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Star Wars collectibles: The rarest of the rare

Better go digging in the attic, because it turns out that Star Wars memorabilia can be worth a small fortune. Do you have gold sitting up in your attic?

Dear Santa, I'd like that $38K Star Wars figurine please

Ryan Dooks has been a Calgary Star Wars memorabilia collector for nearly two decades. He specializes in Darth Vader, vintage General Madine and the prototypes for Jar Jar Binks. He says he is in it for the fun. (Submitted by Ryan Dooks)

If you are Star Wars fan, it's likely you'll eventually become a Star Wars collector.

You name ittoys, posters, statues, bedspreads, toothbrushes, props orcomic bookseverythinghasbeen made into a Star Wars collectibles, and some of it is worth some pretty stellar cold hard cash.

So, do you have a fortune on your hands?

Or do you just wish you owned the rarest of the rare? Check out this list of memorabilia. Everything from the "vintage"erato The Force Awakens.

Rare 'in package' figurines

These figures are some of the rarest to come by in package,' released in the first shipments of the original figures in 1978. (StarWarsCollectorsArchive)

  • Luke Skywalker/Darth Vader/Obi-Wan Kenobidouble telescoping lightsaberfigures
  • Price: Up to $38,000

From the big file of "you've gotta be kidding me," these figures are some of the rarest to come by "in package." They were released in the first shipments of the original figuresback in 1978. Each figure has a two-piece lightsaber that extends out of the arms.

As amazing as it sounds, these figures still in package can be worth more than $38,000 depending on condition. Out of the packaging these still command top dollar in the range of $3,000 to $5,000, depending whether the lightsabers are still in one piece.

Cancelled figurine

Only a handful of these Boba Fett figurines are known to exist. (Star Wars Collectors Archive)
  • (Prototype) Rocket Firing Boba Fett
  • Price: $15,000 to$20,000

Another "holy grail"collectible for Star Wars fans is the toy that was never made: theRocket Firing Boba Fett.Only a handful are known to exist.

Originally advertised as a mail-away promotion, the figure was cancelled at the last minute by Kenner.

There are two versions of this prototype for true collectors this mattersthe J-slot, and the L-slot,depending on which slot out of the rocket pack the missile fires from.The L-slot is blueand the J-slot fully painted.

Not released in the U.S.

An alien figurine stands in its clear plastic packaging with a coloured backdrop. There is a coin above his head. The packaging says
The community of adults who collect action figures is explained and celebrated in the podcast Imaginary Worlds. (blog.paxholley.net)
  • Power Of The Force Yak Face Figure
  • Price: Up to $6,000 (mint)

Only in Canada you say? Pity.This action figure was only released in Canada and Australia. It came out in 1985as the hype for the movies was dying down after Return of the Jedi.

Each package came with a special collector coin, as a bonus to get kids to gather the different coins.And it'll cost you a lot of coins to get your hands on one now.The price for a mint figure in its packaging is between $2,000 to $6,000, and a loose complete figure is $300 to $800.

The Imperial General

The Jedi General here was only released in France for the Return of the Jedi. (vectis.co.uk)

  • Return Of The Jedi General Madine Trilogo Figure
  • Price: Up to $15,000

You know you've got something special when Sotheby's holds an auction.Currently one of these figures is up for grabs.The Jedi General here was only released in France for the Return of the Jedi.

In case you've never heard of the character, he was an Imperial General who defected to the Rebelsand helped plan the attack on the Death Star. If you've got one in mint condition, it's worth a mint.

1977 action figure box

This action figure set was released a certificate inside that the kids would mail in, and wait for their figures to arrive. (rebelscum.com)
  • Star Wars Early Bird Certificate Package
  • Price: $1,000(ish)

This action figure set was released for Christmas in 1977 by Kenner Toys.But, not knowing how popular the original Star Wars film would be, the company didn'thave time to make the toys.

Instead they sold the box.Just the box.With a certificate inside that the kids would mail in, and wait for their figures to arrive.Check to see if yours has the official display stand that came with it.If it does, this early bird kit is worth between $800 and $1,000.

1976 book

The first Star Wars novel came out in 1976. (starwarsaficionado.blogspot.com)
  • Star Wars Novelization
  • Price: $100

The first Star Wars novel came out in 1976 a full year before the movie hit theatres.It featured artwork by the legendary Ralph McQuarrie, who was the concept artist on the film. This is also one of the earliest collectibles released for the film. Depending on condition, this book fetches $30 to $100.

First poster

Artist Howard Chaykin was hired in 1976 to create a poster to promote Star Wars at conventions. (parade.com)

  • Star Wars Poster #1
  • Price: $2,500

Another early offering, in 1976 artist Howard Chaykin was hired to create a poster to promote Star Wars at conventions.It apparently retailed for $1, but nowin the right conditionwill net you a nice $2,500.

New figurines

New collectibles from the new Star Wars film, The Force Awakens, are relatively affordable. (sideshowtoy.com)

  • The Force Awakens Figures by Hot Toys
  • Price: $200 to$290

In the realm of the comparatively affordable comes collectibles from the new Star Wars filmThe Force Awakens.

Hot Toys is a company based out of Japan with distribution in North America by Sideshow Collectibles. These 1/6 scale figures are the best on the market, hands down.

They are highly-detailed sculptures of the characters, withscreen-accurate costumes. No detail is missed. You can pick from many characters like Rey with BB-8, Kylo Ren orCaptain Phasma, First Order Stormtrooper and many more to come.And if you're feeling generous this year, you can make a kid smile for between $199.99 to $289.99.

Smartphone droid sidekick

The BB-8 Sphero is one of the hottest toys since its release in September. (sideshowtoy.com)

  • BB-8 by Sphero
  • Price: $190(ish)

One of the hottest toys released this past September by Sphero. Now you can own your own droid sidekick and control him with your smartphone. With loads of features and more updates coming, this is an innovation in toy making and Star Wars collectibles.

The originals

Owning an actual piece from one of the movies is the ultimate dream of Star Wars collectors. (sideshowtoy.com)
  • Star Wars Original Props
  • Price: If you have to ask, it doesn't' matter

Owning an actual piece of the movie is the dream of Star Wars collectors and one thatcan be realized.

From production storyboards, to concept art, to actual costumes used on the sets, there is a small market for big budget collectibles (like the camera George Lucas used to film Star Wars).

The prices vary depending on what you're trying to buy, but they can run from a couple hundred dollarsto a couple hundred thousand.Great shops like the Prop Store of London and L.A., as well as Profiles In History, help fans acquire these items.

Well, that's the list.And if you have a Star Wars collectable you want to check out, there's a few great websites: