Darth Vader (Chrome Black)
sw0218 · Star Wars
Star Wars 10th Anniversary · 2009 (Released in randomly inserted polybags to celebrate the 10th anniversary of LEGO Star Wars)
Figure ID
sw0218
Theme
Star Wars
Year Released
2009 (Released in randomly inserted polybags to celebrate the 10th anniversary of LEGO Star Wars)
Rarity
Very Rare. Limited to approximately 10,000 units worldwide and distributed inside opaque polybags (set 4547551) within other sets.
Head
Classic gray Darth Vader head mold under a chrome black helmet; facial printing features scarring and standard Vader stylized features.
Torso
Chrome Black torso with detailed silver, red, and blue console printing reflecting Vader's life support system and belt.
Legs
Standard black legs with a chrome finish coating; non-printed legs as per the original 2009 design.
Accessories
Includes a chrome black helmet (top and bottom parts fused in style of the era), a black fabric cape, and a red-bladed lightsaber with a chrome silver hilt.
Color Scheme
High-shine Chrome Black finish with primary silver, red, and blue paint applications on the control box.
Printing Details
High-contrast silver pad printing over chrome plating; details are centered on the chest plate and belt. Precision is high to avoid flaking on the chrome surface.
Variants
Standard Version (sw0218). No official manufacturer variants exist, though variations in 'clutch' and chrome thickness are common due to the electroplating process.
Condition Notes
Highly susceptible to finger prints, micro-scratches, and chrome flaking (peeling). The neck post and joints are prone to stress if moved frequently.
Estimated Value
New (Sealed Polybag): $400 - $600; Used Complete (Excellent): $250 - $400; depending on chrome quality and lack of scratches.
Price (New)
Technically $0.00 retail; it was a promotional 'gift with purchase' type item found inside sets ranging from $10 to $100.
Compatible Sets
Randomly inserted into various 2009 Star Wars sets; officially associated with Polybag 4547551.
Character Background
The iconic Sith Lord Darth Vader, as seen in the Original Trilogy; this version is a stylized 'trophy' representation rather than a screen-accurate one.
Design Notes
First time LEGO used full chrome-black electroplating on a character minifigure. It utilizes the older two-piece Vader helmet mold (pre-2015 update).
Similar Minifigures
Chrome Gold C-3PO (sw0158), Chrome Silver Stormtrooper (sw0253), White Boba Fett (Promotional).
Collectibility
Extreme. It is one of the 'Big Three' promotional Star Wars figures and is a holy grail for theme completionists.
History
Launched in 2009 to mark a decade of the Star Wars/LEGO partnership. It predates the modern era of high-detail arm printing and multi-piece helmets.
Interesting Facts
The distribution was completely random; some collectors found them in $10 battle packs, making it one of the luckiest pulls in LEGO history.
Display Suggestions
Displayed in a UV-protected acrylic case or 'floating' shadow box (as seen in image) to prevent oxidation and dust scratches.
Modification Potential
Low. The value resides entirely in the original chrome finish; modifications or part-swaps destroy the collector value.
Overall Assessment
10/10 Rarity/Desirability. A standout piece of LEGO history that represents the peak of early-2000s promotional exclusivity.