In 1964, Hasbro launched the first-ever line of M.I. Joe toys. Seeking to exist a touch more realistic than some of its contemporaries, the manufacturing company based the action figures on four branches of the United States armed forces; Army, Navy, Air Forcefulness, and Marine Corps. Hasbro attached the word "Activeness" as a precursor to soldier, crewman, pilot, and marine; in addition, One thousand.I. Joe coined the phrase "action figure." Boasting various moving parts and diverse playsets, G.I. Joes have entertained children for decades. Describing Hasbro's belongings as industry-irresolute would not be hyperbolic.

The original 12-inch G.I. Joe transformed the toy manufacturing business, but 1982'southward iii three/four"  line produced arguably the franchise'southward most highly sought-afterwards collector's items. While realism remained an essential component, Hasbro introduced anti-enemy specialists to the equation. Suddenly, Yard.I. Joes had personality, characterization, and bad guys. The action figures came equipped with tanks, unique features, and Cobra Commander. Each playset incorporated detailed biographies and well-baked artwork, ensuring the days of a nameless Action Man discharging a generic peashooter was history.

People reacted so positively to Hasbro's new line of toys, G.I. Joe spawned multiple animated series and a couple of (terrible) movies. In 2004, Grand.I. Joe was inducted into The Strong's National Toy Hall Of Fame, an honor well-earned past Hasbro. Is there an erstwhile G.I. Joe somewhere in your closet? Is it still in mint condition? Are y'all sitting on a goldmine?

Disclaimer:Not all of the upcoming action figures are the almost expensive on the marketplace, but they serve as aprice guide for those looking to add some One thousand.I. Joes to their collection. The focus will besides exist on make new units, although used prices will be cited when there is no other option.

Updated April 20, 2021 by Marker Sammut:The activeness figure scene is constantly in a state of flux, simply certain models are forever destined to be highly sought-later by collectors. G.I. Joes are however being produced in 2021, and while the Moving ridge 3 Classified Series has plenty of positives, these newer toys cannot hope to compare to a simplistic figure from 1982 when it comes to value. Vintage and rare are not interchangeable, but they often get together when it comes to G.I. Joes. Fifty-fifty compared to 2019, the present G.I. Joe market is very different.

27 1984 Firefly ($85)

Vintage GI JOE 1984 FIREFLY 99% Complete W CUT FILECARD

One thousand.I. Joe might have originally strived for realism, simply any such ambitions were gone by the '80s. That's not to say Hasbro decommissioned soldiers, marines, and sailors; yet, the visitor conspicuously saw ninjas equally the future. Snake Eyes' success led to the creation of numerous similar characters, with some fifty-fifty serving every bit the commando's rivals.

Employed as a saboteur by Cobra, Firefly's missions usually involved the infiltration and destruction of a secure enemy outpost. Introduced in 1984 and updated multiple times over the decades, Firefly is among the license's best-known antagonists. He is likewise priced as such.

26 Mobat Tank ($152)

GI JOE MOBAT MOTORIZED OFFENSIVE BATTLE ATTACK TANK

Hasbro's detailed equipment, weapons, and vehicles helped push Chiliad.I. Joe to the side by side level. Once the movable action figures began to score big with customers, copycats apace flooded the market in the hopes of owning a piece of that Action Human pie. Endeavor equally they might, few had the resources or dedication to even approach Hasbro's immaculate toys. 1982's Motorized Battle Tank serves as a perfect instance to illustrate G.I. Joe's supremacy over all the wannabes.

If yous desire quality, you take to pay for quality. Equally the tank was discontinued in 1985, models are extremely rare. It is the definition of a collector'south detail.

25 Sideshow Destro ($325)

NEW GI Joe Sideshow Cobra DESTRO 1:6 Scale Figure

Lasting from 2009 to 2014, Sideshow Collectibles produced a modern line of One thousand.I. Joe figures under Hasbro's guidance. Equally implied by the manufacturer's name, Sideshow provides quality over quantity. Despite originating just a decade ago, purchasing any of these figures volition probable demand a fee in the hundreds.

