Mariachi - Series 16
col244 · Collectible Minifigures
Series 16 · 2016 - September 1st release as part of the 16-character blind-bag wave. This era was marked by high-detail printing and specialized molds during the peak of the CMF line.
Figure ID
col244
Theme
Collectible Minifigures
Year Released
2016 - September 1st release as part of the 16-character blind-bag wave. This era was marked by high-detail printing and specialized molds during the peak of the CMF line.
Rarity
Uncommon; as a blind-bag figure from 2016, it is no longer in production. It was distributed in a 3-per-box ratio in original 60-count cases, making it a standard rarity for the series.
Head
Light flesh tone with black eyes, white pupils, thin eyebrows, and a small smirk. It is single-sided and features a unique printing pattern. The hair piece is replaced by a specialized large black sombrero.
Torso
Black torso with highly detailed silver and white filigree printing representing a traditional charro suit. It features a prominent red bow tie, white shirt collar, and silver buttons. Printing extends to the back with more silver scrollwork.
Legs
Standard black legs with no printing. The belt area is represented on the bottom of the torso printing rather than the legs themselves.
Accessories
Includes a wide-brimmed black sombrero with silver decorative printing on the edge and crown. Originally came with a dark brown acoustic guitar with printing, though it is missing in the image.
Color Scheme
Primarily Black with White, Silver, and Red accents. The silver is a metallic ink that provides a reflective quality to the charro suit details.
Printing Details
High-quality pad printing on the torso (front and back) and the sombrero. The silver ink is particularly fine and well-aligned. The face printing is crisp, typical of the 2016 CMF manufacturing standards.
Variants
None known for this specific Series 16 version. However, a similar Mariachi appeared in Series 2 (2010) with a plastic cape and different printing, and a 'Day of the Dead' variant appeared in Series 20.
Condition Notes
The silver printing on the torso and sombrero is susceptible to rubbing and fading over time. Check for 'clutch power' fatigue in the neck if the heavy sombrero has been removed frequently. The image shows the figure in excellent, play-worn condition.
Estimated Value
Used: $5.00 - $8.00; New (Sealed Bag): $10.00 - $14.00. The missing guitar accessory in the image reduces the value to approximately $4.00.
Price (New)
$3.99 USD (original retail price per blind bag).
Compatible Sets
Set 71013: LEGO Minifigures - Series 16.
Character Background
Part of the generic cultural representation in the Collectible Minifigures line. He represents a Mexican folk musician, designed to bring musical and cultural diversity to LEGO City layouts.
Design Notes
The sombrero mold is the standout element, featuring a larger radius and more authentic shaping than previous hats. The silver filigree is some of the most intricate 'suit' printing of its era.
Similar Minifigures
Series 2 Maraca Man (col024), Series 20 80s Musician (col364), and the Series 20 Piñata Boy (col362).
Collectibility
Moderate to High. This figure is popular for builders of Mexican-themed dioramas and 'Day of the Dead' displays. While not a 'grail' figure, it is a staple of a complete CMF collection.
History
Follows the evolution of musical-themed CMFs that began in 2010. This 2016 version improved on the previous Mariachi by using printed torso details instead of a bulky cloth poncho.
Interesting Facts
This is one of the few figures where the hat mold is significantly larger than the standard 2x2 stud footprint, often requiring extra space in display cases.
Display Suggestions
Best displayed on a tiered CMF stand or in a festive LEGO City square alongside the Series 20 Piñata Boy and a custom taco stand.
Modification Potential
Excellent for 'Day of the Dead' (Día de los Muertos) customs by swapping the head for a skull-printed headpiece while retaining the ornate suit and hat.
Overall Assessment
A top-tier 'civilian' minifigure from the Series 16 wave. Its strength lies in the specialized sombrero and the metallic silver printing. Despite the missing guitar, this is a high-quality collectible.