The 7 Most Valuable 1995 Star Wars Action Figures: A 2024 Collector's Price Guide

The 7 Most Valuable 1995 Star Wars Action Figures: A 2024 Collector's Price Guide

The 7 Most Valuable 1995 Star Wars Action Figures: A 2024 Collector's Price Guide

The year 1995 marked a monumental moment for Star Wars collectors, a true "Return of the Jedi" for the action figure line itself. After a decade-long hiatus following the end of the original Kenner "Vintage" line, Hasbro, under the Kenner brand, resurrected the 3.75-inch figure format with the launch of *Star Wars: The Power of the Force 2* (POTF2). This new line, characterized by its distinctive "Red Card" packaging and notoriously muscular sculpts, reignited the collecting passion that continues to thrive today, with specific 1995 figures and their subtle variants fetching surprising prices in late 2024 and early 2025.

The initial 1995 wave, often referred to as the "Red Card" series, laid the foundation for one of the largest and longest-running action figure lines in history. While many of the mass-produced figures from this era are common, it is the early production errors, packaging differences, and subtle mold changes—the so-called "variants"—that have created a lucrative and fascinating market for modern collectors. Understanding these nuances is key to identifying a hidden treasure in your old collection.

The Dawn of a New Era: 1995 Star Wars POTF2 Lineup

The *Power of the Force 2* line was a bold re-imagining of the classic characters, launching in July 1995. Hasbro/Kenner's decision to bring back the figures was a gamble that paid off, fueling anticipation for the upcoming Special Editions and Prequel Trilogy. The figures are instantly recognizable by their "heroic" sculpts—often criticized at the time for being overly muscular or "roided-out"—and the vibrant red packaging featuring the character's photo.

The very first wave of figures released in 1995 were the foundation of the line. These initial releases are crucial for collectors as they often contain the earliest, and thus rarest, production errors and variants. The first nine figures included:

  • Darth Vader
  • Luke Skywalker
  • Han Solo
  • Chewbacca
  • Princess Leia Organa
  • Obi-Wan Kenobi
  • R2-D2
  • C-3PO
  • Stormtrooper

The packaging for this initial run featured the iconic red border, with the first wave figures sometimes referred to as "Orange Card" figures by some collectors due to a slight hue variation on the card back. The excitement surrounding this launch was palpable, as it was the first new collection since the original Vintage line concluded.

The Most Valuable 1995 POTF2 Action Figure Variants (Updated 2024/2025)

While the standard 1995 figures are generally affordable, the true value lies in the production variants. These errors or early production changes were quickly corrected, making the limited number that reached shelves highly sought after. Modern price guides and auction results in 2024 and 2025 confirm that these specific 1995 variants are the undisputed kings of the POTF2 line.

1. Luke Skywalker (Long Saber Variant)

This is arguably the most famous and valuable variant from the 1995 Red Card line. The initial run of the Luke Skywalker figure was packaged with an unusually long, thin lightsaber that was prone to bending and breaking. Kenner quickly corrected this by shortening and thickening the saber. The "Long Saber" variant, especially in mint-on-card (MOC) condition, is a cornerstone for serious POTF2 collectors. The scarcity of a truly mint "Long Saber" drives its price significantly higher than the standard figure.

2. Obi-Wan Kenobi (Long Saber Variant)

Similar to Luke, the Obi-Wan Kenobi figure also had an initial run featuring the elongated lightsaber. This variant is less common than the Luke Skywalker Long Saber, making it highly desirable. The combination of the early Red Card packaging and the easily damaged long saber makes a pristine MOC version a difficult and expensive find for collectors in the current market.

3. Obi-Wan Kenobi (Grey Beard Variant)

Another key variant for Obi-Wan is the "Grey Beard" version. Early production figures had a light grey or even unpainted beard detail, which was later changed to a more accurate white paint application to reflect the character's appearance in the film. This subtle paint application difference is a tell-tale sign of an early 1995 production run and is a must-have for variant hunters.

4. Han Solo (Bespin Outfit - No Flashback Photo)

The Han Solo in Bespin Gear figure from 1995 had a minor packaging variation that interests collectors. The standard card featured a small "flashback" photo of Harrison Ford as Han Solo from the original trilogy. An earlier, rarer version of the card exists without this small photo, indicating a very early production run. While the figure itself is identical, the card back difference significantly impacts its collector value.

5. Darth Vader (Telescoping Lightsaber Card Error)

While the 1995 Darth Vader figure itself is common, some early card backs incorrectly referenced the "Telescoping Lightsaber" feature that was present on the original 1970s Vintage figure. Since the POTF2 figure did not have this feature, cards with this text error are considered a desirable, though minor, variant that signals a very early 1995 printing run before the text was corrected.

6. Luke Skywalker (Orange Card/Short Saber)

While the Long Saber is the prize, a mint-on-card "Short Saber" Luke Skywalker on the very first "Orange Card" wave is also valuable. These figures represent the true launch of the line and are collected not for an error, but for their historical significance as the first mass-produced Star Wars figures in over a decade. A graded, high-quality example of this foundational figure is always in demand.

7. Boba Fett (First Release, Red Card)

Boba Fett is consistently one of the most popular Star Wars action figures, and his inclusion in the POTF2 line was highly anticipated. While his figure came out slightly later in the Red Card run, the first-release version remains a strong performer in the collector market. Unlike the vintage line, there are no rocket-firing variants in the 1995 line, but the character's enduring popularity ensures that a high-grade, early Red Card Boba Fett will always command a premium.

Collecting the Power of the Force 2: Beyond the Variants

Collecting the 1995 POTF2 line is about more than just the major variants; it's about appreciating the line that brought Star Wars back to the toy aisle. The figures from 1995 are the "Red Card" figures, which were later followed by the "Green Card" figures in 1996. The Red Card figures are generally more sought after due to their association with the line's debut and the higher concentration of early production errors.

The legacy of the 1995 figures is the sheer volume of characters and aliens they introduced, expanding the universe for a new generation of fans. The line eventually became known for its accessories and vehicles, but the core 1995 action figures remain the foundation. For collectors in 2024 and 2025, the focus should be on the condition of the card. A "Mint-on-Card" (MOC) figure with a pristine card back and bubble is essential for maximizing value, especially for the key variants. The market for graded POTF2 figures is growing, providing a standardized measure of condition and rarity for these beloved 90s collectibles.

Whether you’re hunting for the elusive Long Saber Luke or simply building a complete collection of the original nine, the 1995 *Power of the Force 2* figures represent a pivotal moment in Star Wars collecting history. Their value today is a testament to their significance in bridging the gap between the vintage Kenner era and the modern Hasbro era.

The 7 Most Valuable 1995 Star Wars Action Figures: A 2024 Collector's Price Guide
The 7 Most Valuable 1995 Star Wars Action Figures: A 2024 Collector's Price Guide

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1995 star wars action figures
1995 star wars action figures

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1995 star wars action figures
1995 star wars action figures

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