Buzz
Toys can either come and go with trends, like the infamous Black Friday sensation Tickle Me Elmo, or they can have lasting appeal. One notable example of the latter is G.I. Joe, the military fantasy-combat toy line from Hasbro, which first appeared in 1964 and has enjoyed almost continuous availability ever since.
Thanks to a dedicated following fueled by cartoons, movies, and nostalgia, various G.I. Joe toys have become highly valuable collector’s items over time. The peak of this craze occurred in 2003 when comic book dealer and collector Steve Geppi paid $200,000 for the original 12-inch Joe prototype doll from the collection of creator Don Levine.
Though sales like that are rare, recent G.I. Joe figures still fetch impressive prices. If you happen to own any of the Marvel Comics-inspired 3.75-inch figures from the 1980s, you might have a small fortune on your hands.
Keep in mind the usual disclaimer: Collectors willing to pay top prices prefer their items in mint condition and still in the packaging. Having items authenticated by a professional grading service can increase their value. The better the condition, the higher the price. While many G.I. Joe toys can fetch a good price even without their original packaging, having their accessories is definitely a plus. Check out 15 of the most valuable G.I. Joe toys currently circulating in the secondary market, with actual auction results proving their worth.
Table of Contents
G.I. Joe USS Flagg (1984) // $5000
At 7 feet 6 inches in length and 3 feet in width, the USS Flagg is likely the largest action figure playset ever produced. Due to its many components and impressive size, securing a complete, boxed version (originally priced at $99.97) can cost $5000 or more. Even unboxed, the set can still fetch around $3719.
G.I. Joe Headquarters Command Center (1983) // $3500
The large Command Center playset provided G.I. Joe fans with everything needed to defend their base, from turrets and reinforced plastic walls to a helipad. According to YoJoe.com, some of the plastic clips that held the accessories broke easily, making a complete set hard to come by. Originally priced at $24.95, a boxed set recently fetched $3500 on eBay, while an unboxed version typically goes for around $155.
G.I. Joe Snake Eyes (1982) // $3050
Snake Eyes, the silent assassin, has been a fan favorite since his debut in the 1980s G.I. Joe lineup. Like many of the early figures, Snake Eyes could only turn his head left and right, not up or down. The 1982 figure, originally priced at $2.99, sold for $3050 at auction recently. However, if the condition and timing are just right, prices can skyrocket. In 2021, a near-mint version with rarer straight arms (instead of swivel) was sold by Heritage Auctions for $26,400. Later that year, another one in slightly worse condition went for $9000. A loose version might fetch between $60 and $160 on eBay.
G.I. Joe Snow Cat (1985) // $2499
The Snow Cat, priced at $6.59, became a fan favorite thanks to its dual functionality: it could transport and store up to 10 G.I. Joe figures. However, kids often had trouble keeping the windshield wiper intact, making a flawless version hard to find. A boxed Snow Cat recently sold for $2499 on eBay, while a loose one goes for around $163.
G.I. Joe Skimobile Polar Battle Bear (1983) // $2100
This snow-ready vehicle, which originally cost $3.19 when released in 1983, can now command up to $2100 on eBay if it’s still in its original box. However, a loose, broken version only sold for $38.
G.I. Joe Firefly (1984) // $2017
The Cobra saboteur with the iconic ‘swivel-arm battle grip’ can be quite challenging to find in top condition. On eBay, recent listings have averaged $2017, with some reaching as high as $3700. Even a loose figure with opened packaging has been known to sell for $270.
G.I. Joe Hovercraft (1984) // $1725
The Joes often ventured into the water to face off against Cobra, as seen with this hovercraft known as the Killer W.H.A.L.E. (Warrior Hovering Assault Launching Envoy, of course). Originally priced at $17.99 in the 1980s, it came with a pilot named Cutter. A boxed version recently sold for $1725 on eBay, while a loose one went for $580.
G.I. Joe Scarlett (1982) // $1558
Scarlett, the Joes' fiery-haired heroine, was part of the initial wave of $2.29 figures for the 1980s collection. Although she has sold for as much as $2999, the average price is around $1558. Without its packaging, her value drops to approximately $42.
G.I. Joe Major Bludd (1983) // $1440
The Cobra henchman with a rather fitting name, Major Bludd, can be quite elusive. In 2021, he sold for as much as $1440, though a loose version can be found for as low as $14. The figure is known to have different poems (yes, poems) on the back of its packaging, but collectors believe none of them is any rarer than the others.
G.I. Joe Cobra Missile Command Headquarters (1982) // $1436
The Cobra villains' hideout was one of the first playsets released for the Joes. Originally priced at $10.99, it had a major flaw in terms of durability: the entire set was constructed from cardboard. Today, depending on its condition, it can fetch around $1436.
G.I. Joe Baroness (1984) // $1320
The infamous Cobra femme fatale was initially marketed under the more generic title of 'Cobra Intelligence Officer.' In 2021, a figure still in its packaging sold for $1320, although another one went for a more modest $500. A loose version can be found for around $70, but collectors are cautious about figures with worn paint.
G.I. Joe Defiant (1987) // $1250
In 1987, Hasbro sent the Joes into space with the Defiant, a shuttle and launch complex that brought the battle beyond Earth’s boundaries. Priced at $99.99, this playset came with many small parts that were easily lost, making a complete boxed set a rare find. Even an incomplete version recently sold for $1250.
G.I. Joe Storm Shadow (1984) // $1100
Cobra's iconic ninja, Storm Shadow, debuted in 1984. Although it initially retailed for $2.29, its current average value is around $1100, with the price soaring depending on the figure's condition. In 2021, one figure sold for an impressive $2280 at auction. A loose version with the file card went for $160 on eBay.
G.I. Joe “Mickey Mouse” Cobra Commander (1982) // $860
The most notorious villain in G.I. Joe history has an interesting backstory. When Cobra Commander was first released in 1982, his insignia was poorly designed, causing it to resemble the shape of Mickey Mouse's ears. This “Mickey Mouse” variant is highly sought after by collectors. Originally offered as a mail-away item, it now sells for $325 to $525 when loose. Unlike most collectibles, this figure is actually preferred without packaging, as it never came with one in the first place.
G.I. Joe Shipwreck (1985) // $660
The nautical G.I. Joe character, complete with his trusty parrot, is a rare find both in and out of the box. Unlike many other figures, Shipwreck's sculpt was never repurposed for different characters. Still in its original packaging, this figure, which once retailed for $2.29, has been known to sell for $660. A loose version of Shipwreck can fetch between $61 and $95.
