Darth Vader (Imperial Inspection / Chrome Silver Hilt)
sw0180 · Star Wars
Ultimate Collector Series / Episode VI: Return of the Jedi · 2007 (First appearance in set 7666, then prominent in 10188 and 10131 redesigns)
Figure ID
sw0180
Theme
Star Wars
Year Released
2007 (First appearance in set 7666, then prominent in 10188 and 10131 redesigns)
Rarity
Uncommon to Rare. While the character is iconic, this specific version with silver arm printing and detailed torso was more exclusive than standard play-scale versions of the era.
Head
Light Flesh Minifigure Head, scarred Anakin Skywalker features with heavy brow lines and sunken eyes. Topped with the classic two-piece Darth Vader helmet or the standard one-piece 1999-2015 mold.
Torso
Black Torso Star Wars Darth Vader pattern with silver and dark grey control panel detail. Features unique silver/grey printing on the arms to represent the shoulder armor plates.
Legs
Black Legs with silver pattern lines representing the continuation of the Sith robes and leg armor. Includes hip printing for the utility belt.
Accessories
Includes a black fabric cape (stiff or soft depending on year) and a lightsaber with a Red blade. Notably, many versions of this ID featured the Chrome Silver hilt rather than the flat grey contemporary versions.
Color Scheme
Dominant Black with Metallic Silver accents. Minor red and blue highlights on the life-support chest plate.
Printing Details
High-quality pad printing for the mid-2000s era. Features arm printing which was extremely rare at the time for Star Wars minifigures, making this a 'premium' version of the character.
Variants
Known variations include the presence/absence of arm printing and the change from the scarred head to the more modern detailed 'injured' head in later set re-releases.
Condition Notes
Common wear points include fraying on the cape edges, silver print rubbing off the arms/chest, and cracks in the torso sides under the arms.
Estimated Value
Used: $35 - $50 USD. New (extracted): $60 - $85 USD. Price fluctuates based on the presence of the chrome lightsaber hilt.
Price (New)
Available in set 7666 Hoth Rebel Base ($49.99) and 10188 Death Star ($399.99).
Compatible Sets
7666 Hoth Rebel Base, 10188 Death Star, 10131 TIE Collection (2007 Edition).
Character Background
The fallen Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker, now a Dark Lord of the Sith and the primary enforcer of Emperor Palpatine's Galactic Empire.
Design Notes
This version represented a major milestone in detailing, moving away from the simplistic 1999 yellow-skin/plain-torso version to a more screen-accurate 'premium' aesthetic with arm prints.
Similar Minifigures
sw0011 (Classic Vader), sw0209 (Darth Vader with Battle Damage), sw0636 (Rebels version).
Collectibility
High. Because this was the 'definitive' Vader for many years and appeared in the legendary UCS-scale Death Star, it remains a pillar of Star Wars collections.
History
Follows the transition from yellow 'classic' LEGO skin tones to realistic 'flesh' tones (2004) and represents the peak design of the original one-piece helmet mold era.
Interesting Facts
The arm printing on this figure was intentionally designed to evoke the appearance of the character during the 'Imperial Inspection' scene at the start of Return of the Jedi.
Display Suggestions
Best displayed on a raised black stand or inside a 10188 Death Star MOC. Keep out of direct sunlight to prevent the light-flesh head from yellowing.
Modification Potential
Excellent. Many collectors swap the older one-piece helmet for the modern 2015 two-piece helmet for improved accuracy while keeping the vintage arm-printed torso.
Overall Assessment
A top-tier classic. Rating: 9/10. Though newer versions have more detail, the nostalgia and specific silver sheen of sw0180 make it a must-have for serious collectors.