Most Valuable G.I. Joe Toys and Action Figures

These vintage G.I. Joe figures, vehicles and playsets can sell for thousands of dollars.

Most Valuable G.I. Joe Toys and Action Figures

G.I. Joe toys were introduced to the public in 1964 as 12-inch-tall, army-themed dolls. But since young boys wouldn't touch dolls with a 10-foot stick, Hasbro, in a stroke of genius, called them "action figures," coining the term.

Over the next six decades, G.I. Joes transformed from foot-tall dolls in lidded boxes to 3.75-inch figures on blister cards. A children's cartoon introduced the evil Cobra organization and the heroic G.I. Joe team, and the corresponding toy line produced hundreds of figures along with toy jets, cars, motorcycles, unique vehicles and huge playsets.

G.I. Joe toys became a staple in children's toy bins, where most of them were bashed together until their paint chipped and their arms fell off. Today, certain G.I. Joe toys in good condition can command enormous amounts of money. These are the most valuable G.I. Joe toys and action figures.

How to Tell the Value of Vintage G.I. Joes

There are no real, updated G.I. Joe price guides that catalog the hundreds of G.I. Joe figures, so we're looking at the most expensive G.I. Joes ever sold at auction.

Some notes before we dive into these valuable vintage G.I. Joes:

"[X] back" refers to how many figures are advertised on the card back. 20 back means 20 action figures are advertised. Sometimes this can impact price.
"Explosion back" means empty figure spaces on the back, labeled with a "coming soon" explosion. These are rarer.
If you have a G.I. Joe figure and are wondering what it's worth, it's best to check the sold section on eBay for a few months.

50. 1985 Shipwreck Sailor

Type of toy: 3.75-inch action figure

Value: $1,650

Shipwreck was created for the 1983 "G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero" cartoon show in 1984. He's a rough-and-tumble, no-nonsense sailor whose motto is "see the target, shoot the target" and has an intelligent pet parrot named Polly. He also comes with some kind of modified flintlock pistol with a scope.

An 85 AFA-graded Shipwreck will set you back about $1,650, which is how much one sold for on eBay in 2021. One in good condition with his accessories and card will net between $50 and $100.

49. 1987 Defiant Space Vehicle Launch Complex

G.I. Joe Defiant Space Vehicle Launch Complex

Type of toy: Playset

Value: $1,775

The Defiant Space Vehicle was an awe-inspiring playset in the 1980s, and it still is. This thing doubles as both a mobile space shuttle launcher and a space station. It's comprised of two ships and a mobile crawler, and comes with two figures.

And apparently, it was really expensive to design. According to 3DJoes, the Defiant Space Vehicle is "the most expensive toy ever tooled, costing nearly $2 million."

A "near complete" one with blueprints and a box sold for $1,775 on eBay after 17 bids. According to the seller, the box was so big that UPS said it would cost up to $450 to ship.

48. 1982 Flash

Type of toy: 3.75-inch action figure

Value: $1,790

Flash wasn't just a DC superhero. He was also a laser rifle trooper in the G.I. Joe universe — although he didn't seem to be very popular. Maybe it was his background. His bio reads like something a mom would write about her son on a dating site:

"Flash is methodical and persistent. Has an innate and unshakable faith in the order of the universe. He's working on his Master's degree in electronic engineering (nights)."

But he's a V1 G.I. Joe figure, and as one of those straight-arm varieties, he's worth a few night classes' worth of cash. An 80 AFA-rated example sold for $1,790.43 on eBay in April 2021. If you only want the loose figure, expect to pay about $50 for him with his card.

47. 1975 Talking G.I. Joe Adventure Team Commander

Type of toy: 12-inch action figure

Value: $1,902

Pull his dog talk and hear him talk! This 12-inch talking doll from 1975 says G.I. Joe things like, "I've got a tough assignment for you," "This is going to be rough. Can you handle it?" and "You must get there before dark. Follow me."

The box seems to be the most important part of this action figure. With the box, we've seen him sell for $1,902 and the doll came disassembled.

Individual figures can sell for several hundred dollars.

