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Hake’s $1.45M Debut Sale Of Jeff Jacob Collection Makes History As First Action-Figure-Specific Auction To Break Million-dollar Mark
An Impressive Figure
Hake’s debut sale of Star Wars and other action figures and prototypes from the celebrated Jeff Jacob collection crushed all expectations on 22 January as it soared to a $1.45 million finish. The initial offering of 435 lots from Jacob’s 33-year collection launched a multi-part series of online sales scheduled for 2025, and in so doing, achieved a significant milestone. It marked the first time an auction devoted exclusively to action figures broke the million-dollar mark…
A jubilant Alex Winter, president of Hake’s Auctions, commented: “When we landed Jeff’s collection, we knew we definitely had something special, but we also sensed it could end up being legendary. Early on, there was so much excitement about the auction that we actually went live with the catalog a week earlier than planned. From the get-go, bidders ‘showed up’ and bid early and often. We had hopes of cracking one million but went well beyond that. And as we’ve seen so many times before, it was the collectors who had the final say about market value. Scores of new world auction records were set.”
Nearly all figures, playsets, vehicles and other items in the collection were AFA-graded and served as a shining testament to Jacob’s decades-long mission to upgrade his holdings to the maximum possible level. Most pieces were high grade, and some were the absolute highest-graded specimens of their type, per the AFA Population Report. In the January 22 opening session, 47 pieces were identified as being in the single highest grade known, with none graded higher.
As predicted, the auction’s top-selling lot was a Star Wars (1978) Double-Telescoping Ben (Obi-Wan) Kenobi 12 Back-A action figure, AFA-graded 85 NM+, with a SKU on its footer. Only two carded Double-Telescoping examples of this figure are known to exist in such a high grade, and of those two, the one offered by Hake’s was the first to appear at auction. Entered with no specified estimate and requiring an opening bid of $50,000, the coveted figure was aggressively chased to $105,182, a world auction record for any Double-Telescoping Ben Kenobi.
Another top prize was a Star Wars (1978) Artoo-Detoo (R2-D2) 12 Back-A Kenner action figure, AFA-graded 85 NM+. Distinctive for its dark-blue dome and SKU on the card’s footer, this figure is one of only six examples known in its grade, with no other graded higher in the current AFA Population Report. It sold for $38,940 against an estimate of $5,000-$10,000, a world auction record for any R2-D2 figure.
There were great expectations for a Star Wars: The Power Of The Force (1984) complete base set of 62 pressed aluminum coins, but how much it might sell for was subject to speculation, since its auction appearance was quite possibly the first time a complete collection of its type had ever been publicly offered as a whole. Manufactured by Kenner and initially featured in a Star Wars mail-away offer, the coins were later issued in a carded format with the toy company’s Power Of The Force action figures. Each of the 1.5-inch coins was graded AFA 85 NM+ and originally had been obtained from a former Kenner employee. Against an estimate of $20,000-$35,000, the set rang the register at $42,536, a world auction record for a graded coin set of its type.
While on the subject of coins that captured bidders’ attention, another somewhat unpredictable entry was a Star Wars: The Power Of The Force (1984) “Star Wars – Jedi Knight” prototype 63rd mail-away coin for Kenner’s proposed 93-Back Power Of The Force cards. AFA-graded 90 NM+/Mint, its obverse design showed two hands holding a lightsaber, while the reverse described the role Jedi Knights played in the Star Wars galaxy. With a CIB LOA, the single coin sold for a world-record $13,953 against an estimate of $2,000-$5,000.
A Star Wars (1978) Early Bird Mail-Away Kit included figures of a Double-Telescoping Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Chewbacca, and R2-D2. AFA-graded 85 NM+, its encapsulated case also contained an original white mailer box, vacuform plastic tray, baggie filled with plastic pegs for posing figures, a mini-catalog advertising a Star Wars Action Figure line and vehicles; and a mail-away offer for a stand. Only three such kits are known to have received a higher grade than the auction example, which settled near its high estimate at $32,450, a world auction record for any Star Wars kit.
Condition was king in a Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back (1982) Boba Fett 3.75-inch Kenner action figure, 48 Back-C. AFA-graded 85 NM+, with none graded higher according to AFA Population Report, it promoted a “Free! Revenge Of The Jedi” action figure offer and contained more information on its card back about an Admiral Ackbar offer that was available free with proofs-of-purchase of six Revenge of the Jedi action figures. This rare toy depicting the enigmatic, armored bounty hunter commanded a winning bid of $27,258 against an estimate of $5,000-$10,000. The price represents a world auction record for a figure of its particular type.
