Transformers were an absolute sensation when they first hit the market in 1984. Originally retailing from $10 to $30 depending on the size of the toy, these little plastic and metal robots flew off the shelves. Most kids ripped them from their packaging and endlessly re-enacted the fight between the Autobots and Decepticons, scratching their plastic and losing their accessories.
Fast-forward almost four decades later, and the Transformers franchise is still motoring along with new TV shows, new toy lines and a whole new series of blockbuster films. Kids who played with Transformers in the '80s are now adults with money, and nostalgia can do wonders for the collectible toy market.
Transformers toys that are still in good condition and have the box are now extremely valuable, and some of them can fetch 10 to 100 times their original price tag at auction. Starscream, Megatron, Optimus Prime, Hot Rod and all your other favorite Transformers toys and collectibles can be found here, although the most valuable Transformers toy might surprise you.
40. G1 Metroplex
Type of toy: Action figure/playset
Value: $1,073
* To compile this list, we used the most expensive version of a toy or collectible we could find. So, if an Optimus Prime sold for $5,000 but another sold for $10,000, we went with the higher-priced version.
Why It's So Valuable
Mercari
Metroplex is a massive Autobot who can transform into a literal city — possibly all of Autobot City (that's never made clear).
A slow, lumbering robot that's full of self-worry, Metroplex's action figure is more like a playset. But he's also an action figure because he transforms into a big, gun-wielding robot. One of these figures still sealed in the box sold at Hake's for $1,073.
39. G1 Tailgate
eBay
Type of toy: Mini action figure
Value: $1,100 (estimated)
Why It's So Valuable
eBay
Tailgate was one of the mini vehicles from the G1 line of toys. He's an impulsive sanitation robot with a magnet on his bumper, which he uses to tailgate the enemy. Or anyone else.
One of these figures in 85 AFA-graded figures went up for $1,350 on eBay, but sold at "best offer accepted" price. We're estimating its worth at $1,100 in this condition.
38. G1 Perceptor
Type of toy: Action figure
Value: $1,232
Why It's So Valuable
eBay
Perceptor is quite literally a walking microscope, so it makes sense that he's one of the brainiest Autobots and their top scientist.
This toy is an actual microscope, too. Not a great one, mind you — the thing only magnifies up to 14 times, but it's certainly a cool feature.
One of these Perceptors still in the box and graded 75 AFA sold for $1,233 after a 39-bid bidding war on eBay.
37. Beast Wars Optimus Primal
eBay
Type of toy: Action figure
Value: $1,250
Why It's So Valuable
Mercari
With "Beast Wars," Hasbro relaunched Transformers with a whole new look and appeal. No longer transforming into cars and jets, these Autobot and Decepticon descendants could morph into jungle beasts.
This toy line, from 1997's Kenner line, is difficult to find in the box and in good condition. One graded 85 AFA sold for $1,250 on eBay in June 2020.
36. G1 Ratbat and Frenzy
tundro / eBay
Type of toy: Mini action figure
Value: $1,320
Why It's So Valuable
eBay
Ratbat and Frenzy are two of Soundwave's loyal pets. They transform into cassettes and can often be found inside Soundwave's body, which is creepy, but so is Soundwave.
Ratbat is a bat that likes to drink fuel, and Frenzy likes to cause general mayhem with his sonic attacks.
Finding these guys in their original 1986 packaging is very rare. A 42-bid bidding war drove this price up to $1,230 for them, and it wasn't even AFA graded — although the card back was unpunched.
35. G1 Darkwing
eBay
Type of toy: Action figure
Value: $1,325
Why It's So Valuable
eBay
Darkwing and his buddy Dreadwind were two of the most cynical (and, in retrospect, depressed) Transformers characters ever created. They weren't friendly depressed, either, as they wanted to watch the world burn and bring everyone down to their level of suffering.
They also made awesome toys. An original Darkwing graded at 70 AFA sold for $1,325 after 24 bids on eBay.
If you had them both, you could combine Darkwing and Dreadwind to make Dreadwing, a superjet.
34. Diaclone Lucky Draw Gold Porsche 935
Type of toy: Action figure
Value: $1,500
Why It's So Valuable
This gold-plated Porsche 935 was a Takara Diaclone Lucky Draw campaign prize in 1983.