Over the years, Sideshow has crafted detailed Sixth Scale figures based on popular movies, games, and celebrities. Want an Alice Cooper action effigy? Well, hither it is. Sideshow prices a limited edition 12" Destro at an intimidating $325, simply the figure is admittedly stunning! The villain never looked better.

24 1982 Scarlett ($379 – Used)

GI JOE Scarlett action figure

Back in the day, M.I. Joes were solely marketed to boys. In due time, manufacturers realized that ignoring 50% of the population is non a sound business strategy, but the early '80s was likewise soon for such an epiphany. As the kickoff real female hero in the franchise, Scarlett stood out due to possessing a unique mold and only being ane-of-a-kind.

Agent Scarlett proved to be quite popular, even actualization in 1985'southward original1000.I. Joeanimated series. An unsealed 1982 Scarlett can be obtained for roughly $50, only a used version with the box volition crave around $380.

23 Sideshow Cobra Commander ($399)

Sideshow G.I. Joe Cobra Commander Exclusive The Dictator 1:6 Scale Figure Cobra

Cobra Commander epitomizes everything great and awful virtually Sabbatum Morning cartoons. As the evil organization's supreme leader and perpetual thorn in the side of all Joes, Cobra Commander seeks to rule the world by manipulating governments and instigating economic upheavals. In summary, the dude is not a overnice guy.

Chris Latta'due south hammy performance in 1985's animated serial forever immortalized Cobra Commander every bit a light-headed but oddly charming villain who sacrifices nuance in favor of stealing every scene. In 2009, Sideshow Collectibles launched a new line of G.I. Joes, including an awesome Cobra Commander.

22 Roadblock: Dwayne Johnson Edition ($479)

HOT TOYS MMS199 GI Joe Retaliation Roadblock Dwayne Johnson 1/6 Figure

Critics absolutely disliked 2009's G.I. Joe: The Ascent of Cobra and fans were inappreciably significantly kinder to the incredibly loud just shockingly deadening live-activeness accommodation of the animated series from the 1980s. Despite the negative reception, the Chiliad.I. Joe'southward proper noun compelled enough people to watch this generic activity moving picture to warrant the product of a sequel.

Slightly better than its predecessor but nevertheless nothing special, G.I. Joe: Retaliation is a stupid movie that benefits profoundly from Dwayne Johnson's presence as Roadblock. Johnson is mostly just playing himself, merely that is more than enough to overshadow a sleepwalking Bruce Willis and a disinterested Channing Tatum. $400+ is a tad steep.

21 1966 Green Beret ($500 – Used)

Vintage GI Joe Green Beret With Talker Figure And Box

1966'south Light-green Beret may seem like a woefully undercooked activity figure to mod optics, but Hasbro's earliest line of G.I. Joes inverse the industry forever. Bolstered past a brilliant marketing entrada, Hasbro just needed to scribble a "Movable Fighting Man" on a box to guarantee the action figure sold similar hotcakes.

Green Beret is straightforward, simply customers appreciated this simplicity. Prior to M.I. Joe, boys refused to purchase annihilation resembling a doll. Past coining the term "action figure," Hasbro birthed a whole new market place. Gender norms have thankfully relaxed since the '60s, but action figures are Still not dolls. Brand new models are near incommunicable to find, while used versions volition cyberspace a few hundred dollars.

20 Sideshow Baroness Premium ($597)

GIJOE Sideshow Premium Format 1:4 Scale BARONESS classic version

2013'due south Archetype Baroness is the last Sideshow Grand.I. Joe mentioned on this list, with the company pricing its modern toy at just n of $550. Limited to merely 750 units, the Baroness was never cheap; all the same, the collectible's cost has more tripled in the concluding five years.

Sideshow's toys and Dwayne Johnson's figure are the but entries released during the 21st century. Once Baroness is out of the way, nosotros volition not be leaving the 20th century for the rest of this article. Once upon a fourth dimension, the older G.I. Joes could be readily purchased from your average shop, but time transformed them into collector's items. Sideshow'southward Baroness was born special.