46. G.I. Joe 1984 Canadian Whale

Type of toy: Vehicle

Value: $1,999

The Hovercraft Killer W.H.A.L.E. (which stands for Warrior: Hovering Assault Launch Envoy) hit the shelves in 1984. The package included the vehicle's pilot, Cutter.

The Killer W.H.A.L.E. was available for the following two years until it was discontinued in 1986. In the early 1990s, it was also available on its own from Hasbro Direct as a mail-in offer.

45. 1990 U.K. Storm Shadow, Shockwave and Toxo-Viper 3-Pack

Storm Shadow, Shockwave and Toxo-Viper Woolworth exclusive

Type of toy: 3.75-inch action figure (three-set)

Value: $2,000

This three-set package was only available in the United Kingdom and was an exclusive to Woolworths. The set includes Shockwave, Storm Shadow and Toxo-Viper.

It very rarely pops up for sale, but when it does, it sells for about $2,000. Both a recorded sale in October 2019 and one in May 2021 went for $2,000 and $2,081, respectively.

44. Mauler M.B.T. Tank

Type of toy: Vehicle

Value: $2,100

The Mauler M.B.T. Tank (Manned Battle Tank) is a large, battery-operated tank with two speeds. It came with the Heavy Metal G.I. Joe figure, and the tank itself could accommodate four action figures riding on its body.

Want to relive your youth crushing the cars of other inferior toys with this massive tank? You can't buy it for $23.99 anymore. Expect to pay almost 100 times that for one that's still sealed.

A great example sold on eBay for $2,099 in 2021.

43. 1984 Zartan with Chameleon Swamp Skier

Type of toy: Vehicle

Value: $2,225

The bow-and-arrow-wielding Zartan is one of Cobra Commander's trusted mercenaries, whose skin can change like a chameleon. He's also the leader of the biker gang, the Dreadnoks.

Zartan first appeared as a toy in 1984 as part of the Chameleon Swamp Skier vehicle, which retailed for $5.99. Both he and the swamp skier changed colors when warmed.

One of these vehicles can go for quite a lot, with an AFA 85 example selling for $2,225 after 61 bids on eBay.

41. 1986 Serpentor With Air Chariot (Tie)

Type of toy: Vehicle

Value: $2,500

What does Serpentor, emperor of Cobra ride into battle? Why, a snake-shaped glider, of course.

The Air Chariot was released in both 1986 and 1987 and came with Serpentor. It was the only way to get the V1 Serpentor figure as well, which certainly boosts this vehicle's value.

One graded 85 AFA sold for $2,500 in 2021. It was new, in the box, and in a protective shell.

41. 1974 Devil of the Deep (Tie)

Type of toy: Vehicle

Value: $2,500

The Devil of the Deep was part of the Adventure Team collection and consists of a really cool airboat along with a large "hammerhead stingray" (those aren't real) and capture snare.

According to Vintage3DJoes, these vehicles are difficult to find intact because the control handles and crossbars usually break off.

One of these awesome sets sold for $2,500 on eBay in 2021. It wasn't AFA graded, but it was sealed in the box and looked brand-new.

40. 1982 G.I. Joe Cobra Soldier

Type of toy: 3.75-inch action figure

Value: $2,795

Cobra was one of the first figures released carded in the first series (1982). Like all of the original 16 figures, Cobra was released with "straight arms."

In late 1982, the figure was also available packaged with the Sears exclusive Cobra Missile Command Headquarters.

Cobra is also sometimes referred to as "Cobra Soldier" or "Cobra Enemy."

39. 1989 Tiger Force Survivalist Outback

Tiger Force Survivalist Outback G.I. Joe

Type of toy: 3.75-inch action figure

Value: $2,800

The Tiger Force Outback figure was only available in Europe, making it one of those rare G.I. Joe variants that's difficult to track down.

In 2021, an AFA 80 figure sold for $2,800 on eBay.

38. 1982 Rock 'N Roll 11 Back

Type of toy: 3.75-inch action figure

Value: $2,824

This Malibu surfer turned special forces machine gunner can sell for quite a bit at auction if the figure is in good condition.

If it's in mint condition, then you're certainly going to have to pay double the price of a really good surf board.

An exceedingly rare 90 AFA Rock 'N Roll sold for $2,824 on eBay, which might be a record.