Lucky Draw items were extremely limited versions of those that were mass released and awarded to contest winners through Japanese children's magazines. They usually came in gold or silver or were non-chrome with new color schemes.
This toy went to auction in unused condition still its box, all of which remains intact.
33. G1 Jazz
eBay
Type of toy: Action figure
Value: $1,508
Why It's So Valuable
The jive-talking cool cat from Transformers, Jazz was one of the coolest Autobots in the 1980s.
This robot in disguise transforms into a race car and can be very difficult to find in toy form, at least for one in great condition.
One 80 AFA-graded sold for a touch over $1,500 in April 2020, with 34 bids driving up the price.
32. G1 Sludge
Type of toy: Action figure
Value: $1,525
Why It's So Valuable
eBay
If you were a kid in the 1980s and loved Transformers, the Dinobots were some of the coolest characters around. They combined both giant robots and dinosaurs — how could it not work?
Sludge was the dumbest Dinobot (and they were pretty dumb to begin with). He's based on a brontosaurus and has a gnarly-looking jaw with serrated teeth.
One of these figures sold for $1,525 on eBay. It was new in the box but wasn't even graded.
31. C-16 Galva Lio Convoy Lucky Draw
Type of toy: Action figure
Value: $1,599
Why It's So Valuable
Only 50 of the C-16 Galva Convoy were ever created, making this one of the "holy grail" items for collectors.
It was redesigned for a Lucky Draw promotion as a redecorated version of a Japanese exclusive Galva Convoy Transformer.
Collectors often think of this as a mix of Convoy (with its black colors) and Galvatron.
30. Takara Diaclone Corvette Stingray
Type of toy: Action figure
Value: $1,687
Why It's So Valuable
This cute 'Vette is known as "Red Tracks," which later became the Blue Transformer called "Tracks."
With its three-mode transforming design, the rare toy is highly desirable among collectors.
29. HasLab Unicron
eBay
Type of toy: Action figure
Value: $1,700-$2,500
Why It's So Valuable
R&R Toys N Collectibles / Facebook
We had to wait over 30 years to get a proper Unicron toy (it's theorized that the toy never went into production due to cost concerns), but in 2020, it finally happened. Hasbro crowdfunded a limited edition line of these amazing toys with 8,000 backers pledging $575 to get this thing made.
Haslab released the toy in 2020. It weighed 20 pounds, stood 27-inches tall in robot mode and had more than 50 points of articulation.
The only way to get your hands on it today is to shell out between $1,700 and $2,500 on eBay.
28. G1 Mindwipe
eBay
Type of toy: Action figure
Value: $1,825
Why It's So Valuable
eBay
Mindwipe is a Transformer who can speak with the dead. Or so he thinks. In reality, he's just hearing old radio broadcasts and television shows from Earth.
When he's not trying to commune with the metaphysical, he's hypnotizing people and robots with his eyes.
Have a Mindwipe in great condition? You could afford some sessions of hypnotherapy. This bat-winged robot sold for $1,825 on eBay. It was AFA 80.
27. G1 Cliffjumper
Type of toy: Action figure
Value: $1,900
Why It's So Valuable
eBay
Part of the Autobot Mini Vehicles line, Cliffjumper was initially MC-04 #01 Porsche 924 Turbo. Cliffjumper uses the same transformation scheme as Bumblebee, but is an altogether different mold.
Both Transfomers were red and yellow during the first G1 years to make the line appear bigger. However, this particular toy's color is believed to be from a production error, according to Live Auctioneers.
26. G1 Red Alert
eBay
Type of toy: Action figure
Value: $2,000 (estimated)
Why It's So Valuable
TransFormerLand
Red Alert is a paranoid security Autobot who has more false alarms than real ones. As a car, he resembles a Lamborghini, but he was only given a speed rating of 3 on the box, which is pretty dang slow.
One of these Red Alerts graded 75 AFA went up on eBay for $2,500, but the buyer accepted the best offer. We're putting an estimate here of $2,000.
