G.I. Joe Vintage Collectibles: Prices and Values

G. I. Joe, "America's Movable Fighting Man" was introduced to boys in 1964 with four 12-inch action figures (Action Soldier, Action Sailor, Action Marine, and Action Pilot) and 75 supporting products, such as vehicles and accessories. Each figure also came with dog tags. It was a gamble for Hasbro, whether boys would take to them or whether they'd be shunned as dolls. They needn't have worried. A Black soldier was introduced in 1965, with more soldiers in 1966, as well as a talking G.I. Joe a year later. In 1967, Hasbro tried to introduce a nurse, but she sold poorly; thus, she's a valuable collectible.

Joe's military service ended in 1968; then he became an adventurer: Aquanaut, Astronaut, Frogman, and Underwater Diver.

Since these toys were heavily played with, condition means a lot in valuing your collectibles. The original figures had 21 moveable parts and painted hair. In 1970, the heads changed to have flocked hair.

Eight-inch figures came out starting in 1977, and following the popularity of the smaller Star Wars action figures, similarly sized G.I. Joes emerged in the late '70s and early '80s—several hundred, in fact, tied in with comics and the Saturday morning cartoon.

The figures that attract collectors, though, are the originals from the 1960s.

01
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G.I. Joe Watch

G I Joe watch
Courtesy of Hake's Americana and Collectibles

Deep plastic case with raised eagle and "GI Joe" logo on top.

  • Gilbert ©1966
  • Size: 1.25" x 2.5" x.5"
  • Condition: Near Mint
  • Date Sold: September 2008
  • Auction Price: $172.50*
02
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Original G.I. Joe Set

G I Joe set
Courtesy of Hake's Americana and Collectibles

All four, sailor, marine, pilot and soldier are 100% complete with slight wear.

  • Original Set of Four - 1964
  • Condition: Fine/VF
  • Date Sold: January 2007
  • Auction Price: $977.50*
03
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G.I. Joe Jeep

G I Joe jeep
Courtesy of Hake's Americana and Collectibles

First version with box noting "Realistic Engine Sound." Some pieces are missing and engine sound/searchlight not working.

  • Hasbro 1965
  • Size: 12" x 23.5" x.14"
  • Condition: Displays Fine
  • Date Sold: January 2007
  • Auction Price: $265.50*
04
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GI Joe Prototype

G I Joe prototype
Courtesy of Geppi's Entertainment Museum

This is the actual prototype of G.I. Joe that was created by Don Levine in 1963.

05
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Breeches Buoy Equipment on Figure

buoy equipment
© Hakes.com

The complete set consists of working model breeches buoy, yellow slicker jacket w/USN on left chest, yellow slicker pants, blinker light, orange flagged buoy with rope, flare gun and brown boots. Navy paints, shirt, and hat are also included along with the black painted hair figure.

  • Hasbro
  • Circa 1960s
  • Condition: Very Fine
  • Date Sold: March 2013
  • Pre-auction estimate: $100 - $200
  • Auction Price: $370.42*

*Includes 15% Buyers Premium