37. 1986 Beach Head 36 Back

Type of toy: 3.75-inch action figure

Value: $2,979

Beach Head debuted in 1986 in both the cartoon and the toy line, where he served as the G.I. Joe Team's sergeant major.

Loose figures of Beach Head can go for about $50, and sealed, good-looking toys can sell for between $500 and $1,000. But if you want the best-looking one? That'll run you close to $3,000.

An AFA 90 Beach Head sold for $2,979 after 39 bids in 2021.

36. 1982 Counter Intelligence Scarlett

Type of toy: 3.75-inch action figure

Value: $3,000

The 1982 Scarlett figure — also known as the "straight arm" version — came with a simple crossbow. She's apparently very hard to find in good condition on the original blister card.

An 85 AFA-graded Scarlett figure sold for $3,000 on eBay in 2021. Loose figures can go for $50, or more than $100 if they come with the file card.

35. 1985 First Sergeant Duke

Type of toy: 3.75-inch action figure

Value: $3,175

Duke is the leader of the G.I. Joe team and one of the most popular G.I. Joe figures. A mainstay in the series, original figures of the all-American hero can fetch quite a price.

Duke came packing with a helmet, backpack, helmet and M-32 submachine gun. Finding one that's in great condition will cost several thousand dollars.

One on eBay sold for $3,175 after 50 bids, and it wasn't even AFA graded, although it certainly looked like it was in great condition.

34. 1985 USS Flagg Aircraft Carrier

Type of toy: Playset

Value: $3,248

The USS Flagg playset was a gigantic G.I. Joe playset released in 1985 with a price tag of $109.99. That's about $273 in today's money.

For that price, kids received a toy aircraft carrier that measured over seven feet long and included missile launchers, radars, the Admiral Keel Haul action figure and an electronic PA system to amplify your voice.

This playset is massive, so it's no wonder why it's one of the most expensive G.I. Joe toys. Someone walked away with an absolute steal when a fully sealed set sold for just $2,500 in 2016 off of Live Auctioneers.

Compare that to one that sold on eBay for $4,000 in 2021, which was opened and not fully intact. Or another one with the box that sold for $3,248.

33. G.I. Joe Vintage 1964 Salesman Heat Stamp Figure

Type of toy: 12-inch action figure

Value: $3,333

Most G.I. Joe figurines are made of plastic, but some figurines were made out of brass as samples. These included heat stamps marking left and right arms and legs.

Even with some wear and tear, including a missing arm and a scuffed nose, this G.I. Joe action figure sold for thousands.

32. 1992 Toxo-Lab

Type of toy: Playset

Value: $3,441

The Toxo-Lab is a Cobra Command weapon that came with a tiny squirt gun, claw arms, and a water chamber for dunking G.I. Joes inside. It was part of the Eco-Warrior line of toys, which was launched in 1991 and cashed in on the time's environmentalism trends.

The Toxo-Lab (check out a commercial) seems to be the most expensive toy from that entire line. We've seen one in an opened box sell for $3,441 on eBay, and an unopened, 85-graded one sell for over $4,000 (the seller accepted a best offer from an initial starting bid of $4,798, so the realized price wasn't revealed).

31. 1969 Aquanaut With Original Box

Type of toy: 12-inch action figure

Value: $3,449

Despite having a box that insinuates the enclosed action figure will come with one of those World War II-era diving helmets, this doll just comes with black clothes, black boots and a white sailor's cap. That was probably a letdown 50 years ago.

Today, though, these are incredibly rare, especially that misleading box. According to Vintage3dJoes, the 1969 Aquanaut box "is one of the toughest basic figure boxes to find."

One popped up on eBay in 2021 and sold for $3,449 after 43 bids.

30. 1997 Pimp Daddy Destro

Type of toy: 3.75-inch action figure

Value: $3,450

So first off, no, G.I. Joe did not actually make a pimp-themed action figure. "Pimp Daddy Destro" is a nickname given to a 1997 variant that is so rare, people weren't even sure it existed. There's even an entire website — Project PPD — devoted to chronicling the history, mystery and sales of Pimp Daddy Destro.

There are believed to only be 11 of these carded toys in existence, but the carded versions are so rare, it's unknown how much they're worth. The one that sold for a record-setting $3,450 was a loose figure.

