Emperor Palpatine (Tan Head, Sith Eyes)
sw0634a · Star Wars
Ultimate Collector Series / Episode VI: Return of the Jedi · 2015 - Released following the shift toward more detailed 'flesh' tones for licensed characters, specifically appearing in the high-end UCS Death Star and Final Duel sets.
Figure ID
sw0634a
Theme
Star Wars
Year Released
2015 - Released following the shift toward more detailed 'flesh' tones for licensed characters, specifically appearing in the high-end UCS Death Star and Final Duel sets.
Rarity
Uncommon to Rare. While the character is iconic, this specific print version with the tan head and detailed sponged texture was limited to higher-priced sets, making it less common than standard LEGO City or Ninjago figures.
Head
Tan head piece with high-detail printing. Features yellowish-gold Sith eyes, greyish-frown lines, and a 'sponged' skin texture representing corruption. It is double-sided, usually featuring a sinister smile on the reverse.
Torso
Black torso with dark bluish-grey robe printing. Detailed vertical folds and a textured belt area. Back printing continues the robe lines. Arms are solid black with tan hands.
Legs
Black legs with dark bluish-grey robe extensions printed on the front. The design represents the lower half of his Sith robes.
Accessories
Standard black fabric cape (soft or stiff variant depending on set production year) and a black hood piece. Often accompanied by translucent-light-blue lightning bolt elements (not pictured).
Color Scheme
Primary Black with Tan flesh accents. Dark Bluish Grey is used for printing contrast to simulate fabric folds in the dark robes.
Printing Details
High precision pad printing. The head features a unique speckled texture to simulate the Emperor's decaying skin, which was a significant detail upgrade over the solid tan/yellow versions of the past.
Variants
Variants include the 'Yellow-head' classic (sw0066), the 'Grey-head' version, and the most recent 2020 version (sw1096) which features a different hood mold and more vibrant eye printing.
Condition Notes
The black hood and torso are prone to tiny scratches (play wear) that show up white. Cape fraying is common at the neck holes. Check for cracks on the tan heels or torso sides.
Estimated Value
Used: $15 - $25; New/Pristine: $30 - $45. Prices fluctuate based on the condition of the cape and the tightness of the arm joints.
Price (New)
N/A (Included in sets). It appeared in the Death Star (75159) which retailed for $499.99 and Death Star Final Duel (75093) for $79.99.
Compatible Sets
75093 Death Star Final Duel (2015), 75159 Death Star (2016), and 75291 Death Star Final Duel (2020 version - note subtle print changes).
Character Background
Sheev Palpatine, the Dark Lord of the Sith and Emperor of the Galactic Empire. He is the primary antagonist of the Skywalker Saga, known for his mastery of the Dark Side and political manipulation.
Design Notes
This version (sw0634a) utilized a tan base color for the head instead of white or grey to give the skin a more organic, albeit sickly, 'parchment' look that better matches the movie appearance.
Similar Minifigures
sw0210 Emperor Palpatine (large pupil variant), sw1096 Emperor Palpatine (2020 cape update), sw0634 (similar but with different cape material).
Collectibility
High. As the central villain of the Star Wars franchise, most collectors view a version of the Emperor as a 'core' minifigure for their collection, especially this detailed modern version.
History
Initially released as a plain yellow figure in 2002, the Emperor has undergone nearly 10 major design revisions. This 2015 version represents the peak of detailing before the 2020 'sponged' print update.
Interesting Facts
The 'sponged' printing on the face is meant to evoke the makeup effects used on Ian McDiarmid in 'Return of the Jedi'. This was one of the first figures to move away from pure white skin for the character.
Display Suggestions
Display on a raised black platform or inside a 75093 throne room vignette. Looks best when flanked by two Imperial Royal Guards (sw0521).
Modification Potential
Easy to swap for a 'skirt' piece (slope brick) to simulate the floor-length robe seen in many MOCs. The head is also popular for custom zombie or ghoul minifigures.
Overall Assessment
9/10 for accuracy and detail. It is the definitive 'modern-classic' Emperor. Recommended for collectors who want a version that looks screen-accurate without the extreme price of the original 2002 version.