A great favorite with collectors, a boxed Star Wars (1978) Cantina Adventure Set contained bagged action figures of an elusive blue-version Snaggletooth, Greedo, Hammerhead, and Walrus Man, plus mailer boxes for figures, a sealed bag of pegs, a cardboard backdrop and inserts, in-package catalogs, and assembly instructions. One of only five examples graded AFA 85 NM+, and with none known in a higher grade, the lot rose to $27,258 against an estimate of $10,000-$20,000, a world auction record for a Star Wars Cantina Adventure Set.
Jeff Jacob’s pop-culture trove includes more than 3,000 pieces that span the action-figure universe. With 1970s Star Wars characters solidly at its base, the collection also incorporates the best of several other toy lines, including GI Joes, Transformers, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Masters of the Universe, and other sought-after productions.
Among the “Joes” offered on 22 January was a Hasbro GI Joe (1982) Cobra Missile Command Headquarters Series 1 playset with three 3.75in Straight-Arm action figures on red blister cards with peach file cards on the reverse. A Sears exclusive, this set was AFA-graded 75+ Q-Ex+/NM, making it the highest-graded and only-known example, according to the current AFA Population Report. Against an estimate of $5,000-$10,000, it battled to $14,673, a world-auction record for a set of its type in its grade.
Also hotly pursued, a Hasbro GI Joe (1986) Storm Shadow (Cobra Ninja) 3/36 Back, 3.75-inch action figure was AFA-graded 85 NM+ and had a “Free! Sgt. Slaughter Action Figure” mail-in offer on the back of its card. Representing the single highest-graded example of five examples in total that have been graded by AFA, it sold for an overall world-record price of $12,981 against an estimate of $2,000-$5,000.
Thundercats fans quickly zeroed in on a 1986 Lion-O & Snarf Series 2/14 Back blister card with a 7-inch-tall LJN action figure (orange-hair variety). With Battle-Matic Action, a Sword of Omens, and a “Secret Power Ring” capable of illuminating the figure’s eyes, the figure was accompanied by a companion, a 2.75-inch-tall Snarf, and encapsulated in packaging that advertised a “Free Mumm-Ra” action figure mail-in offer. AFA-graded 80 NM and one of only five in that grade, with none higher, it sold for $9,423 against an estimate of $2,000-$5,000. The price set a world auction record for this toy.
After the auction wrapped, Alex Winter remarked: “Nothing could have prepared us for the closing night, which was nothing short of epic. Once the final bids were in and the dust had settled, we realized how many world record prices had been set across all toy lines, especially Star Wars. This sale was just the beginning, as we still have thousands of fantastic items waiting in the wings. This is going to be the ‘Year of Jeff Jacob.’ We’ll be announcing a May auction date for Part II of his collection very soon.”
Please note that all of the lots shown below sold for world-record prices, as detailed. All prices quoted in this report are inclusive of 18% buyer’s premium:
#1 –
Star Wars (1978) Double-Telescoping Ben (Obi-Wan) Kenobi 12 Back-A action figure, AFA 85 NM+, SKU on footer. One of only two carded Double-Telescoping specimens of its type known to exist in this high grade, and of those two, the only one ever to appear at auction. With no pre-stated estimate, bidding opened at $50,000 and soared to $105,182, landing it in the top position of prices realized. World auction record for any Double-Telescoping Ben Kenobi action figure
#2 –
Star Wars (1978) Early Bird Mail-Away Kit with figures including a Double-Telescoping Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Chewbacca, and R2-D2. AFA-graded 85 NM+. Encapsulated case also contains original white mailer box, vacuform plastic tray, baggie with plastic pegs for posing figures, mini-catalog advertising Star Wars Action Figure line and vehicles, and mail-away offer for stand. Only three such kits are known to have received a higher grade. Sold near its high estimate, for $32,450. World auction record for any Star Wars kit
#7 –
Star Wars (1978) Artoo-Detoo (R2-D2) 12 Back-A Kenner action figure, AFA-graded 85 NM+. Notable for dark-blue dome and SKU on footer. One of only six examples in this grade, with no other graded higher in current AFA Population Report. Sold for $38,940 against an estimate of $5,000-$10,000. World auction record for any R2-D2 figure
#33 –
https://www.hakes.com/Auction/ItemDetail/294276/STAR-WARS-1979-HERO-SET-3-PACK-SERIES-2-AFA-85-NM