28. 1985 Cobra Sentry and Missile System (S.M.S) (Tie)

Type of toy: Vehicle

Value: $3,500

The Cobra S.M.S was a Sears exclusive sentry vehicle designed to shoot down do-gooder planes and incoming missiles. It features a tank-like vehicle with a gun turret and a detachable missile system along with two Cobra action figures. Check it out in-depth at 3D Joes.

One of these nifty little playsets sold for an impressive $3,500 on eBay. It was graded an AFA 80 and was unopened.

The awesome action figure art shown is by Mate Mylar.

28. 1974 The Shark's Surprise (Tie)

Type of toy: Vehicle with 12-inch doll

Value: $3,500

The Shark's Surprise is a vintage playset that features a 12-inch doll, sea sled, scuba gear, treasure chest with treasure coins, spear gun and miniature shark. Check it out in-depth on Vintage3djoes.

The 12-inch versions of G.I. Joes toys typically command high prices, and it's difficult to find playsets still in their original case.

An unopened Shark's Surprise took a $3,500 bite out of someone's bank account when it sold in 2021 on eBay.

27. 1964 Vintage G.I. Joe Joezeta State Trooper Motorcycle

Type of toy: Vehicle

Value: $3,700

Released in 1967 as part of the Action Joe Series, this Joezeta State Trooper Motorcycle and Sidecar are rarely up for sale. In fact, there are none currently available.

There was also a similar version released called the Irwin Green Motorcycle and Sidecar, but it wasn't considered an official G.I. Joe vehicle.

26. 1984 Baroness Action Figure

Type of toy: 3.75-inch action figure

Value: $3,850

G.I. Joe Cobra Baroness was first released as a part of the third series of G.I. Joe toys in 1984. She was available through 1985 before being discontinued domestically in 1986.

She originally came with a black, high-density laser rifle and a matching black backpack. This particular model for sale was awarded an 85 grading overall by AFA, with subgrades of 85/85/90. Some lower graded versions of the Baroness have sold for less, but those in pristine condition command hefty price tags.

25. 1983 Stalker MOC Explosion Back

Type of toy: 3.75-inch action figure

Value: $3,999

This rare G.I. Joe action figure from 1983 is incredibly difficult to find. Finding one in new, unopened condition is next to impossible. This one was acquired from a former Hasbro employee, which is likely the only reason it's available at all.

The action figure itself is fully sealed, but the gun and other accessories have shifted slightly. The card is in mint condition, and the entire ensemble comes in an acrylic case. The 1983 Stalker is very rare and is recommended for serious collectors only.

24. 1983 Combat Jet Sky Striker

Type of toy: Vehicle

Value: $3,999.99

First released in U.S. stores in 1983, the Combat Jet Skystriker is one of the most valuable G.I. Joe toys around. It was sold for three short years before being discontinued in 1986, but it was very popular while it was available. The plane itself had movable wings that swept in and out, and the box included the plane's pilot, Ace.

Ace was exclusively sold with the Combat Jet Skystriker set to start. From 1988 through 1994, he became available through Hasbro Direct from several limited-time mail-in offers, and he was also packaged in other G.I. Joe sets, including the Keel-Haul and Motor Viper.

23. 1984 Firefly

Type of toy: 3.75-inch action figure

Value: $4,000

Firefly is a dastardly mercenary and saboteur who is one of the most secretive ninjas in Cobra. While you might need to pay his fees with a Swiss bank account, any old bank account will do if you can get your hands on — and sell — a series 3 version of his figure.

An AFA 85 Firefly figure sparked a 52-bid bidding war in April 2021, with the final price landing at $4,000.

Many of these pristine figures came from one eBay seller, aleon523, who decided in mid-2021 to sell his collection of highly graded G.I. Joes.

21. 1985 Tomax and Xamot Red Scar Variant (Tie)

Type of toy: 3.75-inch action figure (two-piece set)

Value: $4,350

This two-pack from series 4 was only sold in 1985 and 1986 before being discontinued in 1987 (and there was a brief time in 1990 where Tomax and Xamot were sold as a set via mail order).

