C-3PO - Pearl Gold, Colorful Wires, Printed Legs, Silver Right Knee
sw0700 · Star Wars
Ultimate Collector Series / Episode IV-VI · 2016 (First appeared in 75136 Droid Escape Pod)
Figure ID
sw0700
Theme
Star Wars
Year Released
2016 (First appeared in 75136 Droid Escape Pod)
Rarity
Uncommon. While not exclusive to a single high-priced set, this version updated the previous pearl gold droids with significantly higher printing detail, including the rare silver knee printing.
Head
Pearl Gold droid head mold with yellow eyes and black circular pupils. Features detailed mechanical vents and seams printed in thin black lines. Single-sided.
Torso
Pearl Gold torso with highly detailed mechanical printing. Includes the iconic exposed colorful wire bundle (red, blue, yellow, and white) at the waist and intricate plate detailing on the front and back.
Legs
Pearl Gold legs with extensive printing. Unique for this version is the silver-grey printing on the right knee to represent his mismatched plating from the original trilogy. Features vertical grill patterns on the lower legs.
Accessories
None included with the base figure in most sets, though often paired with an escape pod or R2-D2. C-3PO typically does not carry weapons or tools.
Color Scheme
Primary: Pearl Gold. Secondary: Silver (right knee), Black, Red, Blue, and White (waist wires). Metallic finish.
Printing Details
High-quality pad printing on the head, front torso, back torso, and front of the legs. This version is celebrated for the precision of the mismatched knee print and the vibrant wiring.
Variants
Numerous variants exist: sw0161 (old style), sw0540 (Pearl Gold with simple wires), sw0658 (Red arm TFA version), and sw1212 (dual-molded UCS version). This sw0700 version is the go-to 'standard' OT version.
Condition Notes
Pearl Gold plastic is prone to 'swirl marks' from the molding process. Check for arm cracks at the pits and ensure the silver knee printing is not scratched, as it is a high-wear area.
Estimated Value
New: $6.00 - $10.00 | Used Complete: $4.00 - $7.00. Value remains stable due to its presence in several mid-range sets.
Price (New)
N/A (Figure usually part of sets ranging from $25.00 to $200.00). Original set price for 75136 was $24.99.
Compatible Sets
75136 Droid Escape Pod (2016), 75159 Death Star (2016), 75221 Imperial Landing Craft (2018), 75228 Escape Pod vs. Dewback Microfighters (2019).
Character Background
C-3PO is a protocol droid fluent in over six million forms of communication. Built by Anakin Skywalker, he is the constant companion of R2-D2 and a key member of the Rebel Alliance.
Design Notes
This design was a major milestone for C-3PO as it finally standardized the silver leg detail through printing rather than the more expensive (but later used) dual-molding or chrome plating.
Similar Minifigures
sw0540 (C-3PO with simple wires), sw1212 (UCS version with side arm printing), sw0658 (The Force Awakens version with red arm).
Collectibility
High. This is considered the definitive 'affordable' version of the character for OT collectors, striking a balance between detail and cost.
History
Following the 2012-2015 era droids which lacked leg printing, sw0700 introduced a new level of screen accuracy to the retail line, coinciding with the 2016 Death Star refresh.
Interesting Facts
Despite his golden appearance, the silver leg is his most screen-accurate detail, often missed by casual fans but captured here by LEGO designers.
Display Suggestions
Best displayed alongside R2-D2 (sw0527 or similar). Looks excellent in 'Tantive IV' or 'Tatooine' themed dioramas. Keep out of direct sunlight to prevent gold plastic fading.
Modification Potential
Excellent for 'purist' customs. His legs are often swapped onto the bodies of other protocol droids (like K-3PO) to represent different levels of wear or repair.
Overall Assessment
A fantastic, high-detail minifigure that represents great value. It is the essential C-3PO for any LEGO Star Wars fan who doesn't want to pay the premium for the UCS version.