A local Star Wars collector is auctioning his entire collection after spending over three decades building what experts call one of the finest assemblages in the world, by Collecting Star Wars Items. Jeff Jacob began his journey in 1977 when he saw the first Star Wars film as a child at Denver’s Cooper Cinerama.
Jacob’s collection contains more than 5,000 Star Wars items valued between $5 million and $7 million, featuring rare Kenner figures with double-telescoping lightsabers that can sell for hundreds of thousands of dollars each.
The collection includes vintage action figures, toys with the original “Revenge of the Jedi” title, and pieces from international manufacturers like Mexican toymaker Lili Ledy and British company Palitoy.
The Littleton homebuilder is selling his multimillion-dollar collection through Pennsylvania-based Hake’s Auctions in multiple rounds starting January 2024. Most items earned near-mint grades of at least 80 out of 100 from the Action Figure Authority and are sealed in protective acrylic cases.
Key Takeaways – Collecting Star Wars Items
- A collector spent 32 years building a Star Wars collection now worth up to $7 million
- The collection features rare double-telescoping lightsaber figures that can sell for hundreds of thousands of dollars
- Star Wars collectibles from the 1970s and 1980s have become extremely valuable investments for collectors
The $7 Million Star Wars Collection: Legacy and Highlights
Jeff Jacob’s 32-year collecting journey has produced one of the most valuable private Star Wars memorabilia collections ever assembled. The collection contains over 5,000 items ranging from rare Kenner action figures to prototype toys that never reached store shelves.
Journey of a 32-Year Star Wars Collector
Jeff Jacob’s passion for Star Wars collectibles began in 1977 after watching the original film at Denver’s Cooper Cinerama. The experience changed his life forever.
For three decades, Jacob methodically built his collection. He focused on high-quality pieces from the original trilogy era. His collection grew to include items from A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back, and Return of the Jedi.
The Littleton homebuilder spent 32 years acquiring rare toys and memorabilia. He searched toy stores, conventions, and private sales worldwide.
Jacob’s collection strategy centered on condition and rarity. He sought out mint-condition items still sealed in their original packaging. Many pieces in his collection received high grades from the Action Figure Authority.
Record-Breaking Auctions and Valuation
The collection’s estimated value ranges between $5 million and $7 million. This makes it one of the most valuable private Star Wars memorabilia collections ever offered for sale.
Professional appraisers valued the collection at millions of dollars. The high valuation reflects both the rarity and condition of the items.
The auction began in January 2025. Collectors and investors from around the world showed interest in the pieces. Some individual items are expected to sell for tens of thousands of dollars.
Valuable Star Wars collectibles in the collection include prototype figures and rare international releases. These pieces often command premium prices at auction due to their scarcity.
Rarest and Most Valuable Star Wars Memorabilia
The collection contains several valuable Star Wars collectibles that stand out for their rarity and historical significance.
One highlight includes items featuring the original Revenge of the Jedi title. These pieces showcase the scrapped original title before it was changed to Return of the Jedi in 1983.
Kenner action figures make up a significant portion of the most valuable pieces. Original trilogy figures in mint condition can sell for thousands of dollars each.
The collection also features rare international releases. Figures produced by Mexican toymaker Lili Ledy and British company Palitoy are included in the auction.
Prototype toys represent some of the rarest items. These pieces never made it to retail stores, making them extremely sought-after by serious collectors.
Iconic Collectibles and Market Trends
The Star Wars collectibles market has evolved dramatically since 1977, with Kenner’s original action figures creating a foundation that modern lines like The Vintage Collection and The Black Series continue to build upon. These toys have transformed from children’s playthings into serious investment assets that maintain strong cultural relevance across generations.
Kenner and the Rise of Action Figures
Kenner revolutionized the toy industry when they launched the first Star Wars action figures in 1978. The company faced unprecedented demand after the movie’s success in 1977.
The vinyl cape Jawa became one of the most sought-after pieces from this era. Early production runs featured a vinyl cape instead of the cloth version that followed.
The Jawa Action Figure now commands $7,739 in mint condition, representing a massive return on investment. Other iconic Kenner figures like Obi-Wan Kenobi, Darth Vader, and Boba Fett established the template for modern collectibles.
Kenner’s double-telescoping lightsaber figures became legendary among collectors. These were pulled from shelves due to safety concerns, making surviving examples extremely valuable.
The Millennium Falcon playset and various character figures created an entire ecosystem of collectible items that maintain consistent and steady growth.
The Vintage Collection and The Black Series
Hasbro’s modern collecting lines cater to adult collectors with premium details and packaging. The Vintage Collection (TVC) recreates classic Kenner cardbacks with updated figure quality.
Popular TVC releases include Clone Troopers from Attack of the Clones and characters like Wicket the Ewok. The VC45 designation system helps collectors track specific releases within the line.
The Black Series targets collectors with 6-inch scale figures featuring photorealistic faces and premium accessories. These figures often sell out quickly at retail, creating immediate secondary market value.
Both lines feature characters spanning the entire Star Wars timeline, from Old Republic bounty hunters to sequel trilogy heroes. Limited exclusives and convention variants drive additional collector interest.
Hasbro’s attention to detail in recreating classic characters like Han Solo and Boba Fett has earned praise from the collecting community.
Star Wars Toys That Became Investment Assets
Star Wars toys have transitioned from children’s playthings to valuable collectors’ items with some pieces appreciating dramatically over decades. Rarity, condition, and character popularity determine investment potential.
High-value categories include:
- Vintage Kenner figures in unopened packaging
- Prototype and pre-production items
- Convention exclusives and limited releases
- Error variants and factory mistakes
Characters like Darth Vader, Boba Fett, and various Sith Lords consistently perform well in the secondary market. Super Battle Droids and other prequel-era figures have gained value as those films find new appreciation.
Certain Star Wars items have significantly appreciated in value based on rarity, condition, and demand factors that continue evolving with new media releases.
Cultural Impact and Ongoing Demand
Star Wars collectibles have been a staple in the memorabilia market for decades, captivating multiple generations of fans and collectors. New movies and TV shows create renewed interest in both vintage and contemporary figures.
The franchise’s expansion into streaming series has introduced characters like various bounty hunters and clone variants that drive collector demand. Each new release creates opportunities for both new and vintage Star Wars memorabilia.
There is always demand for vintage Star Wars items as multiple generations of collectors compete for the same limited supply of mint-condition pieces. This sustained interest ensures continued market stability.
Star Wars figures benefit from the franchise’s active storytelling across multiple media formats, keeping characters relevant and collectible values strong.