25. G1 Grimlock
Type of toy: Action figure
Value: $2,047
Why It's So Valuable
eBay
Grimlock is the strongest Dinobot and therefore the de facto leader of the prehistoric robot crew. Plus, he's a T-rex. Of course, he's going to be the leader.
He's almost all brawn and doesn't particularly love the Autobots, but he can't stand to see the enemy win. Grimlock mostly yells "Me Grimlock" while crushing things in his jaws.
A sealed Grimlock that wasn't graded sold for $2,047 at Hake's in 2016.
24. Black Zarak D-311
Type of toy: Action figure
Value: $2,200
Why It's So Valuable
eBay
Black Zarak has the body of a G1 Scorponok but in black and gold. However, he's a retool with a new head. He is the corrupt leader in a council of tyrannical overlords known as the Hive.
Many of these toys have suffered something called "GPS" or Gold Plastic Syndrome, in which their parts become brittle and shatter over time.
As you can see, a Black Zarak with its pieces intact in the original box can fetch a pretty penny.
23. 2006 BotCon Dawn of Futures Past
eBay
Type of toy: Boxed set
Value: $2,250
Why It's So Valuable
BotCon was an official Transformers convention that ran from 1994 to 2016 before it was replaced by HasCon, Hasbro's general convention.
Exclusive toys were sold at BotCon, and since they were all limited edition, it's no surprise that they're expensive.
This boxed set from the "Timelines" series includes five Transformers.
22. 2008 Botcon Shattered Glass
eBay
Type of toy: Boxed set
Value: $2,400
Why It's So Valuable
The "Shattered Glass" line of toys featured toys from a mirror universe where the Decepticons are the good guys and the Autobots are the bad guys.
This boxed set includes five Transformers: Optimus Prime, Jazz, Starscream, Grimlock and Goldbug. Prime is an evil, purple-and-green truck.
One of these sets sold for $2,400 on eBay, ungraded.
21. G1 Trailbreaker
eBay
Type of toy: Action figure
Value: $2,500
Why It's So Valuable
eBay
Trailbreaker is a Transformer who, in G1, transforms into a camper van. He's full of self-deprecating humor and consumes the most energy out of any other Autobot, which makes him feel a bit bad about himself. Don't gas-guzzle shame.
An 80 AFA-graded Trailbreaker sold for $2,500 on eBay.
20. G3 Cyclonus Blue Ear Variant
collectibleinvestmentbrokerage / eBay
Type of toy: Action figure
Value: $2,950
Why It's So Valuable
eBay
Cyclonus is a tough-as-nails and unusually loyal Decepticon who is frequently slapped around by Megatron, for whatever reason. He has no real personality other than to make war, and he's extremely powerful.
Some Cyclonus G1 figures came with blue "ears," the painted tips on his head. The common figures had silver ears, but these blue ears were made from some of the early parts in the production run.
In the collectible world, variants mean expensive. One of these blue-eared baddies sold for $2,950 on eBay in June 2021 after 52 bids.
19. G1 Motormaster
rarevintagetransformers / eBay
Type of toy: Action figure
Value: $2,995
Why It's So Valuable
Motormaster is the leader of the Stunticons with one simple goal: Be the king of the road. What does that mean? Being able to smash through anything on the road to prove dominance, apparently.
And also kill Optimus Prime, the other big truck.
One of these Motormasters that was graded 80 AFA sold for nearly $3,000 on eBay.
18. Casio G-SHOCK Transformer
Type of toy: Action figure/wearable watch
Value: $3,000
Why It's So Valuable
How cool is this? This unique collab between G-SHOCK and Transformers, both Japanese companies, was a hit around the world.
When not a wearable timepiece, the transformer robot serves as a pedestal for the watch.
17. Series 2 Bumblebee
Type of toy: Action figure
Value: $3,025
Why It's So Valuable
What makes this Bumblebee unique is its paint job. Red was meant to give the line variety — and make it look like there was more product — but it only lasted for a couple of runs in the early 1980s.
Its card is CAS-graded 85+ and has been punched.
16. G1 Hot Rod
eBay
Type of toy: Action figure
Value: $3,185
Why It's So Valuable
Mercari
Hot Rod is the young, impetuous Autobot who becomes Rodimus Prime in the "Transformers" movie and helps destroy Unicron after Optimus Prime kicks the bucket.
