Emperor Palpatine - Tan Head, Sith Robes
sw0634a · Star Wars
Episode VI: Return of the Jedi · 2015 - Released during a design transition period where Star Wars figures moved toward higher printing detail and movie-accurate skin tones.
Figure ID
sw0634a
Theme
Star Wars
Year Released
2015 - Released during a design transition period where Star Wars figures moved toward higher printing detail and movie-accurate skin tones.
Rarity
Uncommon to Rare. While the character is iconic, this specific version was only available in two sets, one of which was a high-priced flagship set.
Head
Light Flesh (Tan) head with Sith yellow eyes, wrinkled forehead, and grimacing mouth. It features a new-style hood mold in Black that provides a more accurate silhouette compared to the classic 'pointy' hoods.
Torso
Black torso with Sith robes printing. Includes grey and dark grey highlights to simulate fabric folds and a central 'puckered' seam. Front and back printing are present.
Legs
Standard Black legs with light grey printing continuing the line of the robes from the torso down through the hips and onto the thigh area.
Accessories
Typically comes with two Trans-Light Blue power blast pieces representing Force Lightning. The figure in the image is missing these accessories.
Color Scheme
Monochromatic Black with tan/light flesh skin tone and yellow eye accents. Some grey used for fabric shading.
Printing Details
High-quality pad printing with fine lines on the torso and legs to depict fabric movement. Alignment is standard for the 2015 era, which is very high.
Variants
Variants include sw0634 (spongy cape), sw0210 (Classic Yellow head), and sw1158 (Gold-printed robes from the Skywalker Saga era). This is the version without a cloth cape.
Condition Notes
Prone to cape fraying (if present) and minor scuffing on the black torso. The tan head printing is generally durable, but the hood can cause 'rub marks' on the top of the head piece.
Estimated Value
Used: $15.00 - $22.00 USD; New/Mint: $25.00 - $35.00 USD. Prices fluctuate based on the presence of Force Lightning accessories.
Price (New)
Appeared in sets retailing for $79.99 (75093) and $29.99 (75159 accessory context).
Compatible Sets
75093 Death Star Final Duel (2015) and 75159 Death Star (2016).
Character Background
Sheev Palpatine, the Dark Lord of the Sith (Darth Sidious). This figure represents him as seen during his final confrontation with Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader on the second Death Star.
Design Notes
The transition from yellow skin tones to tan/flesh tones for this character was a major milestone for collectors, making this version look much more like actor Ian McDiarmid.
Similar Minifigures
sw0040 Emperor Palpatine (Classic), sw1158 Emperor Palpatine (Sith Eternal), sw0595 Darth Sidious.
Collectibility
High. The Emperor is a staple of any Star Wars collection. This specific version is highly desired for its modern mold but classic 'Return of the Jedi' look.
History
Follows a long line of Palpatine figures starting in 1999. This 2015 iteration modernized the character by adding leg printing and a more accurate hood sculpt.
Interesting Facts
The hood piece was a relatively new mold at the time of release, designed to sit closer to the shoulders to hide the 'neck gap' seen on earlier Sith figures.
Display Suggestions
Best displayed on a raised platform or throne (such as the one from set 75093) flanked by Imperial Royal Guards.
Modification Potential
Easily upgraded with a custom 'spongy' black fabric cape or a dark grey inner robe piece to increase movie accuracy.
Overall Assessment
9/10. An excellent representation of the character. Its only drawback is the lack of a cape in this specific sub-variant, though the torso/leg printing detail is top-tier.