone, but not seen an open package, nor do I own one. If they aren't sealed then telling them apart should be easy, but I guess that doesnt help if you've already handed over £££! for it.

Not seen an image of it open. Seen pictures of the figure standing alone, but not seen an open package, nor do I own one. If they aren't sealed then telling them apart should be easy, but I guess that doesnt help if you've already handed over £££! for it.

None of them have been sealed except for the Toy Fair Iron Man and Captain America

While quality is getting better on some of them I don't think they're close to the stage of being identical in either design, mould shape or print.

Liked your post, I guess my question on the last point is do you think it ever will reach that stage? It's that question that is making me question the collecting of the high end figures

Liked your post, I guess my question on the last point is do you think it ever will reach that stage? It's that question that is making me question the collecting of the high end figures

There's a lot of kudos in China for copying something, or making it just as good as the original. Its only a matter of time, as more people buy fakes, those producing them will have more to spend on production.

Also high value figures are prime targets as thats where the money is, hence why they target marvel figures. Not seen a fake city policeman figure yet ;)

Edited February 26, 201510 yr by MinifigureHQ

I don't think they're close... at least not close enough that you wouldn't be able to tell. They all have telltale things either in the moulding or slight fluctuations in the design that stop them being confused for an original.

While quality is getting better on some of them I don't think they're close to the stage of being identical in either design, mould shape or print.

I'd agree with that. There are some really nice quality fakes / customs available now, but you can tell they are fake if you have them in hand if you know what the original looks like. Some designs, to me, are as good as the originals (just without the lego logo), but not identical to the originals.

Also high value figures are prime targets as thats where the money is, hence why they target marvel figures. Not seen a fake city policeman figure yet ;)

I have ...

They target Marvel, but also DC, SW, LOTR/Hobbit, TMNT, CMFs, City, Ninjago, Chima, ...

Thanks MAB, had no idea they did that. I'd seen the CMF figures before, but again these are pretty desirable, no idea why you'd want a fake city figure though, the genuine LEGO one's aren't exactly going to bankrupt you.

None of them have been sealed except for the Toy Fair Iron Man and Captain America

Liked your post, I guess my question on the last point is do you think it ever will reach that stage? It's that question that is making me question the collecting of the high end figures

I've always thought that people who are happy to just collect bootleg figures, even those available in current waves by Lego, aren't really Lego collectors... there'd be no pride in that collection... they're just happy to have figures of any quality / make.

Pad printed customs are expensive but there is a real market for them... and again... those that only want to pay £2 for a figure aren't going to pay £20 for a pad printed custom.. but that's not who the customisers are catering for.

SY are the closest to Lego in regards to plastic quality, mould and print quality... although they're still prone to messing up.

I think if SY actually sat down and concentrated on replicating Lego's moulds carefully they could do it... and the plastic really is that far apart from Lego's ABS. They've produced some very good quality copies... the copy of the Joker Goon from the Steamroller is actually almost impossible to tell apart from the original except for the shoulder thickness of the figure and the fact that the hip 'grips' on the torso are a slightly different shape... but the printing is pretty much perfect.

Could SY do a full wave of SDCC figures and make them exact copies? Yeah... they could... with a little bit of tweaking to their moulds and a bit of QC on plastic colour and they could have something pretty much spot on.

I'd actually like them to... because Lego aren't profiting from SDCC figures... the only people profiting from them are scalpers and I couldn't care less whether they make their money back on things. If bootlegs actually lowered the demand for genuine SDCC figures and therefore lowered the prices for people like me who'd like genuine figures then I'd welcome it... because if a time comes when you'd want to sell your figure collection then realistically the people you'd sell to would want genuine stuff anyway and you'd have paid a realistic cost for the figures in the first place.