The Star Wars character of Boba Fett has become much more complicated for Star Wars fans since Disney+ gave Boba his own series. The bounty hunter who previously worked for The Empire has a moral code and he is now the leader of a group of enforcers and protectors. But in the world of collectibles, the Kenner Star Wars Boba Fett version 2 J-slot rocket-firing prototype action figure from 1979 is among the most valuable items that Star Wars collectors can get their hands on. This 3-3/4″ action figure would also qualify as an investment vehicle within the alternative asset class of collectibles.

An opportunity to own a Kenner Star Wars Boba Fett rocket-firing prototype has come up again, with Hake’s Auctions selling the action figure. The estimate for this collectible is $100,000 to $200,000 in Hake’s March 15-16 (2022) auction. It’s very possible that the prototype action figure could fetch a new world record — and with a week to go the item has already reached a current bid of $82,500.00 after 11 bids.

Collectors Dashboard evaluates collectibles as an alternative asset class. This implies that the same capital that could have been invested into stocks or bonds is being used to buy high-end collectibles. Well, $100,000 to $200,000 for a toy prototype could probably go a long way investing in stocks — and it’s still enough money to buy a home in some smaller markets or for a serious down payment in many urban markets.

As for the “investment” angle, collectors and investors have to know that if they invest in stocks or bonds or real estate that there is not guaranteed profit heading their way. They hope for a profit, but no assurances can ever be given. The same is true in collectibles and the fees (and taxes) when buying and selling are included make their own set of challenges.

If you want proof of “movies driving collectibles prices” this should show you what was happening ahead of the Boba Fett series.

Hake’s has previously offered another Bobe Fett J-Slot prototype example before. It was an AFA 85+ NM+ example and it sold for $185,850 in November 2019. Hake’s has also shown how the demand and value has steadily continued to rise since then. Image below is from Hake’s Auctions.

Hake’s also made reference to the Boba Fett L-Slot prototype as being slightly more obtainable while still having seen an upward trajectory in recent Hake’s auctions. It showed three different AFA 85 NM+ examples with sales prices as follows:

• $86,383 in March 2018
• $112,926 in July 2019
• $165,200 in June 2021 (full details)

Those are impressive prices realized whether collectibles are or are not as efficient as investing in stocks or bonds.

The item up for auction is encapsulated with a Collectible Investment Brokerage (CIB) certificate of authenticity and the AFA serial number 11300319. Hake’s offered up a very detailed description of this specific example of the Boba Fett prototype action figure:

Originally 80-100 examples of this prototype were shipped to Kenner from Hong Kong for safety testing purposes; which resulted in only “non-firing” examples with sonically welded missiles being released to the public. Approximately 24-26 examples of this J-Slot variety are known to have survived, with several existing in rather rough condition, having been subjected to a variety of safety testing procedures that included but were not limited to heating, freezing, and other destructive trials. This is Version 2 (V2) of the J-Slot variety, having been further refined with a longer firing stem, which has broken off, likely as a result of the aforementioned testing. This testing is evident by the presence of the typically seen indexing marks placed on the underside of figure’s feet. The J-Slot prototype was discovered in the mid-1990s. Prior to that discovery, the J-Slot variation was completely unknown to the hobby. AFA-graded 50 VG Prototype is attractively encased within an AFA Archival case, utilizing AFA’s updated laser cut casing style, which displays the prototype figure, rocket and blaster separately; J-slot rocket-firing mechanism is clearly visible from the back of case (spring clearly visible).

Interested bidders here know that only one winner can emerge, and even if this ends up on a fractional ownership platform it will only be available at an even higher price and that any future profits will have to be partially shared. The good news about this last point is that the March 15-16 Hake’s auction includes 15 Boba-specific items in total and there are roughly 300 Star Wars items up for grabs in this same auction.