Hot Rod is one of the main Transformers characters and a popular toy. One of these with an impressive 90 AFA grade sold for $3,185 in 2021 on eBay.
15. G1 Windsweeper
Type of toy: Mini action figure
Value: $3,261
Why It's So Valuable
Windsweeper is a Decepticon sanitation bot that turns into a bomber jet. He's a Triggercon, which were Decepticon toys with a spring-loaded "trigger" gimmick, amounting to a couple of guns springing forward.
He's also pretty expensive, especially for a minifig. A 90 AFA-graded version sold for $3,361 on eBay in June 2021.
14. Optimus Prime Dark of the Moon Statue
eBay
Type of toy: Statue
Value: $3,500
Why It's So Valuable
Old Transformers fans might not be as thrilled with Michael Bay's take on the series, but it certainly has its fans. Some of the most expensive Transformers collectibles outside of movie memorabilia are these intricate statues by Prime 1 Studio.
The statue above sold on eBay for $3,500. It's the Brute Force version.
13. G1 Megatron
glandslamsox / eBay
Type of toy: Action figure
Value: $3,800
Why It's So Valuable
Meracri
Megatron is the leader of the Decepticons and mortal enemy of Optimus Prime. Voiced by Frank Welker (in the original cartoon), Megatron is one of the most iconic characters from the era.
He also has the strange ability to transform into a gun, which needs to be fired by someone else. That might sound weird in Transformers world, but it made for one awesome toy.
The original Megatron toy turns into a Walther P38 gun with a large sight and extended stock. The Megatron toy itself looked kind of silly, but the gun was awesome.
If you want one in the box, these can get expensive. An 80 AFA-graded Megatron sold for $3,800 on eBay in May 2021. Expect to pay more for higher graded versions.
12. G1 Grapple
wangshachincho / eBay
Type of toy: Action figure
Value: $4,102
Why It's So Valuable
Grapple is one of the Autobot's best architects. He transforms into an orange crane and comes with a spring-loaded missile launcher and an arc-welder rifle.
While we're not sure if Grapple is a fan-favorite Autobot, someone was willing to pay big bucks for a 90 AFA-graded version of him. From a starting bid of $1, Grapple fanatics pushed the price all the way up to $4,100 over the course of seven days on eBay.
11. G1 Ramjet
eBay
Type of toy: Action Figure
Value: $4,172
Why It's So Valuable
eBay
Ramjet's whole battle strategy is to turn into a plane and just ram things. It's kind of strange, since he's an F-15, but it's effective. Can robots get concussions?
The Ramjet toy that sold for an astounding $4,172 was a 90 AFA-graded one. Toys graded that high from the original Transformers line are extremely hard to find, and a 30-bid bidding war drove the price way up.
10. Diaclone Lancia Stratos
Type of toy: Action figure
Value: $4,250
Why It's So Valuable
This rare pre-Transformer features cigarette company stickers and is colored like a pack of Marlboros — bone white and red.
Made by Takara, the impossible-to-find Lancia Stratos was in top condition with its pieces intact when it fetched $4,250 at auction in 2016.
9. G1 Inferno
eBay
Type of toy: Action figure
Value: $4,550
Why It's So Valuable
Inferno is a rescue bot that's best buds with the neurotic Red Alert. Unlike his friend, Inferno is ready to throw himself into the thick of the fight.
Fearless and with a body that can withstand extreme temperatures, Inferno transforms into a firetruck with an extendable ladder. He has spring-loaded missiles on his arms and an extinguisher rifle.
The main reason why this Inferno sold for so much was that it was graded 90 by the AFA. Fifty-eight bids drove the price up.
8. G1 Fortress Maximus
eBay
Type of toy: Action figure
Value: $5,000
Why It's So Valuable
Mercari
Fortress Maximus is a massive Autobot that transforms into a base. He doesn't really like to fight, though. He's tired of war.
Released in 1987, Fortress Maximus was the largest Transformers toy ever produced. According to the Transformers Wiki, no other toy was bigger than Maximus for 25 years. The giant Autobot stood 22 inches tall and retailed for almost $100 — the equivalent of $240 today.
