Captain Rex (Phase 2) - Blue Cloth Pauldron, Black Cloth Kama, Large Eyes
sw0450 · Star Wars
The Clone Wars · Released in 2013 as part of set 75012 BARC Speeder with Sidecar. This era marked a transition in LEGO Star Wars toward more weathered and screen-authentic printing.
Figure ID
sw0450
Theme
Star Wars
Year Released
Released in 2013 as part of set 75012 BARC Speeder with Sidecar. This era marked a transition in LEGO Star Wars toward more weathered and screen-authentic printing.
Rarity
Extremely Rare. It was exclusive to a single, relatively short-lived set that wasn't overly stocked. High demand for the character from The Clone Wars TV show has inflated its scarcity relative to existing supply.
Head
The head features the 'Clone Wars' style with large, stylized eyes and a determined expression. It is a light flesh tone. The iconic Phase 2 helmet features the 'Jaig Eyes' blue markings on the forehead and a blue rangefinder attachment.
Torso
White torso with highly detailed Phase 2 armor printing, featuring Rex's signature blue markings and tally marks on the chest. The arms are white, and the hands are black.
Legs
White legs with blue knee pad markings and further tally marks representing Rex's combat experience. The hip joint is black.
Accessories
Includes two black DC-17 blaster pistols, a blue fabric pauldron (shoulder cape), and a black fabric kama (waist cape). These fabric elements are highly sought after by collectors.
Color Scheme
Primary white and blue (501st Legion colors), accented with black fabric and grey weathering/tally mark printing.
Printing Details
Features high-resolution pad printing on the helmet, torso, and legs. Notably, it includes tally mark details that were unique at the time and represent some of the most intricate printing for its era.
Variants
The main variant is the 2023 Microfighter version (sw1315) and the 2024 Venator version (sw1290), which utilize modern printing styles and include printed arm details, making this 2013 version (sw0450) distinct for its 'stubble' face and specific cloth pieces.
Condition Notes
Susceptible to fraying on the fabric pauldron and kama. The white plastic can yellow if exposed to UV. Check for 'arm cracks' (stress marks) in the torso and cracks in the heels of the legs.
Estimated Value
New/Sealed (Minifigure only): $200 - $250. Used Complete: $150 - $190. Incomplete (missing cloth/pistols): $100 - $120.
Price (New)
The original set 75012 retailed for $24.99 USD in 2013. The minifigure alone now sells for nearly 10 times the original price of the entire set.
Compatible Sets
75012 BARC Speeder with Sidecar (2013).
Character Background
Captain Rex (CT-7567) was the commander of the 501st Legion under Anakin Skywalker. He is a primary protagonist in 'The Clone Wars' and 'Rebels' series and is widely considered one of the most popular characters in the franchise.
Design Notes
This figure is iconic for the custom-molded Phase 2 helmet that integrated the rangefinder hole. The decision to use tally marks on the armor was a direct nod to his specific look in Season 4 of the animated series.
Similar Minifigures
Captain Rex (Phase 1, sw0194), Captain Rex (Rebels, sw0749), and the newer 2024 Captain Rex (sw1290).
Collectibility
Top-tier collectibility. It is often cited as a 'holy grail' for Star Wars minifigure collectors due to the character's popularity and the lack of a reissue for over a decade.
History
Following the 2013 release, LEGO did not produce a Phase 2 Rex for 10 years, causing the value of sw0450 to skyrocket before a redesigned version finally appeared in the UCS Venator set in 2023.
Interesting Facts
For several years, this was the single most valuable non-limited-edition Star Wars minifigure on the aftermarket. Many buyers are fooled by high-quality 'fakes' or 'clones' from third parties because the price is so high.
Display Suggestions
Display in a UV-protected acrylic case (as shown in the user image) to prevent the white plastic from yellowing and the fabric from gathering dust. Pair with Anakin Skywalker and Ahsoka Tano (Clone Wars versions).
Modification Potential
Rarely modified due to its high value. Some collectors swap out the legs for the newer 2024 printed-arm versions to create a 'definitive' purist version, though this hurts the resale value of the original parts.
Overall Assessment
An absolute 10/10 in terms of desirability. This is a marquee piece for any LEGO Star Wars collection. If you own an authentic one, hold onto it, as its historical significance remains high despite newer versions being released.