Darth Vader (Original Helmet, Detailed Torso)
sw0004a · Star Wars
Classic Trilogy · 1999
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Figure ID
sw0004a
Theme
Star Wars
Year Released
1999
Rarity
Common
Overall Assessment
A legendary piece of LEGO history representing the dawn of the Star Wars theme, though this specific sample shows noticeable play wear.
AI Estimated Value
Not an official valuation$5 to $15 USD depending on completeness and condition of the parts.
Original Retail
Originally available in 1999 sets ranging from $30 to $100+ USD.
AI estimate for general guidance only — not a professional appraisal. Actual value depends on condition, completeness, and market demand.
Parts
Head
Black solid standard Minifigure head piece with no printing beneath the iconic two-piece helmet.
Torso
Black torso with detailed white, red, and green life support system printing, depicting vertical chest stripes and control panels.
Legs
Plain black unprinted standard legs with black hips.
Accessories
Standard black cape and red lightsaber handle with red blade (not pictured in the attached image).
Printing Details
Early era pad printing on the torso with basic silver-grey lines, red, and green lights. No leg printing or back printing.
Color Scheme
Solid black throughout with grey, red, and green accents on the torso printing.
Known Variants
Includes earlier 1999 solid-piece helmet variants and later iterations with dual-molded heads and more complex body printing.
Condition Notes
Heavy dust, surface scratches on the helmet and torso printing, showing typical signs of play wear and aging common for late 90s sets.
Found In Sets
7150 TIE Fighter and Y-wing, 7190 Millennium Falcon, 7146 TIE Fighter, 7152 TIE Fighter & Y-wing.
Character Background
Anakin Skywalker seduced by the dark side of the Force, serving as the primary antagonist of the original Star Wars trilogy.
Design Notes
Features the classic two-piece Darth Vader helmet design that remained standard for LEGO Star Wars for over a decade.
History
One of the foundational figures of the LEGO Star Wars theme launched in 1999.
Interesting Facts
The 1999 Darth Vader helmet was split into two pieces—a revolutionary step for LEGO character design at the time.
Collectibility
High nostalgic value for original 1999 LEGO Star Wars wave collectors, though common in volume.
Similar Minifigures
Other early generation Darth Vader figures such as sw0004 and sw0165.
Display Suggestions
Display in a dust-free acrylic case alongside classic 1999 Star Wars sets or figures.
Modification Potential
Can be upgraded with modern dual-molded helmets or capes, though purists prefer keeping original 1999 parts intact.