This set has a variant figure of Xamot, who is sporting a red-colored scar on his left cheek. Pink scars were typically sold at stores while the red scar is said to have been for a mail-away version.

An 80 AFA set sold for $4,350 on eBay in 2021 after 36 bids.

21. 1984 Storm Shadow 32 Back (Tie)

Type of toy: 3.75-inch action figure

Value: $4,350

Storm Shadow is one of the most popular G.I. Joe characters and one of the few that has been both on the G.I. Joe team and a Cobra member. He's also been in every series since this figure released in 1984.

Perhaps the most expensive Storm Shadow ever sold was an 85 AFA-graded one, commanding $4,350 on eBay after 37 bids.

20. 1985 Night Force Night Ray Boat

Type of toy: Vehicle

Value: $4,500

G.I. Joe's 1985 Night Force Night Ray Boat was a Toys "R" Us exclusive. As such, it's very uncommon to find one up for sale in new, unopened condition. The Night Ray Boat was part of a series of eight Night Force vehicles, five released in 1988 and three in 1989.

It's actually a repaint of the 1984 Cobra Hydrofoil, and the new box art was reprinted directly over the original art. The boat itself is large and comes with multiple moving and removable parts. It's very detailed, too.

19. 1982 Cobra Missile Command Headquarters

Type of toy: Playset

Value: $4,569

The Cobra Missile Command Headquarters is the first G.I. Joe playset to be made out of cardboard. As such, it's extremely difficult to find one that's in good shape, or never used at all.

This playset was a Sears exclusive toy and retailed for $10.99. It came with three Cobra action figures, including Cobra Commander, as well as a file cardholder. This toy was beloved enough for Hasbro to re-release it in 2017 at San Diego Comic-Con and also briefly on Hasbro's website (it sold for $54).

This playset is most valuable when it's still in the box. One unopened AFA 80 set sold for $4,569 at Hake's in 2018.

18. 1986 Terror Drome

Type of toy: Playset

Value: $4,950

The Terror Drome is a Cobra stronghold, armed with all kinds of firepower and sensors, as well as its very own jet. They could be assembled in a week and plopped down in whatever territory Cobra was looking to control, or they were sold on the secondary market to the highest bidder.

Finding a Terror Drome in a good-looking, unopened box is probably harder than getting Cobra to sell you one in the G.I. Joe universe.

An exceptional, but ungraded playset still in the box sold for $4,950 on eBay after a 47-bid bidding war in 2021.

16. 1986 Takara Japanese Cobra Commander (Tie)

Type of toy: 3.75-inch action figure

Value: $4,999.99

In 1986, Hasbro branched out to Japan, releasing 24 different G.I. Joe action figures there. The Japanese editions had ultra-bright card backs with descriptions printed in Japanese. The G.I. Joe figurines had blue card backs and the Cobras had red card backs.

The actual toys were almost identical to the ones sold in the U.S., aside from a handful of unique Japanese versions of Duke.

16. 1988 Target Exclusive Hit & Run (Tie)

Type of toy: 3.75-inch action figure with a parachute

Value: $4,999.99

Hit & Run was first released in 1988 as a part of series seven. He was sold through 1989 before being discontinued in 1990. The version pictured here is the Target exclusive edition of Hit & Run, which included a functional parachute. The package also included a green knife, a Colt 9mm submachine gun, a black duffel bag and a grappling hook.

Instructions for assembling the duffle bag and using the parachute were printed on the back of the card. Interestingly, the parachute wasn't a new concept. Hasbro repurposed it from the 1985 mail-in exclusive Parachute Pack. The Target exclusive was also unique in that the toy's file card was orange instead of gray.

15. 1983 Wolverine w/Cover Girl

Type of toy: Vehicle with 3.75-inch action figure

Value: $5,500

The Hasbro G.I. Joe Wolverine was an armored vehicle released in 1983. As one of the earliest boxed sets, it's rare to find one for sale in excellent condition. This is mostly because they were packaged in soft cardboard that was easily damaged.

The version pictured was given an 85-grade rating and comes with the original Cover Girl action figure and 12 removable Stinger missiles. It originally retailed for $5.99, so if you still have one around, consider yourself lucky!

