C-3PO - Pearl Gold with Colorful Wires, Printed Legs
sw0700 · Star Wars
Ultimate Collector Series / Episode IV-VI · 2016 (Debuted in set 75136 and 75159)
Figure ID
sw0700
Theme
Star Wars
Year Released
2016 (Debuted in set 75136 and 75159)
Rarity
Uncommon to Rare. While updated versions exist, this specific print with specialized leg detail was exclusive to a few sets before being further refined.
Head
Pearl Gold droid head with yellow eyes and black mechanical photoreceptor outlines. It is a single-piece mold commonly used for protocol droids.
Torso
Pearl Gold torso featuring detailed mechanical wiring prints in the center (red, blue, and yellow wires) and droid plating lines. Matching Pearl Gold arms and hands.
Legs
Pearl Gold legs with intricate printing on the front. Includes mechanical joint details and the signature silver plating on the lower right leg, a significant upgrade over older monochrome versions.
Accessories
None included in the image. Generally sold without handheld accessories, though sometimes paired with a wrench in specific sets.
Color Scheme
Dominantly Pearl Gold with accents of flat silver on the right leg, and primary colors (red/blue/yellow) for the exposed abdominal wiring.
Printing Details
High-quality pad printing. This version features leg printing which was a major step up for the character in 2016. Minimal alignment issues are common in this era.
Variants
Numerous variants exist, including the 'Red Arm' version (sw0671), the classic yellow (sw0010), and the highly detailed dual-molded version from the UCS Landspeeder (sw1211).
Condition Notes
Pearl Gold plastic is prone to 'swirl' marks from the molding process. Common wear points include the neck friction (loosening) and heel cracks. Printing on the torso can rub off with heavy play.
Estimated Value
Used: $5 - $8; New/Mint: $10 - $15. Value varies slightly based on the tightness of the limb joints.
Price (New)
N/A (Figure usually came in sets ranging from $24.99 to $499.99). Per-figure value in the CMF market is roughly $6.
Compatible Sets
75136 Droid Escape Pod (2016), 75159 Death Star (2016), 75221 Imperial Landing Craft (2018).
Character Background
C-3PO is a protocol droid built by Anakin Skywalker. He is a constant companion to R2-D2 and plays a pivotal role in the Rebel Alliance across the Star Wars saga.
Design Notes
This design was a milestone in the transition from 'basic' C-3PO to 'highly detailed' C-3PO, specifically introducing the detailed leg printing to represent the mismatched silver plating.
Similar Minifigures
sw0527 (C-3PO with pearl gold legs, no print), sw1211 (UCS version with dual-molded silver leg), sw0671 (The Force Awakens version with red arm).
Collectibility
High. C-3PO is a core character for any Star Wars collection. This specific version is desirable for those wanting an accurate look without paying UCS prices.
History
LEGO C-3PO started in 2000 as a simple yellow figure. By 2016, the switch to Pearl Gold with detailed torso/leg printing reflected LEGO's shift toward adult-oriented detail.
Interesting Facts
The silver leg is a detail often forgotten by casual fans but is accurately represented here on the lower right leg print.
Display Suggestions
Best displayed alongside R2-D2 (sw0527 or similar) on a tan baseplate to simulate Tatooine or a metallic grey plate for the Death Star.
Modification Potential
The head and torso are frequently used by customizers to create other protocol droids like K-3PO or R-3PO using part swaps.
Overall Assessment
A solid, mid-tier essential minifigure. It provides excellent movie accuracy for a reasonable price point compared to the more expensive dual-molded variants.