R2-D2 (White Head, Lavender Blue Dots, Large Reception Signal)
sw0217 · Star Wars
Star Wars Episode 4/5/6 · 2009 (First released in set 8037 Anakin's Y-Wing Starfighter)
Figure ID
sw0217
Theme
Star Wars
Year Released
2009 (First released in set 8037 Anakin's Y-Wing Starfighter)
Rarity
Uncommon. While R2-D2 is a mascot of the line, this specific print configuration was only released between 2009 and 2011 across a few specific sets.
Head
White Astromech Droid Head with Lavender Blue and Silver printing. Features a 'large' reception signal (the blue rectangular print) which distinguishes it from earlier 1999-2008 versions.
Torso
White Astromech Droid Body with detailed blue, silver, and dark gray mechanical printing. Includes the iconic logic function display and processor state indicators. No back printing.
Legs
Standard White Astromech Droid Short Legs (x2). These are unprinted and have remained relatively unchanged in mold since the theme's inception.
Accessories
None. As an Astromech, the figure is composed of its structural parts. External tools like the buzz saw or computer interface arm are not included with this specific variant.
Color Scheme
Primary White with Lavender Blue, Silver, and Dark Gray accents. The 'Lavender Blue' tint is a hallmark of this era's production compared to the 'Sand Blue' or 'Dark Blue' found on modern versions.
Printing Details
High-quality pad printing on the dome and front of the torso. Alignment issues are common on the dome piece, where the circular prints can often be slightly off-center or tilted.
Variants
This is a successor to sw0028 (1999 gray head) and sw0129 (2005 white head). It differs from the modern sw1085 by its lack of back printing and the specific shade of blue used.
Condition Notes
The most common issue is yellowing of the white plastic due to UV exposure. Check for 'play wear' scratches on the dome which can dull the silver printing. The leg pins can occasionally become loose.
Estimated Value
Used: $3.00 - $5.00 USD; New: $6.00 - $9.00 USD. This version is affordable due to mass production during the Clone Wars era sets.
Price (New)
Original sets ranged from $24.99 (8037) to $109.99 (10198). The figure itself was never sold individually.
Compatible Sets
8037 Anakin's Y-Wing Starfighter, 10198 Tantive IV, 8092 Luke's Landspeeder, 2853590 Chrome Silver Darth Vader promotional bag (often paired).
Character Background
R2-D2 is a courageous Series 2 Astromech droid who served Padmé Amidala, Anakin Skywalker, and Luke Skywalker. He is a central protagonist in the Skywalker Saga.
Design Notes
This version represents the 'middle era' of LEGO R2-D2 design. It moved away from the 1999-era light gray dome to a more movie-accurate white dome, though it lacked the back printing introduced in 2022.
Similar Minifigures
sw0028 (Classic R2), sw0527 (Flat Silver Head), sw1085 (R2 with back printing), and other Astromechs like R5-D4 (sw0142).
Collectibility
Medium-low. It is a staple for any collector, but because so many versions exist, this specific print is mostly desired by 'variant completionists'.
History
Released during the transition from the 'Classic' style to more detailed printing. It reflects LEGO's 2009 initiative to modernize the Star Wars lineup with more accurate colors and complex torso patterns.
Interesting Facts
This specific figure's dome print was used for both the 'Clone Wars' sets and the 'Original Trilogy' sets of that era, showing LEGO's move toward a unified character design across sub-themes.
Display Suggestions
Ideal for display in the droid socket of an X-Wing or Y-Wing MOC. Keep away from direct sunlight to prevent the white plastic from turning yellow.
Modification Potential
High. The parts are modular, making it easy to swap the head onto different colored bodies for custom R2-series droids.
Overall Assessment
A classic, dependable representation of the galaxy's most famous droid. While eclipsed by modern versions with back printing, it remains a nostalgic piece for collectors of the 2009-2011 era.