14. 1985 G.I. Joe Orange Listen 'n Fun Tripwire

Type of toy: 3.75-inch action figure with audio cassette

Value: $5,999.99

Many G.I. Joe toys share similar features, but the G.I. Joe Listen n' Fun broke the mold. It was Hasbro's early attempt at creating a multimedia toy series. Instead of being sold in the toy aisle, it was sold in the book aisle.

Few people knew the Listen 'n Fun Tripwire existed at all because Hasbro didn't include it in the G.I. Joe catalog that was included in all the other playsets. This rare G.I. Joe toy comes with an orange Tripwire, a mine detector, three mines, a gray backpack and an audio cassette.

13. 1985 Snake Eyes With Timber

Type of toy: 3.75-inch action figure

Value: $6,000

This series 4 version of Snake Eyes comes with a backpack, Uzi, sword, and his wolf buddy Timber.

In April 2021, a 90 AFA-graded copy of this awesome little toy sold for $6,000 even on eBay.

That's a heck of a lot more than the 80 AFA copy that only sold for $635 at Hake's. But maybe the G.I. Joe market is heating up.

12. 1985 USS Flagg Aircraft Carrier

Type of toy: Vehicle

Value: $6,995

The G.I. Joe 1985 USS Flagg Aircraft Carrier & Keep Haul is a rare find indeed. It's huge, to start. Measuring 7.5 feet, the toy features a working sound system, a towing vehicle trailer and an Admiral's launch, plus one Admiral action figure.

This particular item is worth so much because it's factory-sealed. Most other sets available are missing pieces. It originally retailed for $89.99.

11. 1983 Cobra Commander Series 2

Type of toy: 3.75-inch action figure

Value: $7,670

As supreme leader of the terrorist Cobra organization and the G.I. Joe team's main villain, Cobra Commander was a must-have for all kids and collectors. It's no surprise that his all-blue maniac would fetch a high price.

The price of the series 2 Cobra Commander increases substantially if it has an explosion back. For example, an 85 AFA Cobra Commander sold for $4,080 at a Heritage Auction while an 85 AFA one with an explosion back sold for $6,100 on eBay in March 2021.

An 85 AFA version sold for $7,670 at Hake's in 2020.

10. 1964 Joezeta Adventure Team

Type of toy: 12-inch action figure with accessories

Value: $7,995

Departing from the small, plastic action figures that were so common in the 1980s, the Joezeta Adventure Team featured much larger, 12-inch figures. Each one had bendable arms and removable outfits.

This particular set included two sled dogs and a sled, and it's for sale in the original packaging. Even with some minor defects, due to pieces of tape wearing out and breaking with age, the set is worth thousands.

9. 1985 Sears Crimson Attack Tank

Type of toy: Vehicle

Value: $7,999

The G.I. Joe 1985 Sears Crimson Attack Tank was exclusively released at Sears in 1985. It was made from the same mold used for the M.O.B.A.T. in 1982, and it was only available in stores for one year.

So far, none have been sold in new, unopened condition, but one version being sold on eBay might be the exception. It originally retailed for just $11.99.

8. 1964 Joezeta Talking Adventure Pack

Type of toy: 12-inch action figure set

Value: $9,500

G.I. Joe needs wardrobe options, doesn't he? This set is for the most serious action figure collectors only, and the price is just one reason.

Hasbro originally formatted G.I. Joe in a military-style, but some of the action figures didn't age well. Hasbro had a substantial overstock to get rid of, particularly those from the 1968 Foreign Soldiers of the World line. To solve the overstock dilemma, they packaged already-made, 12-inch action figures in new, deluxe value sets that combined multiple toys for less money than buying them each separately.

The toy came with one talking action soldier and three outfits; German, Japanese and Russian. This particular version is used but in excellent condition, and it's worth a startling amount of money.

7. 1964 Joezeta Action Joe Race Car

Type of toy: Vehicle

Value: $9,750

The G.I. Joe Joezeta Action Joe Race Car is notoriously difficult to find. One of the older G.I. Joe toys made, its plastic parts were often too cracked or broken to warrant saving or selling. Those who did save one were smart.

