Jar Jar Binks (Gungan Vest, Specialized Head)
sw0301 · Star Wars
The Phantom Menace / Episode I · 2011. This version debuted in the 7929 The Battle of Naboo set, representing a significant design upgrade from the 1999 original during LEGO Star Wars' modern transition era.
Figure ID
sw0301
Theme
Star Wars
Year Released
2011. This version debuted in the 7929 The Battle of Naboo set, representing a significant design upgrade from the 1999 original during LEGO Star Wars' modern transition era.
Rarity
Uncommon. While not restricted to a single set, it was only available in three moderately priced sets between 2011 and 2015, making it the most recognizable modern version but less common than City figures.
Head
Unique molded Gungan head in Tan with printed orange and black eyes. Unlike the 1999 version, this head features more accurate anatomical detailing and a more supple plastic feel. It is a single-piece mold that fits over the torso's neck peg.
Torso
Dark Brown vest over Nougat skin. Features detailed printing including a tan V-neck under-layer and a pattern representing his Gungan leather vest with gold/tan line accents. Back of torso is also printed with vest detailing.
Legs
Dark Bluesteel (Dark Bluish Gray) unprinted standard legs with a Dark Bluesteel hip piece.
Accessories
In its original retail sets, this figure was often packaged with a Gungan Energy Ball (Booma) or a shield, though the figure pictured is currently missing these items.
Color Scheme
Tan, Nougat, and Dark Brown for the upper body, contrasted with Dark Bluesteel legs. These tones accurately reflect his appearance on Naboo in Episode I.
Printing Details
High-quality pad printing on the torso (front and back). The eyes are precisely printed on the stalks of the head mold. This era of printing shows significant refinement in linework compared to the early 2000s.
Variants
Distinct from the sw0017 (1999 classic version) which had a simpler head and lighter colors, and the sw1245 (2023 version) which features updated leg printing. This variant (sw0301) is the standard modern mid-era version.
Condition Notes
Common wear points include the rubbery texture of the ears attracting dust/hair, paint rubbing on the tips of the eye stalks, and torso cracks at the armpits. This specific figure shows minor play wear on the feet and eye stalks.
Estimated Value
$4.00 - $7.00 USD for used complete; $10.00 - $15.00 USD for new/mint condition. Value remains stable due to the character's cult status and the figure's availability in multiple sets.
Price (New)
Originally available in sets ranging from $24.99 (7929 Battle of Naboo) to $69.99 (9499 Gungan Sub).
Compatible Sets
7929 The Battle of Naboo (2011), 9499 Gungan Sub (2012), 75080 AAT (2015).
Character Background
Jar Jar Binks is a Gungan outcast from the planet Naboo who becomes a pivotal (and controversial) figure in the Star Wars prequel trilogy, eventually serving as a General and Junior Representative in the Galactic Senate.
Design Notes
The 2011 redesign was a major milestone, replacing the 'blocky' printing of the 90s with a more organic, textured look and a head mold that better captured the character's distinct elongated profile.
Similar Minifigures
sw0017 Jar Jar Binks (Original), sw1245 Jar Jar (2023), sw0302 Gungan Soldier, sw0303 Captain Tarpals.
Collectibility
High for completionists. Every Star Wars collection requires a Jar Jar, and sw0301 is considered the definitive 'standard' version for many who grew up with the 2010-era sets.
History
First appearing as one of the earliest non-yellow minifigures in 1999, Jar Jar's design went unchanged for over a decade until this 2011 refresh introduced the more accurate color palette.
Interesting Facts
Despite being a divisive character in cinema, Jar Jar minifigures remain highly popular in the secondary market for 'Battle of Naboo' dioramas and 'Darth Jar Jar' fan theories.
Display Suggestions
Best displayed alongside Gungan Soldiers or Battle Droids on a sandy beige baseplate to recreate the Great Grass Plains battle. Avoid direct sunlight as the Nougat arms can fade.
Modification Potential
Excellent for 'Darth Jar Jar' customs by swapping the torso for Sith robes (sith black) and replacing the eyes with red paint.
Overall Assessment
A solid, era-defining minifigure. While the lack of leg printing prevents it from being 'top-tier' by modern 2024 standards, the head sculpt remains an impressive piece of LEGO engineering. Rating: 7.5/10.