Chancellor Palpatine - Episode 3 Outfit
sw0418 · Star Wars
Episode III: Revenge of the Sith · 2012. Released as part of set 9526 Palpatine's Arrest.
Figure ID
sw0418
Theme
Star Wars
Year Released
2012. Released as part of set 9526 Palpatine's Arrest.
Rarity
Very Rare. Exclusive to a single, retired set that was a retail exclusive (Toys R Us) in many regions.
Head
Light flesh tone with tan/grey hair piece. Double-sided: one side features a calm, manipulative smile; the reverse side features a worried/startled expression for the arrest scene.
Torso
Dark Red base with detailed printing of high-collared Senate robes in Dark Stone Grey and Dark Red. Dark Brown arms and Light Flesh hands.
Legs
Sloped 65 2x2x2 brick (slope element) representing a formal floor-length robe. Dark Red with vertical grey and maroon printed lines extending from the torso.
Accessories
The original set included a gold lightsaber hilt with a red blade and two Force lightning elements (Trans-Light Blue), though none are visible in the image.
Color Scheme
Primarily Dark Red (maroon) and Dark Brown, accented by light grey/stone grey printing and light flesh skin tones.
Printing Details
High-quality pad printing on the torso (front and back) and the front of the slope/skirt piece. Alignment is critical for the robe pattern to flow from the chest to the floor.
Variants
This is the 'Chancellor' variant. Other versions include sw0063 (yellow skin), sw1064 (Senator), and numerous Emperor/Sith variants with scarred faces.
Condition Notes
Common wear includes scratches on the slope piece and 'cape' edges. The print on the sloped robe can rub off with play. Check for cracks in the Dark Brown arms, a common brittle plastic issue.
Estimated Value
Used: $120.00 - $160.00 USD; New: $185.00+ USD. Individual torso/skirt parts are highly sought after by customizers.
Price (New)
Original set price (9526) was $89.99 USD. This figure was one of six high-value minifigures in that set.
Compatible Sets
LEGO 9526 Palpatine's Arrest (2012).
Character Background
Sheev Palpatine in his persona as the Supreme Chancellor of the Galactic Republic during the climax of Revenge of the Sith, prior to his transformation into Darth Sidious.
Design Notes
First and only version to use the slope element for the Chancellor's formal robes, giving him a more regal, statuesque height compared to standard legs.
Similar Minifigures
sw0631 (Chancellor Palpatine - Beige Robes), sw0210 (Palpatine - Grey Inlay), and various Count Dooku figures for the shared aesthetic of the era.
Collectibility
Extremely High. A 'Holy Grail' piece for Prequel Trilogy collectors due to the set's limited availability and the uniqueness of the robe design.
History
Follows the 2005 original (sw0145). This 2012 version represents the peak of Palpatine's non-Sith minifigure design before LEGO shifted to more frequent Emperor variants.
Interesting Facts
The gold lightsaber hilt included in the original set was a rare color for the piece at the time, specifically chosen to match the Chancellor's elegant weapon.
Display Suggestions
Display alongside sw0417 (Anakin Skywalker with Sith Eyes) and the Jedi Council members from set 9526 to recreate the 'I am the Senate' scene.
Modification Potential
The slope piece is often used for custom Jedi masters in robes or other high-ranking Star Wars officials. Very popular for purist MOCs of the Senate Chamber.
Overall Assessment
10/10 Rating. A standout minifigure in the Star Wars line, offering a perfect blend of character accuracy and rarity. A must-have for serious collectors.