Collection Diary 6-05-07

Stop saying that. It isn't true. No, the "Super Collector" doesn't have "Super Connections" allowing me easy access to the most prized of the Celebration IV exclusives. The set of 12 medallions available only by attending the collecting panels in Los Angeles was even more tiring for me to track down, as I was actually in Los Angeles but too busy exhibiting the new book to go and collect the coins. (I'd have gladly gone and sat through every one of the panels, with or without the coins.) Like most of the rest of you, I resorted to eBay, buying them as a high priced set, and directly from one of the coin's sponsors to ensure they would arrive in pristine condition.

While speculating for the set, I noticed one grossly incorrect fact stated time and time again in nearly every auction. While it doesn't alter their value in the least, it is time for a Super Collector education which will one day set apart those in the know from those who are not...

The 12 Star Wars pewter medallions were handed out at Celebration IV in Los Angeles over Memorial Day weekend. These beautiful cast pewter medallions were designed by Jeff Correll based on the Kenner repro art for the first 12 vintage action figures. They were given out at random panels and random times throughout the weekend, making it very difficult to complete a set.

The medallions are 2 inches in diameter, larger than the vintage POTF coins. They are very detailed on the front and back.

Included in the set are Darth Vader, Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Jawa, Stormtrooper, Sand People, Death Squad Commander, Han Solo, Chewbacca, R2-D2, and C-3PO.

These pieces are truely amazing and are limited to only 350 sets distributed at the convention and 500 minted total. Most sellers are mistakenly advertising that only 350 sets were made. The remaining 150 sets were given to the coin sponsors (who contributed to have the coins made) and the rest were held back for advertising and special thank you gifts. Originally selling on eBay for $600 a set, the current asking price for a set is $1,200-$1,500.