When most people think of “antique toy robots”, they typically think of Robby the Robot, B-9 from Lost in Space, and things made of tin with a key wind or battery operation. Toys of the 1950’s through early 1970’s. These robots are awesome! I personally love them and think they are beautiful to display but the market thinks differently today. These toys have been gradually decreasing in value over the past decade simply because less collectors can relate to them today. Additionally, very few of these early robots relate to a media franchise or relatable character. Outside of Forbidden Planet and Lost in Space, you are not going to find a Japanese Yoshiya Chief Robotman appearing in a film or television show.
In present day 2021, the toy robot market is dominated by character-based toys of the late 1970’s through 1990’s. Yes 1990’s, that is now considered vintage. Shogun Warriors, GoDaikin, Voltron, Gobots, Transformers, and Power Rangers are all market leading toy franchises in today’s collectible world. The biggest thing to keep in mind with modern robots is that they are far less forgiving on condition compared to their forefathers. They need to be mint to command the big money, and by mint, I mean new or like-new condition. For example, take a 1979 Mattel Shogun Warriors Mazinga. Mazinga or Mazinger Z has been a staple character of fans for decades. He can be credited for starting the Japanese robot craze in 1972. He’s old but he is still around today. His American release Shogun Warrior in played with condition, moderate sticker wear, and even with a box that’s partially beat up say 5/10 condition brings $250 to $400. Now take one in near mint condition and you’ll see collectors compete up to $1,500 for a great one. That’s a big difference. Just keep that in mind when dealing with modern era robots. Mint in box and unused is king, the rest falls very far in value.
Right now, due to COVID the collectibles market has been very strong. If there was ever a time to sell you want to strike while the iron is hot. Although the antique robots are lower in value than ten years ago, you do not want to see what another ten years will hold for you. All antiques and collectibles are cyclical, they have a life cycle like people themselves. If there is nobody left to remember the toys, who is going to buy them? There will always be collectors, but lower demand equals higher supply and lower prices. Your best bet is to reach out to a trusted auction house and see what they can do for you.