19 Sideshow Cobra Throne ($635)

Sideshow GI Joe Cobra Throne Environment NEW 1/6 Scale

Sideshow's involvement extends across mere activity figures, as the manufacturer typically creates environmental dioramas to complement its G.I. Joes and aging stone stars. Originally priced at $199.99, Sideshow'south Cobra Throne is a beautiful model designed specifically for the company'due south 2009 Cobra Commander. Only 750 units exist of this gorgeous throne, and adding one to the drove requires a heftier investment than $200.

Obviously, a throne without a king is cipher more than a fancy chair. There is no point in purchasing Sideshow's diorama without picking upwards Cobra Commander, therefore collectors should be prepared to suspension the $1000 mark.

xviii Talking Commander ($643)

G.I Joe Adventure Team AA Talking Commander Collectors Club

The licensed grapheme's popularity rarely plays a crucial function in determining an particular's eventual cost. The more beloved a character, the more units tend to exist created. Unless dealing with a express edition model, an ignored toy is probable to hold a greater significance to collectors than a Ophidian Eyes owned by everyone.

A talking commander with a beard and piddling else, there is basically zippo special virtually this G.I. Joe. When an action figure's selling point is its life-like hair and beard, then there is probably no reason to get excited. Yet, a used copy with the box can fetch more than $600! A new re-create will roughly cost the same, although there aren't exactly plenty on the market.

17 1985 Dusty ($699)

GI Joe DUSTY 1985 MOC MOSC Hasbro Vintage

Along with the occasional glory endorsement, Hasbro commonly took inspiration from real-life people to facilitate the sculpting procedure behind an action figure. In the instance of 1985's desert trooper, the company turned inwards to its own Ron Rudat – an artist who worked on the early Joes – while designing Dusty. The activity figure's origin is fabricated even more than obvious when one takes into business relationship Dusty's existent name is Ronald Tadur.

1986'southward version tin be purchased for less than the price of a new console, simply the aforementioned cannot exist said about Dusty'southward 1985 model.

sixteen 1985 Flint ($699)

GI Joe FLINT 1985 MOC MOSC Hasbro Vintage New Factory Sealed Action Figure

Attaching the word "vintage" automatically elevates an detail's perceived value. At release, a G.I. Joe costs around $xx, merely time makes the heart grow fonder. Present, an all-new Flint costs a staggering $699, which may accept more to practice with people not especially flocking to purchase the infantry soldier when the figure originally striking shelves. In 1987, Hasbro discontinued Flintstone, presumably due to disappointing sales.

If Flint had been more successful, the toy might price far less in 2019. eBay only lists one brand new packaged 1985 Flintstone, therefore the seller can aim for the sky and expect for a collector to bite.

15 1982 Bazooka Soldier With Direct Arm ($779 – Used)

1982 Hasbro GI Joe Series 1 Zap Straight Arm 11 Back MOC Unpunched Vintage

Released in 1982 as part of G.I. Joe'southward revamped brand, Bazooka Soldier's code proper noun is Zap, but his parents know him equally Rafael J. Melendez. Compared to the likes of Snake Optics and Knuckles, Zap is not the license'southward most celebrated personality; however, winning a battle requires more super ninjas.

Due to the soldier'southward background in combat technology, Zap specializes in taking down tanks and armor units. He is the type of hero who tends to piece of work all-time when the enemy is distracted by flashier soldiers, just every successful unit of measurement needs a Rafael. Pre-owned versions are available for a reasonable toll, only a model with the package tin even toll more than $779. Just to be clear, that is used.

14 Sideshow Commando Snake Eyes ($787)

GI Joe Commando Snake Eyes 1/6 Scale sideshow Collectibles

Snake Eyes is awesome. Providing insight into a person's upbringing tin can enamor a graphic symbol to its audience, but at that place is something to exist said nearly withholding data. If practical correctly, mystery trounces amity. As a case in point, take M.I. Joe'southward Snake Eyes. While a lot is known almost the commando's military grooming and groundwork, Hasbro held dorsum from revealing the specialist's proper name, place of birth, or confront.

Snake Eyes's black bodysuit allowed the effigy to stand out amid the more often than not identical soldiers produced as office of 1982's line-up. A homo of few words merely numerous ninja moves, Snake Eyes encapsulates everything great near G.I. Joe. Sideshow'due south collectible is not cheap.

