Jar Jar Binks
sw0301 · Star Wars
The Phantom Menace / Licensed Character · 2011 (Context: Debuted in set 7929, 'The Battle of Naboo', updating the 1999 version with a new head mold).
Figure ID
sw0301
Theme
Star Wars
Year Released
2011 (Context: Debuted in set 7929, 'The Battle of Naboo', updating the 1999 version with a new head mold).
Rarity
Uncommon (Released in three sets between 2011 and 2012; not extremely rare but discontinued for several years).
Head
Unique Gungan head mold in tan and light flesh; features printed eyes on stalks and long ears/frills extending down the back. This version is a significant upgrade from the 1999 one-piece head.
Torso
Tan and sand blue with vest details; no back printing on this specific version (common for 2011 Star Wars figures). Light flesh-colored arms and hands.
Legs
Sand blue, plain (no printing); standard adult leg pieces.
Accessories
Usually paired with a transparent green Gungan 'Booma' energy ball or a spear, though none are visible in the provided image.
Color Scheme
Sand Blue, Tan, and Light Flesh. The sand blue represents his trousers/outfit seen during the Battle of Naboo.
Printing Details
Simple pad printing on the torso front and head detailing; no arm or leg printing. Alignment is generally high quality but basic by modern standards.
Variants
The original 1999 version (sw0017) featured a simpler head and different colors. A later version (sw1350) includes updated printing and is included in the Gungan Bongo sub-sets.
Condition Notes
Common wear points include the tip of the eye-stalks (paint rubbing) and the neck joint. The rubbery head mold can attract dust or pick up scent/stains if not stored properly.
Estimated Value
Used: $5.00 - $8.00 USD; New (taken from sealed set): $10.00 - $15.00 USD. Value is stable as the character has returned to popularity through 'Prequel' nostalgia.
Price (New)
Originally released in set 7929 which retailed for approximately $24.99 USD (containing 8 Gungan minifigures and 2 droids).
Compatible Sets
7929 The Battle of Naboo, 9499 Gungan Sub, 9515 The Malevolence.
Character Background
Jar Jar Binks is a Gungan from the planet Naboo; a key character in Episode I: The Phantom Menace who later becomes a Senator and unintentionally aids the rise of the Empire.
Design Notes
The 2011 head mold was a major milestone, moving away from the 'solid plastic' feel to a more detailed, textured mold that fits more naturally into the Star Wars minifigure lineup.
Similar Minifigures
sw0017 Jar Jar (1999), sw1350 Jar Jar (2024), Tarpals, Gungan Soldier.
Collectibility
High demand among collectors completing Prequel Trilogy scenes. While the character was once controversial, he is now a staple of any LEGO Star Wars collection.
History
Jar Jar was one of the first unique molds in LEGO Star Wars history (1999). This 2011 version represents the mid-evolution design of the character.
Interesting Facts
The 2011 'The Battle of Naboo' set was nicknamed a 'battle pack on steroids' because it allowed fans to amass many of these figures and Gungan soldiers cheaply.
Display Suggestions
Best displayed in a Naboo swamp MOC or alongside a Gungan Sub (9499) to recreate his escape from the Opee Sea Killer.
Modification Potential
The head piece is highly sought after for 'Darth Jar Jar' custom figures or Gungan soldier MOCs.
Overall Assessment
A solid, classic minifigure. While simple in printing, the unique head mold makes it instantly recognizable and a necessary piece for any 'The Phantom Menace' display.