This one available on eBay includes the original, full-color box and the race car toy. It's missing a mirror, three hub caps, a spindle and the roll bar assembly, but it's still worth more than an actual used car. The toy is free from cracks or damage, and it still has all four original wheels.

Interestingly, it's in such high demand that the seller intentionally listed few photos of the item to avoid fraudulent collectors from creating fake listings and scamming people. Yikes!

6. 1988 G.I. Joe Blizzard

Type of toy: 3.75-inch action figure

Value: $10,000

The G.I. Joe Blizzard figurine was released in the seventh series of G.I. Joe toys in 1988. He was sold for two years and discontinued in 1990.

There were still leftover Blizzard figures after they had been discontinued, however, and Hasbro had to get rid of them somehow. They solved the problem by offering them as "Skeeball" prizes at arcades and fairs across the U.S. in the early 1990s as well as Chuck E. Cheese prizes.

5. 1993 Street Fighter Ryu Hoshi 12-Inch Salesman

1993 Street Fighter Ryu Hoshi 12” Salesman

Type of toy: 12-inch action figure

Value: $10,199.96

Street Fighter Ryu Hoshi is actually a prototype figurine. Measuring 12 inches in height, the Salesman Sample 1993 G.I. Joe came from the Street Fighter Official Movie toy line. For some reason, only Colonel Guile was ever produced and sold. The rest remained prototypes, and the only ones available are samples in original Hasbro factory sealed boxes.

This item for sale on eBay was confirmed to be legitimate by AFA and CIB, and it's fully sealed. The coolest part about it is that the accessories inside are one of a kind; they were never included in the final, mass-produced version. This version of Street Fighter Ryu has long pants without any tears, a long sleeve shirt, silver swords, a black machine gun and red gauntlets. It comes with a certificate of authenticity, as any collectible worth over $10,000 should.

4. 1983 Series 2 Destro

Type of toy: 3.75-inch action figure

Value: $11,099

It's unusual for a Destro to sell at such a high price, but a 95 AFA version hit eBay in April 2021, with a starting price of $1. After a week-long bidding war with 32 bids, the selling price landed at $11,099.

A 95 AFA is an extremely high grade, of course. Most figures of the infamous weapons dealer don't go for so much. One 85 AFA copy sold for only $759 at Hake's in 2016.

3. 1983 Snake Eyes Series 2 Explosion Back

Type of toy: 3.75-inch action figure

Value: $12,900

Snake Eyes is one of the most popular G.I. Joe figure from the 1980s, so it's tough to find a figure that's still on its card.

One that sold on eBay on April 3, 2021, sold for $12,900 after 43 bids. It was an unpunched, AFA 90-graded series 2 version of the iconic character.

That's one of the highest quality examples of the series 2 Snake Eyes. Another AFA 85 version sold for a buy-it-now price for less than $5,000.

The awesome art shown above is a 1983 Snake Eyes by DokSewage.

2. 1986 G.I. Joe Series 5 B.A.T.S. 36 Back

Type of toy: 3.75-inch action figure

Value: $14,999.99

B.A.T.S., also known as B.A.T., came out as part of G.I. Joe's fifth series in 1986. He was available through 1987 before being discontinued in 1988. He came with a silver hand, a silver gripper arm attachment, a laser attachment, a torch attachment and a black backpack.

So, why the remarkably high price? In addition to the figure's rarity, it's almost unheard of to find old action figures in mint condition. This one for sale on eBay was awarded a 95 grade by AFA, which is considered mint condition. It doesn't get better than that. The item comes with a 36 back card, unpunched and a protective plastic sleeve for the AFA case.

1. 1982 Snake Eyes 11 Back

Type of toy: 3.75-inch action figure

Value: $26,400

The series 1 Snake Eyes had a straight arm (all series 2 G.I. Joe figures had a swivel arm). Other than that, the figures were identical looking.

But series 1 was the first G.I. Joe toy line, and as such, is going to command enormous prices.

The Snake Eyes that sold for an astounding $26,400 was an 85 AFA-graded version, reportedly the highest version to ever have been graded by the AFA. It sold at a Heritage Auction in April 2021. Another example, graded 75, sold for $5,523 on eBay in April 2021.

A 1982 Snake Eyes in good condition is almost always the most expensive G.I. Joe on the market.