Darth Vader (Light Gray Head)
sw0004 · Star Wars
Star Wars Episode 4/5/6 · 1999 (First release)
Figure ID
sw0004
Theme
Star Wars
Year Released
1999 (First release)
Rarity
Uncommon / Rare
Head
Light Gray head with classic pupil-less eyes, black eyebrows, and scarring wrinkles. This is the first LEGO Darth Vader head mold.
Torso
Black torso with silver Sith robes and life support control panel printing. Features red and blue buttons. Back is unprinted (standard for the era).
Legs
Plain black legs with black hips. No printing.
Accessories
Classic hinged Darth Vader helmet (original 1999 mold), black neck cape (spongy or stiff fabric), and originally included a red lightsaber with a chrome silver hilt.
Color Scheme
Primary: Black. Accents: Silver, red, blue, and light gray for the face. The chrome silver hilt is a standout for this era.
Printing Details
Simple pad printing on the torso and head. The alignment is generally centered; lacks the intricate arm or leg printing of modern figures.
Variants
Variants include sw0004a (white head) and sw0117 (light flesh head). This version is the specific light gray head version original to 1999-2002.
Condition Notes
Watch for fraying on the cape, chrome loss on the lightsaber hilt, and neck cracks on the torso. The helmet mold is fragile at the chin.
Estimated Value
Used: $20-$35 USD. New/Mint: $50+ USD. Prices vary based on cape condition and if the original chrome hilt is present.
Price (New)
Retail sets ranged from $6.00 (7101 Lightsaber Duel) up to $100.00 (Imperial Star Destroyer).
Compatible Sets
7101 Lightsaber Duel (1999), 7128 Speeder Bikes (1999), 7144 Slave I (2000), 7150 TIE Fighter & Y-wing (1999), 7152 TIE Fighter & Y-wing (2002), 7200 Final Duel I (2002).
Character Background
The primary antagonist of the Star Wars Original Trilogy, the Fallen Jedi Anakin Skywalker. This figure represents his appearance in the classic 1999 toy line launch.
Design Notes
Features the 'classic' Vader helmet mold which was used for nearly 15 years. Uses the early 'dot' style facial features for the scarred Anakin face.
Similar Minifigures
sw0004a (White head version), sw0117 (Episode VI version), and the 20th Anniversary version (sw1029).
Collectibility
High. As one of the original 1999 Star Wars figures, it is a cornerstone for any LEGO Star Wars collection.
History
Debuted in the very first wave of LEGO Star Wars in 1999. This specific head color (light gray) was retired when LEGO transitioned to 'Light Bluish Gray' in 2004.
Interesting Facts
The same head was often reused for other 'pale' characters in early LEGO, but is most iconic as the unmasked Vader. This is the first-ever LEGO Sith.
Display Suggestions
Best displayed with the 1999 wave (7101) or in a shadow box alongside the 2019 anniversary edition to show the evolution.
Modification Potential
Often used for custom 'Battle Damaged' Vaders or purist classic-style MOCs of the Death Star II final duel.
Overall Assessment
A legendary minifigure. While modern versions are more accurate, the sw0004 carries immense nostalgia and historical value for the LEGO brand.