Whether you prefer Star Wars over Star Trek, or vice versa, is an age old argument among Sci-Fi fans. Some fans like both almost equally, but collectors who want to own toys, cards or other memorabilia may have much more strong opinions about their favorite Sci-Fi genre. A recent collection of toys from Star Wars and Star Trek came up for auction and it had vast offerings from both universes. In this case, Star Wars smashed Star Trek collectibles in sales

This single-owner estate collection of Star Wars and Star Trek toys and action figures was hosted by Bodnars Auction. These lots were listed as being mostly in mint condition from the 1970s and 1980s, as well as some up into more modern decades.

These collectibles were also in original boxes and are of the collectability that has driven top dollar at other auctions in recent years. Many of these even have the original price tags with many of the same store names on them.

Collectors Dashboard evaluates high-collectibles as an alternative asset class. This means collectibles are attracting the same capital that could have been invested into stocks or bonds. Whether or not that is the case for this particular collection of Star Wars and Star Trek may not be known until these items come back up for sale in the future.

There is one lot (#72) which featured Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back Boba Fett action figure from 1980. This is the Kenner toy which has been sought after because of that high-end prototype that has sold from time to time and very high recently. The popular series The Mandalorian and the upcoming The Book of Boba Fett series on Disney+ are also big contributors to the recent interest. This boxed toy came with a estimate between $500.00 to $1,000.00, but on last look it was already at $2,500.00 in an earlier review and it came to a final price of $3,500.00 after the buyers premium. (Image below from BodnarsAuction.com)

Many of these are Kenner Star Wars toys came up for grabs and were sold as follows:

• Lot 38: Star Wars X-Wing Fighter – Kenner 1978 – Sealed. Estimated between $200.00 to $400.00 and was at $1,100.00 after 13 bids. Sold for $2,100.00.
• Lot 46: Star Wars The Empire Strikes Back AT-AT All Terrain Armored Transport. Estimated between $200.00 to $400.00 and was at $825.00 after 10 bids. Sold for $2,100.00.
• Lot 74: Star Wars The Empire Strikes Back R5-D4 Action Figure – 1980 was estimated between $300.00 to $600.00 and was at $525.00 after 12 bids. Sold for $650.00.
• Lot 39: Star Wars Land Speeder – Kenner 1978 – Sealed. Estimated between $200.00 to $400.00 and was at $525.00 after 11 bids. Sold for $1,600.00.

These top Star Wars sales had a common theme of beating estimates handily, and these prices for Star Wars items reached up over $1,000 on three of the four above items. Now take a look at the Star Trek items below:

• Lot 207: Star Trek Action Figure Lot of 24. Estimated between $50.00 to $100.00 and was at $10.00 after 1 bid. Sold for $80.00.
• Lot 226: Star Trek Franklin Mint 3-Dimensional Chess Set. Estimated between $150.00 to $300.00 and was at $90.00 after 7 bids. Sold for $225.
• Lot 242: Star Trek The Motion Picture Mr. Spock Decanter. Estimated between $50.00 to $100.00 and was at $10.00 after 1 bid. Sold for $80.00.
• Lot 246: Star Trek Generations Signed Framed Poster. Estimated between $200.00 to $400.00 and was at $10.00 after 1 bid. Sold for $225.00.
• Lot 253: Star Trek Two Electronic Phaser Guns in Original Box – South Bend. Estimated between $50.00 to $100.00 and was at $10.00 after 1 bid. Sold for $80.00.

If this could be viewed as a popularity contest Star Wars won the Space Race. Perhaps had the sale been planned on the announcement that William Shatner was flying into space may have helped Trekkies post better numbers. Perhaps a review of Google Trends would have highlighted just how much more Star Wars wins out over Star Trek.

As for what drives the interest in Star Wars, Bodnars highlighted this genre ahead of the auction. Bodnars suggested that the love of collecting Star Wars action figures is one where the monetary value is not as important as the hunt. The company noted:

While the retail value of Star Wars action figures may not be a main contributing factor to many collectors’ motivation, it can be an enticing incentive. While many common action figures are priced at $2 to $5 and loose vintage figures can be $10 to $20, some sealed action figures can be worth $100, $1,000, or even $10,000. It goes without saying that getting your hands on one of these valuable Star Wars action figures would give you the thrill of a lifetime.