C-3PO - Pearl Gold with Colorful Wires, Printed Legs
sw0700 · Star Wars
Star Wars Episode 7: The Force Awakens · 2015 (First appearance)
Figure ID
sw0700
Theme
Star Wars
Year Released
2015 (First appearance)
Rarity
Uncommon; originally appearing in several mid-tier sets during the Sequel Trilogy wave, though now largely replaced by newer versions with arm printing.
Head
Pearl gold droid head with yellow/black photo-receptor eyes and molded detailing. Single-sided print.
Torso
Pearl Gold with complex wiring pattern in black, red, and blue. Pattern shows the exposed wiring belly section characteristic of Protocol Droids.
Legs
Pearl gold with intricate black and gray line printing on the front. One silver printed area on the lower right leg to represent his unmatched leg plating.
Accessories
Usually none (though usually accompanied by R2-D2 or BB-8, seen here).
Color Scheme
Primary Pearl Gold with minor silver, black, and primary color wire accents.
Printing Details
High-quality pad printing on head, torso, and legs. Note the lack of side or arm printing which distinguishes it from the 2022 and promotional versions.
Variants
Variants include sw0161a (Standard gold), sw0653 (Red arm version), and sw1212 (Full legacy printing).
Condition Notes
Pearl gold plastic is prone to hairline cracks at the arm sockets and heel points. Tarnish or 'dulling' can occur if handled frequently.
Estimated Value
Used: $4.00 - $6.00 USD; New: $8.00 - $10.00 USD.
Price (New)
Retail context: Found in sets ranging from $30 to $150 (e.g., set 75136 or 75097).
Compatible Sets
75136 Droid Escape Pod, 75097 Star Wars Advent Calendar, 75159 Death Star.
Character Background
C-3PO is a protocol droid built by Anakin Skywalker, serving as a constant companion to R2-D2 and a key member of the Rebel Alliance and Resistance.
Design Notes
Uses a specialized head mold created specifically for protocol droids. The pearl gold finish replaced the older chrome gold and yellow finishes of the early 2000s.
Similar Minifigures
sw0161 (C-3PO Original), sw0653 (Chrome Gold Limited), sw0700 (Red Arm C-3PO).
Collectibility
Moderate; essential for Star Wars collectors, though this specific variant is easily accessible compared to the limited red-arm or chrome versions.
History
Follows a long lineage of Threepio figures starting in 1999; this specific design marked the transition into higher-detail leg printing for the standard figure line.
Interesting Facts
The silver leg printing on this figure is a nod to the original trilogy detail that many fans overlook — C-3PO actually had one silver shin from the knees down.
Display Suggestions
Best displayed alongside the BB-8 figure (sw0661) seen in the bag, or next to a Millennium Falcon (75105).
Modification Potential
Commonly used for 'purist' upgrades by swapping arms with newer printed versions from more expensive sets.
Overall Assessment
A solid, detailed representation of the character that holds its value well as a staple of the Star Wars line.