13 1983 Destro ($849)

GI Joe Destro 1983 Cobra MOC
Via viperpit.xyz

Collectibles are a gamble in the best of circumstances. As an particular'southward rarity increases and market competition steadily subsides, sellers are free to charge crazy prices. What criteria determine a production'southward value? Action figures instantly depreciate once the packaging is opened; in fact, pre-owned versions tin hands be found for 5% of the price of a new model. Even if the item is practically identical, the uncomplicated act of resealing a package is plenty to greatly devalue a toy.

Are y'all searching for an unopened 1983 Destro? There is some adept and bad news. The toy is bachelor to purchase, simply beggars cannot be choosers.

12 1982 Mickey Mouse Cobra Commander ($1,250)

GI Joe 1982 Cobra Commander mail-in w/ card Factory Sealed Bag! Straight Arm C9+

In spite of what the name may imply, Disney has nothing to practice with Cobra's supreme leader. "Mickey Mouse" refers to the undetailed logo painted on the first batch of Cobra Commanders produced in 1982. Compared to the version released merely a year later, the original seemed poorly equipped to handle the trials and tribulations associated with running an system seeking to rule the world.

Unsurprisingly, Cobra "Mickey Mouse" Commander is amongst the license's most sought-later collector'southward items. Pre-owned copies fetch a few hundred dollars, but discovering one in its original mailer box is alike to finding the holy grail. Somehow, here is a toy that is simultaneously outdated and priceless.

11 1983 Duke ($1,800)

1983 GI JOE DUKE unopened sealed bubbled redback mail away figure + bonus

Knuckles has a solid case for being the license's most revered graphic symbol, although Cobra Commander and Snake Eyes would probably object to any such claim. Introduced as a special postal service-away effigy, Duke is fluent in multiple languages and serves every bit the Joes' field commander. Believing a supervisor should stand aslope his soldiers on the battlefield, Duke is highly respected by those who fight with or against him.

Duke is the hero. For all intents and purposes, the commander serves as G.I. Joe's de facto protagonist, particularly following 2005's Sigma 6 anime. The mail-away model is quite rare.

x 1984 Cobra Ninja, Aka Storm Shadow ($ii,050)

Gi Joe Vintage 1984 STORM SHADOW

Whether fighting with or against the G.I. Joes, Storm Shadow is always 1 cool client! Certain combinations are simply too awesome to ruin, and a special forces ninja is among them. Not convinced? Okay – how near this? Storm Shadow has appeared in every single G.I. Joe animated serial and 2009's G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra. The cartoons may take been designed to sell toys, but only action figures with market potential warranted a moment in the spotlight. Storm Shadow has never left.

Tempest Shadow remains as incredible equally the day the toy was released, which might explain why a pristine version can cost above $ii,050.

9 1982 Mobile Missile System ($2,499)

1982 Mobile Missile System Gi Joe

Debuting in 1982 simply only lasting a couple of years, the MMS came packed with plenty of firepower and an operative trained to brand the nigh out of it. Hawk is the effigy in question, although his model does non really resemble the chiseled driver on the package's cover fine art.

If a collector is searching for a sealed box, so they have to be prepared to put down some hard cash, and that is permitting they manage to actually find ane on sale.

eight 1982 Snake Eyes With Straight Arm ($ii,600)

1982 Hasbro GI Joe Series 1 Snake Eyes - Straight Arm - RARE 9 BACK

There is no surpassing the original. When it comes to price, 1982'southward Serpent Eyes is not the most ludicrously expensive Thou.I. Joe on the market; nevertheless, owning such a significant toy requires quite an investment. Is it too much? Perhaps, but this is a super rare Serpent Eyes in mind condition. The toy is vintage!

Funnily enough, Hasbro created Snake Eyes to save coin. Due to the figure's black attire and non-descript face up, the commando demanded less paint and resources to put together. Basically, G.I. Joe's iconic ninja started out as a upkeep toy. Snake Eyes is the ultimate overachiever. If someone wants a brand new vintage Snake Eyes with Wolf, $2,600 might not fifty-fifty exist plenty.

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