The 5 Rarest Bobbleheads Ever Created
The 5 Rarest Bobbleheads Ever Created
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Exploring the Most Valuable and Unique Bobblehead Collectibles
Bobbleheads, those quirky little figurines with oversized heads that wobble at the slightest touch, have become a staple of pop culture and collectibles. While most bobbleheads are made for sports fans, movie lovers, or as promotional merchandise, some rare and unique editions have become highly sought after by collectors. These rare bobbleheads can fetch astronomical prices and are treasured for their scarcity, history, and cultural significance. In this article, we’ll dive into the five rarest bobbleheads ever created and what makes them so valuable.
1. The 1960s Minnesota Twins "Crying" Bobblehead
The first on the list is an iconic piece from the 1960s—a rare bobblehead made to commemorate the Minnesota Twins. However, this particular bobblehead is dubbed the “Crying Bobblehead” due to the odd design of the figure. The bobblehead features a generic player with exaggerated tears running down his face. The reason behind this odd design isn’t entirely clear, but it’s widely speculated that the Twins organization commissioned the bobblehead to commemorate a particularly painful loss in the team’s history.
This bobblehead was produced in very limited quantities—likely fewer than 100—and most of them were discarded or lost over time. As a result, it has become one of the rarest and most expensive pieces for serious collectors of sports memorabilia. Today, if you happen to come across an original "Crying Bobblehead," it could be worth tens of thousands of dollars depending on its condition.
2. The 1970s Willie Mays “Gold Glove” Bobblehead
Willie Mays, widely regarded as one of the greatest baseball players of all time, was also the subject of one of the rarest and most coveted bobbleheads from the 1970s. This particular bobblehead was created to celebrate Mays winning his 12th Gold Glove award for his legendary fielding ability. However, this version is distinct because it was created using a gold-tinted paint for the gloves, making it an extremely rare version of the standard Mays bobblehead.
Although numerous Mays bobbleheads were produced during the 1970s, the “Gold Glove” version was limited to a small number and quickly became an item of mystery and desire. It is said that the number of these bobbleheads made is so small that fewer than 10 are known to have survived, making it a holy grail for collectors. Its current market value is unknown but could easily exceed $25,000 based on similar sales of rare sports memorabilia.
3. The 1961 Mickey Mantle “All-Star Game” Bobblehead
Mickey Mantle is a legend in Major League Baseball, and his bobbleheads have long been prized by collectors. However, one particular bobblehead released in 1961 stands out among the rest. This version commemorated Mantle’s inclusion in the All-Star Game that year, but its rarity isn’t due to the achievement itself. The 1961 Mickey Mantle "All-Star Game" bobblehead was produced in very small quantities and was never officially sold to the public. In fact, it was given away exclusively to a select few VIPs at the event.
Because this bobblehead was never mass-produced or sold commercially, it has become one of the most valuable and rare collectibles in baseball memorabilia. In terms of rarity, there are only about five known surviving versions of the 1961 Mickey Mantle “All-Star Game” bobblehead, making it nearly impossible to find. Today, such a piece could fetch upwards of $40,000 at auction, depending on condition and provenance.
4. The 1999 "Star Wars" Bobblehead Set by Burger King
In the late 1990s, Burger King launched a promotion featuring bobbleheads of iconic Star Wars characters to celebrate the release of Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace. While these bobbleheads were initially mass-produced and available in many fast-food restaurants, some variations from the series were released in extremely limited numbers, especially those that featured unique paint jobs or special packaging.
The rarest among these is the limited-edition Darth Maul bobblehead, which was produced in significantly fewer numbers than the rest of the characters. The scarcity is attributed to production errors and the quick turnaround time on some of the figures. The Darth Maul bobblehead, in particular, is often found with an error in the paint or slight deviations in the design, which has only added to its mystique.
The popularity of Star Wars coupled with the limited distribution of this particular bobblehead has driven up its value. Today, a pristine 1999 Darth Maul bobblehead can easily command over $1,000, and it is highly sought after by both Star Wars fans and bobblehead collectors alike.
5. The 1950s "Headless" Bobblehead
Arguably the most bizarre and unique bobblehead ever created, the 1950s "Headless" bobblehead is as rare as it is unsettling. This figurine, which features a body without a head, was a result of an unfortunate production error at a small toy company during the 1950s. According to various accounts, the "Headless" bobblehead was one of the first models ever designed for mass production, but due to an error in the assembly line, the heads of the figures were misplaced, leaving only the bodies.
While most of these figures were discarded, a small handful made it to collectors, where they became an oddity in the world of bobblehead collecting. Despite its incomplete nature, the “Headless” bobblehead has become an extremely valuable collectible due to its rarity and the intrigue it generates. Collectors value it not just for its scarcity but also for its bizarre, “unfinished” nature. Depending on the condition, a “Headless” bobblehead can sell for $5,000 or more, though finding one in good shape is an almost impossible task.
Conclusion
Bobbleheads are often dismissed as mere novelties or fun collectibles, but the rarest among them are worth more than many other types of memorabilia. Whether it’s the “Crying Bobblehead” from the 1960s or the elusive 1961 Mickey Mantle “All-Star Game” bobblehead, the items on this list represent a small slice of history and fandom that collectors are willing to pay a premium for. From quirky design flaws to limited-edition releases, each of these rare bobbleheads has a fascinating backstory and a hefty price tag that makes them some of the most coveted collectibles in the world.