The Flash - Solid Gold / Chrome Gold (San Diego Comic-Con 2013 Exclusive)
sh079 · DC Comics Super Heroes
San Diego Comic-Con Exclusive · 2013
Figure ID
sh079
Theme
DC Comics Super Heroes
Year Released
2013
Rarity
Ultra-rare. Limited to a very small production run exclusively distributed via a random drawing at San Diego Comic-Con 2013, making it one of the most sought-after promotional minifigures in LEGO history.
Head
Chrome gold standard minifigure head with specialized printing representing The Flash's mask and facial features, featuring white eye holes and a determined expression underneath a smooth electroplated reflective chrome gold finish.
Torso
Chrome gold torso featuring intricate black and red muscle shading, a central white circle containing a red lightning bolt emblem, and secondary lightning bolts printed near the waistline. Bright red hands and arms with chrome gold molded elements.
Legs
Chrome gold standard hips and legs with unique red printing on the lower portion of the feet/toes to mimic running boots, though this specific specimen shows noticeable wear and chipping on the red paint.
Accessories
None standard included for this specific promotional display figure, though standard LEGO transparent speed trail effect pieces are often paired with it by collectors.
Color Scheme
Reflective chrome gold as the primary dominating color, accented by vibrant red hands, lower leg boot paint, and the central chest emblem, creating a striking metallic finish.
Printing Details
High-end vacuum-metallized chrome gold electroplating across multiple plastic parts with fine tampo-printed details over top, though prone to scratching and flaking over time particularly on high-friction areas like the legs.
Variants
This is the exclusive SDCC 2013 Chrome Gold Flash variant. Standard production variants of The Flash exist in regular red plastic with yellow and white printing from various retail sets.
Condition Notes
High susceptibility to fingerprint smudges, surface scratching, chrome flaking, and paint chipping on the red boot accents (as visible on the feet of this specific copy). Handle with gloves.
Estimated Value
Valued between $1,500 and $3,000+ USD depending heavily on overall condition, presence of authentic SDCC packaging/backing card, and certification.
Price (New)
Not applicable for standard retail as it was a free promotional giveaway exclusively at San Diego Comic-Con 2013.
Compatible Sets
SDCC2013-1 (San Diego Comic-Con 2013 Exclusive The Flash)
Character Background
Barry Allen is a forensic scientist who gains superhuman speed after being struck by lightning, operating in DC Comics as the iconic superhero The Flash, defending Central City from rogues and cosmic threats.
Design Notes
Utilizes specialty electroplated chrome coating applied to standard LEGO molds, a rare manufacturing process LEGO has largely phased out due to durability concerns and environmental factors.
Similar Minifigures
SDCC 2013 Spider-Man, SDCC 2012 Bizarro, SDCC 2013 Green Arrow, and other convention-exclusive chrome or solid-color variants.
Collectibility
Extremely high. A holy grail piece for both Super Heroes theme completists and high-end convention exclusive collectors.
History
Released during the peak era of San Diego Comic-Con exclusive minifigure giveaways (2012-2015), cementing its legacy alongside legendary rarities like Darkseid and Spider-Woman.
Interesting Facts
Only a few hundred copies were reportedly produced, making authentic loose examples command thousands of dollars on the secondary market.
Display Suggestions
Best displayed in an acrylic UV-protected display case away from direct sunlight to prevent fading and scratching of the delicate chrome surface.
Modification Potential
Modification is strongly discouraged due to the extreme rarity and high financial value of the original parts.
Overall Assessment
An absolute masterpiece of modern LEGO rarity and a crown jewel for any serious collection, though this particular copy exhibits moderate play wear and paint loss on the boots.