Darth Maul (Classic 1999 Version)
sw0003 · Star Wars
Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace · 1999. This figure was part of the inaugural wave of LEGO Star Wars, coinciding with the theatrical release of 'The Phantom Menace'. This era marked LEGO's first foray into licensed IPs, changing the company's trajectory forever.
Figure ID
sw0003
Theme
Star Wars
Year Released
1999. This figure was part of the inaugural wave of LEGO Star Wars, coinciding with the theatrical release of 'The Phantom Menace'. This era marked LEGO's first foray into licensed IPs, changing the company's trajectory forever.
Rarity
Uncommon / Iconic. While appearing in several sets during the early 2000s, it is becoming increasingly difficult to find in mint condition due to its age and high demand as a nostalgia piece.
Head
Yellow classic skin tone with black horn pattern and Sith facial markings. Single-sided printing. The yellow color is a hallmark of early Star Wars figures before the transition to realistic flesh tones in 2004.
Torso
Black torso with Dark Gray and Silver printing depicting a Sith robe, belt, and breathing apparatus styling. Plain black arms with light gray hands.
Legs
Plain black legs (standard 3-brick height) with a black hip piece. No printing occurs on the legs for this version.
Accessories
(Missing in image) Originally came with a chrome silver double-bladed lightsaber hilt (often referred to as 'Chrome Silver hilt' which is prone to flaking) and two trans-red lightsaber blades.
Color Scheme
A stark palette of Black, Yellow, and Dark Gray with accents of silver. This contrasts heavily with modern versions which use flesh tones and reddish-brown detail.
Printing Details
Simple pad printing characteristic of the late 90s. The head print alignment is generally consistent, though the 'horn' dots on top of the head can sometimes be slightly off-center on some production runs.
Variants
The primary variant is sw0003a (which has a slightly different hood piece in some sets). Later 20th Anniversary versions (sw1056) exist which include a '20th Anniversary' print on the back of the torso.
Condition Notes
The chrome on the original lightsaber hilt (if present) often flakes. The yellow head is susceptible to 'Sith tanning' (UV yellowing/darkening). Check for torso cracks on the sides, a common issue for this era of plastic.
Estimated Value
Used (Complete with cape/saber): $20–$35 USD. Incomplete/Loose (as shown): $10–$15 USD. New/Sealed in original set: Values vary wildly based on set (e.g., set 7101 can be $100+).
Price (New)
N/A (Individual figure was not sold separately). Set 7101 (Lightsaber Duel) retailed for $6.00 USD in 1999, which included this figure and Qui-Gon Jinn.
Compatible Sets
7101 Lightsaber Duel (1999), 7151 Sith Infiltrator (1999), 3341 Star Wars #2 Minifig Pack (2000), 7159 Podracing Bucket (2000).
Character Background
The primary antagonist of Episode I. Darth Maul is a Zabrak Sith apprentice to Darth Sidious. This figure captures his appearance during the duel on Tatooine and Naboo.
Design Notes
This figure is notable for not including a cape in many of its early sets, instead relying on the 'hood' piece (missing in image) to represent his Sith garb. It is one of the first ever 'alien' head prints in the theme.
Similar Minifigures
sw1056 (20th Anniversary Darth Maul), sw0320 (Sith Infiltrator version with flesh tone), and other 1999-series figures like the original Qui-Gon Jinn or Obi-Wan Kenobi.
Collectibility
High. As one of the 'Original 3' Star Wars figures, it is a cornerstone of any serious Star Wars collection. Interest remains stable as it represents the 'Golden Age' of LEGO Star Wars.
History
Debuted in 1999. This was the first ever Darth Maul figure. It remained the definitive Maul for nearly a decade until specialized molds and flesh-tone printing were introduced in the late 2000s.
Interesting Facts
Despite having horns in the movie, this figure's horns are simply dots printed on a smooth yellow head. The original chrome lightsaber hilt included with this figure is one of the most sought-after vintage elements.
Display Suggestions
Display alongside other 1999 'Yellow' Star Wars figures. A 2x4 black brick stand with a printed nameplate or the '1999-2024' anniversary tile is recommended.
Modification Potential
Frequently used for 'Classic' style MOCs. Collectors often swap the hands with dark gray or black to match modern aesthetics, though 'purist' fans prefer the original light gray.
Overall Assessment
A legendary piece of LEGO history. While simple by modern standards, its charm and historical significance as one of the first licensed figures make it a 'buy' for any Star Wars enthusiast.