Darth Vader (Black Head Variant)
sw0001 · Star Wars
Classic Star Wars / Episode IV-VI · 1999 - Debuted in TIE Fighter & Y-wing (7150)
Figure ID
sw0001
Theme
Star Wars
Year Released
1999 - Debuted in TIE Fighter & Y-wing (7150)
Rarity
Uncommon to Rare - This specific version with the solid black head was the standard for years but is now highly sought after for nostalgia.
Head
Solid Black Minifigure Head (no face printing) underneath the helmet.
Torso
Black torso with pattern of Darth Vader control panel (very simple line art) and silver/red/blue buttons; original gray hands.
Legs
Plain black legs with black hip piece; no printing.
Accessories
Traditional Darth Vader helmet (piece 30368) and a red lightsaber with a chrome silver hilt (early versions used chrome).
Color Scheme
Monochromatic Black with silver/red/blue printing accents and a chrome silver lightsaber hilt.
Printing Details
Simple pad printing on torso; no back printing and no leg printing, typical of late 90s design standards.
Variants
Standard (sw0001), 20th Anniversary (sw1029), and various Flesh-tone head versions starting in mid-2000s.
Condition Notes
Chrome hilts are prone to flaking; the black helmet can show scratches easily; check for 'chin' cracks on the torso.
Estimated Value
$30 - $55 USD for a complete figure in good condition; individual helmets are roughly $5-$10.
Price (New)
Originally included in sets starting at $19.99 (7110) to $50.00 (7150).
Compatible Sets
7150 TIE Fighter & Y-wing, 7152 TIE Fighter & Y-wing, 7200 Final Duel I.
Character Background
The primary antagonist of the original Star Wars trilogy; this 'black head' version represents the iconic early aesthetics of the LEGO Star Wars line.
Design Notes
Uses the classic two-piece assembly (helmet over head). This was the first ever Darth Vader figure, using a unique mold for the helmet.
Similar Minifigures
sw0209 (Darth Vader with light flesh head), sw0001b (Darth Vader with gray head).
Collectibility
High - Essential for '1999 Original' collectors and those building a vintage Star Wars collection.
History
Launched with the very first wave of Star Wars in 1999; replaced by the gray-head version (sw0001b) shortly after to show damage/face detail.
Interesting Facts
The decision to use a black head was to maintain the character's mystery before the 'reveal' was emphasized in later toy lineups.
Display Suggestions
Display alongside the 1999 classic Luke Skywalker in a 'Final Duel' vignette.
Modification Potential
Excellent for 'purist' customs of other Sith characters or Shadow Stormtroopers given the plain black components.
Overall Assessment
A cornerstore of LEGO history; while simple compared to modern figures, its status as the 'First Vader' makes it a 10/10 for collectors.