Original 1977 Star Wars 12-Back Figures MOC

When Star Wars hit theaters in May 1977, Kenner had no toys ready. The demand was so overwhelming that Kenner sold empty boxes - "Early Bird Certificate" packages - promising figures would come later. When the first twelve figures finally shipped in early 1978 on cards showing just 12 available characters, they created what collectors now call the "12-back" - the most sought-after card back variation in vintage Star Wars collecting. A Darth Vader on a 12-back card in AFA 85 grade recently sold for $3,749.

Quick Value Summary


Item	Original Star Wars 12-Back Figures MOC (Kenner)
Year	1977–1978
Category	Toys & Figures - Star Wars
Manufacturer	Kenner
Original Retail	$1.99 per figure
The 12 Figures	Luke, Leia, R2-D2, C-3PO, Vader, Stormtrooper, Ben Kenobi, Han Solo, Chewbacca, Jawa, Death Squad Commander, Sand People
Condition Range
Loose, Complete Figure	$20 – $200
MOC, AFA 70-80	$500 – $2,000
MOC, AFA 85+ (key characters)	$1,500 – $3,750+
Record Sales	Darth Vader AFA 85: $3,749 · Luke AFA 85: $2,500
Rarity	Common (loose) / Rare (MOC, high grade)

The Story

Kenner wasn't prepared for Star Wars. Nobody was. The movie became the highest-grossing film of all time, and every kid in America wanted the toys. Kenner had licensed the rights, but manufacturing takes time. Their solution was audacious: sell an empty box with a certificate redeemable for the first four figures (Luke, Leia, Chewbacca, R2-D2) when they became available.

The "Early Bird" mail-away was a gamble that paid off spectacularly. Parents paid for a promise, and kids waited months. When the first figures finally hit shelves in early 1978, they came on card backs featuring photos of just 12 characters - the entire line at that point. These "12-back" cards are the earliest retail packaging for Star Wars figures.

Four card back variants exist (12-A through 12-D), with slight differences in layout, SKU placement, and printing. The 12-A is the earliest and most valuable. Between 1978 and 1985, Kenner sold over 300 million Star Wars figures. But those first twelve, on their original cards, are where the story - and the value - starts.

How to Identify It

What Makes a "12-Back"

Turn the card over. If the back shows exactly 12 figures with no more, you have a 12-back. Later releases showed 20, 21, or more figures as the line expanded. The 12-back is always the first and most collectible card variation.

The 12 Figures

Luke Skywalker
Princess Leia Organa
R2-D2
C-3PO
Darth Vader
Stormtrooper
Ben (Obi-Wan) Kenobi
Han Solo
Chewbacca
Jawa (cloth cape - vinyl cape Jawas are a different, rarer animal)
Death Squad Commander (later renamed Star Destroyer Commander)
Sand People (Tusken Raider)

Card Variants

12-A: Earliest. SKU #38270 series
12-B: Minor printing changes
12-C: Layout adjustments
12-D: Latest 12-back variant before transition to 20-back

Key Condition Factors

Unpunched hang tab - significantly more valuable than punched
Bubble clarity - yellowed or cracked bubbles reduce grade
Card corners - bends, creases, or soft corners lower value
Figure paint - visible through the bubble, paint quality affects grade

Value by Figure (MOC, AFA 85 Unpunched)

Figure	AFA 85 Value
Darth Vader (12-A)	$3,749
Luke Skywalker (12-A)	$2,500
Stormtrooper (12-B)	$1,605
Han Solo (12-A)	$1,524
C-3PO (12-back)	$775
Princess Leia (AFA 80)	$715

Why the spread: Darth Vader and Luke are the most popular characters. Stormtroopers have a cult following. C-3PO and support characters command less. But any 12-back figure in AFA 85+ is worth over $500.

Loose Figures

Condition	Value per Figure
Played with, incomplete	$10 – $30
Good, complete with weapon	$30 – $80
Excellent, complete	$80 – $200

Authentication & Fakes

AFA (Action Figure Authority) grading is the standard for serious Star Wars figure collecting
Resealed bubbles - some unscrupulous sellers reattach bubbles to improve appearance. Check for glue residue or inconsistent sealing
Reproduction cards exist. Compare printing quality, card stock, and back layout to known authentic examples
Original price stickers from 1977-78 retailers actually add value - they confirm the card's age

Where to Sell

Heritage Auctions - Regular vintage Star Wars toy sales
Hake's Auctions - Pop culture and toy specialist
eBay - The largest market for vintage Star Wars figures. AFA-graded items with good photos sell at strong premiums
Star Wars collector conventions - Direct access to serious buyers

Get figures graded by AFA before selling carded examples. The difference between an ungraded card and an AFA 85 is substantial.

Not sure what your Star Wars figures are worth? Upload a photo to Curio Comp for a free AI estimate. Upload a photo →

Common Questions

How much are 12-back Star Wars figures worth?

Loose: $10 to $200 depending on figure and condition. MOC (mint on card): $500 to $3,750+ depending on figure, card variant, and AFA grade. Key characters (Vader, Luke, Han) command the highest prices.

What does "12-back" mean?

It refers to the card back showing only 12 available figures. This was the first retail packaging for Star Wars figures. Later card backs showed 20, 21, or more figures as the line expanded.

Is my Star Wars figure from the first wave?

Check the card back. If it shows exactly 12 figures, it's a 12-back from the first wave (1978). If it shows more, it's a later release. Loose figures are harder to date - look at the copyright information on the figure's leg.

Does the card variant matter?

Yes. The 12-A (earliest) is generally most valuable. But at AFA 85+ grade, any 12-back variant commands strong prices. The figure and grade matter more than the specific A/B/C/D variant.