Star Wars (1979) Hero Set 3-Pack, Series 2, AFA-graded 85 NM+, with window box containing three 3.75in-tall Kenner action figures of Luke X-Wing Pilot, Ben Kenobi (white-hair variety), and Han Solo (large-head variety). Sears exclusive. ‘Special Offer’ on back of package showing four different ‘Exclusive Star Wars Backdrops.’ Only four examples graded higher, according to AFA Population Report. Sold near top of estimate range for $18,691. World auction record in this grade
#55 –
Boxed Star Wars (1978) Cantina Adventure Set containing bagged action figures of elusive blue-version Snaggletooth, Greedo, Hammerhead, and Walrus Man, plus mailer boxes for figures, sealed bag of pegs, cardboard backdrop, cardboard inserts, in-package catalogs and assembly instructions. One of only five examples graded AFA 85 NM+, according to current AFA Population Report. None known in a higher grade. Sold for $27,258 against an estimate of $10,000-$20,000. World auction record overall
#129 –
Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back (1982) Boba Fett 3.75in Kenner action figure, 48 Back-C, AFA-graded 85 NM+, none graded higher according to AFA Population Report. ‘Free! Revenge Of The Jedi’ action figure offer. Card back has more information on Admiral Ackbar offer that was available free with proofs-of-purchase of six Revenge of the Jedi action figures. Sold for $27,258 against an estimate of $5,000-$10,000. World auction record for this exact figure
#289 –
Star Wars: The Power Of The Force (1984) complete base set of 62 pressed aluminum coins, each 1.5in diameter. Made by Kenner and initially offered in a Star Wars mail-away offer; later issued in carded format with Kenner’s Power Of The Force action figures. Each coin graded AFA 85 NM+. Originally obtained directly from former Kenner employee. Possibly the first time a complete collection of its type was publicly offered as a whole. Sold for $42,536 against an estimate of $20,000-$35,000. World auction record for a graded coin set of this type
#290 –
Star Wars: The Power Of The Force (1984) ‘Star Wars – Jedi Knight’ prototype 63rd mail-away coin for proposed 93-Back Power Of The Force cards. AFA-graded 90 NM+/Mint. Obverse shows two hands holding a lightsaber; reverse describes role of Jedi Knights in Star Wars galaxy. With CIB LOA, coin sold for $13,953 against an estimate of $2,000-$5,000. World auction record overall
#330 –
Hasbro G.I. Joe (1986) Storm Shadow (Cobra Ninja) 3/36 Back, 3.75in action figure, AFA-graded 85 NM+, ‘Free! Sgt. Slaughter Action Figure’ mail-in offer on back of card. Single highest-graded example of five examples in total that have been graded by AFA, according to current AFA Population Report. Sold for $12,981 against an estimate of $2,000-$5,000. World auction record overall
#353 –
Hasbro G.I. Joe (1982) Cobra Missile Command Headquarters Series 1 playset with three 3.75in Straight-Arm action figures on red blister cards; peach file cards on back. Sears exclusive. AFA-graded 75+ Q-Ex+/NM. Highest-graded and only-known example, according to current AFA Population Report. Sold for $14,673 against an estimate of $5,000-$10,000. World auction record for this type of playset in this grade
#394 –
Thundercats (1986) Lion-O & Snarf Series 2/14 Back blister card with 7in-tall LJN action figure (orange-hair variety) with Battle-Matic Action, Sword of Omens, ‘Secret Power Ring’ that illuminates figure’s eyes; plus 2.75in-tall Snarf companion figure. ‘Free Mumm-Ra’ action figure mail-in offer. AFA-graded 80 NM, one of only five in that grade, with none higher, according to current AFA Population Report. Sold for $9,423 against an estimate of $2,000-$5,000. World auction record for this figure
#411 –
https://www.hakes.com/Auction/ItemDetail/295146/TRANSFORMERS-1984-SERIES-1-MEGATRON-AFA-80-NM
Hasbro Transformers (1984) Series 1 Megatron (Decepticon Leader), AFA 80 NM. Mint in sealed box. Among the most desirable Series 1 Transformers toys, with only two examples in AFA 80 grade, according to current AFA Population Report. First example with intact tape seals ever offered by Hake’s. Sold for $41,301, more than twice the high estimate. World auction record for this toy in this grade
To discuss consigning a collection or single item to a future Hake’s pop culture memorabilia auction, please call +1 866-404-9800 (toll-free) or +1 717-434-1600; or email hakes@hakes.com. All enquiries are kept strictly confidential. Visit Hake’s online at https://hakes.com/.
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