Hoth Rebel Trooper - White Uniform, Tan Vest, White Goggles
sw0259 / sw0259a · Star Wars
Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back · 2009-2010 (Debut in 8083 Rebel Trooper Battle Pack)
Figure ID
sw0259 / sw0259a
Theme
Star Wars
Year Released
2009-2010 (Debut in 8083 Rebel Trooper Battle Pack)
Rarity
Common to Uncommon. While mass-produced in a popular Battle Pack, its age makes finding mint condition versions increasingly difficult.
Head
Light Flesh head with orange-tinted goggles and brown chinstrap printing. The headpiece is topped with a tan Rebel Hoth scout hat with white molded-on goggles.
Torso
White torso with a Tan quilted vest print. Features high detail including pocket outlines, a small red and blue rank badge on the left chest, and silver zipper printing.
Legs
Plain white hips and legs with no printing, representing the standard cold-weather gear of the Rebel Alliance on Hoth.
Accessories
Standard black short blaster (blaster pistol). Often accompanied by a backpack in original sets, though missing in this image.
Color Scheme
Primary white and tan palette with light flesh skin tones and silver/red/blue accents on the torso print.
Printing Details
High-quality pad printing on the head and torso. This era marked a transition toward more detailed facial features and rank badges compared to early 2000s versions.
Variants
Varieties include different head prints (some with 'angry' expressions) and slight color shifts in the tan ink between production runs.
Condition Notes
Prone to yellowing of the white plastic if exposed to UV. Check for 'arm cracks' at the pits and ensure the goggles print on the head isn't rubbed off by the hat.
Estimated Value
Used: $4.00 - $6.00 USD; New/Mint: $8.00 - $12.00 USD. Prices are stable due to the high volume produced in 2010.
Price (New)
Originally available in Set 8083 ($10.99 USD retail), which contained four minifigures, making the value-per-figure roughly $2.75 in 2010.
Compatible Sets
8083 Rebel Trooper Battle Pack (2010), 8089 Hoth Wampa Cave (2010), 75014 Battle of Hoth (2013).
Character Background
Generic Rebel soldiers stationed at Echo Base on the ice planet Hoth. They are famous for holding off the Imperial AT-AT walkers during 'The Empire Strikes Back'.
Design Notes
Features the 2009-redesigned Rebel scout helmet mold which improved on the 1999 original by adding more accurate shaping and goggle integration.
Similar Minifigures
sw0461 (Hoth Rebel with Mustache), sw0671 (Revised 2015 version), and the original 1999 sw0016.
Collectibility
High for army builders. Collectors often buy these in bulk to create dioramas of Echo Base. Demand is consistently driven by the popularity of Hoth MOCs.
History
This specific design replaced the 'Classic' yellow-skinned Hoth troopers of the early 2000s and served as the standard-bearer for Rebel infantry for nearly 5 years.
Interesting Facts
The 'white goggles' variant is slightly more desirable than the 'light bluish gray goggles' variant found in later Hoth sets due to its film accuracy.
Display Suggestions
Best displayed in large groups on a snow-covered baseplate (white plates) alongside a 75049 Snowspeeder or 75322 Hoth AT-ST.
Modification Potential
Excellent for custom Hoth soldiers; the white legs and torso are great bases for adding custom fabric capes or different various 'fleshie' heads.
Overall Assessment
A quintessential Star Wars minifigure. Essential for any 'Empire Strikes Back' fan, representing a peak era of LEGO Star Wars troop-building value.