The Maximus that sold for $5,000 on eBay was sealed and unused. It wasn't even graded by the AFA, but it was clearly in good condition.
7. G1 Soundwave
iamratchet / eBay
Type of toy: Action figure
Value: $5,500
Why It's So Valuable
eBay
One of Megatron's most loyal henchmen, Soundwave is a cold and calculating Decepticon that's capable of reading minds.
He was also the Decepticon's main — and only — communications officer. He transforms into a cassette tape so he can record and blackmail people. He also has cassette-shaped transforms that turn into animals living inside him.
Soundwave is a fan favorite Decepticon and, as such, his toy can command high prices. An 80+ AFA-graded version sold for $5,000 on eBay.
6. G1 Starscream
Type of toy: Action figure
Value: $5,891
Why It's So Valuable
eBay
Starscream is a conniving Decepticon who's always looking to overthrow Megatron, but he loses every single time, usually in a hilariously stupid fashion. For whatever reason, Megatron keeps him around, only for Starscream to try and take control of the Decepticons once again.
Starscream is another fan-favorite toy, thanks largely to the shrieking voice given to him by the late Christopher Collins in the original cartoon.
The most expensive Starscream that ever sold (and that we could track down), was a 90 AFA-graded one, which sold for $5,891 at a Hake's auction in 2019.
5. Diaclone Fairlady Z Blue
Type of toy: Action figure
Value: $6,000
Why It's So Valuable
This "Blue Bluestreak" pre-Transformer is another must-have for collectors.
The robot has never been re-released and has no add-on parts. This particular item has never been used and, in near mint plus condition, is worth every penny.
4. Diaclone Big Powered Convoy
Type of toy: Action figure
Value: $9,000
Why It's So Valuable
Made by Takara, the Convoy is often referred to as "Diaclone Ultra Magnus," or "Movie Magnus," due to the use of its mold in the 1986 movie.
When it was sold for about $9,000 in 2012, this particular item included rare packing items, longer head horns, a unique color variant of its trailer, and was mostly unused.
3. Transformers #1 Signed by Stan Lee
eBay
Type of toy: Comic book
Value: $9,500
Why It's So Valuable
eBay
Non-signed, highly graded copies of the first "Transformers" comic can fetch between $1,000 and $3,000. But the most expensive one of them all is a 9.8-graded copy signed by the late, legendary Stan Lee.
While Stan Lee had nothing to do with Transformers — he didn't write or draw the comic — it was a Marvel comic book and, well, it's Stan Lee. His signature on any comic book is highly coveted.
One of these (possibly the only one?) sold for an incredible $9,500 in early 2021.
2. G1 Pepsi Optimus Prime
eBay
Type of toy: Action figure
Value: $10,000
Why It's So Valuable
eBay
The Pepsi variant of everyone's favorite Autobot is often the most expensive Transformers toy on the market (if it's in good condition). This Optimus Prime is the same as the other toy, only it has Pepsi decals and was only available in North America, and it's rarer than the regular version.
An Optimus Prime with the Pepsi decals can fetch a whole lot of money at auction if it's in good condition. One was listed on eBay for $12,000 but was sold for the best offer accepted. We're knocking $2,000 off the price for an even $10,000 figure. That was an 85 AFA-graded version. A higher-quality toy would fetch much higher.
Don't believe us? Just check out the price on the most expensive Transformers toy ever sold.
1. G1 Jetfire
Type of toy: Action figure
Value: $24,806
Why It's So Valuable
Incredibly, the most expensive Transformers toy isn't an Optimus Prime or Megatron. It's for Jetfire, an Autobot scientist who defected from the Decepticons that turns into a jet.
We're not entirely sure why this one sold for nearly $25,000, other than it was in really, really good condition. It was given a 90+ AFA grade, which is nearly impossible to find in any Transformers figure. It looks like it just came out of a factory box delivered to Toys R Us.
This beauty sold on Feb. 25, 2021, at Hake's Auctions. That does include an 18 percent buyer's premium, but there's no getting around that kind of stuff when it comes to super high-valued toys.