C-3PO - Pearl Dark Gray
sw0161a · Star Wars
The Original Trilogy · 2012 (First variant sw0161 in 2007)
Figure ID
sw0161a
Theme
Star Wars
Year Released
2012 (First variant sw0161 in 2007)
Rarity
Uncommon; exclusive to a specific polybag and a few older sets.
Head
Pearl Dark Gray Protocol Droid head with yellow eyes and black mechanical details. No dual-side printing.
Torso
Pearl Dark Gray with mechanical wires (red/blue) and circular power socket printing. Pearl Dark Gray arms and hands.
Legs
Pearl Dark Gray with printed knee joints and mechanical plating lines. No side or back printing.
Accessories
None included in image. Usually no accessories are paired with this figure in sets.
Color Scheme
Monochromatic Pearl Dark Gray body with accents of yellow, red, blue, and black in the printing.
Printing Details
High-quality pad printing on head, torso front, and legs front. No arm or side leg printing.
Variants
The sw0161 variant (2007) has no leg printing; this is sw0161a which features upgraded leg printing. There is also a chrome version (sw0158).
Condition Notes
Susceptible to 'silvering' or light scuffs on the pearl plastic surface. Check for cracks in the heels and arms.
Estimated Value
Used: $8 - $15 USD; New/Sealed in Polybag: $25 - $40 USD.
Price (New)
Retail context: Included in set 9490 ($12.99) or as a promotional polybag 5000063.
Compatible Sets
9490 Droid Escape (2012), 4649774-1 Promo Pack, 5000063 TC-14 Polybag (Target promo variant).
Character Background
Represents C-3PO's unfinished or dirty appearance as seen on Tatooine in 'A New Hope' or his early state in 'The Phantom Menace'.
Design Notes
Utilizes the standard protocol droid mold but in a darker metallic plastic to simulate metal weathering or dirt.
Similar Minifigures
sw0700 (C-3PO with red arm), sw0158 (Chrome Silver C-3PO), sw0010 (Classic Yellow C-3PO).
Collectibility
High for Star Wars completionists, though currently stable in market price due to being a 'variant' rather than the main gold character.
History
Follows the evolution of protocol droid printing; this specific version added leg prints to increase screen accuracy over the 2007 version.
Interesting Facts
The Pearl Dark Gray color is often colloquially called 'Gunmetal Grey' by fans. This specific printing was designed to match the 2012 'Droid Escape' set aesthetic.
Display Suggestions
Display alongside R2-D2 and an Escape Pod MOC. Use UV-protected cases to prevent pearl plastic discoloration.
Modification Potential
Excellent for 'junk merchant' MOCs or custom droid builds using the unique colored limbs.
Overall Assessment
A solid, detailed variant of a core character. Essential for collectors building out Tatooine-specific movie scenes.