CHEWBACCA Millennium Mint Coin Collection
Power of the Force Millennium Mint Coin Collection
Item No.: Asst. 69675 No. 84023
Number: n/a
Includes: Bowcaster, stand, coin
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $9.99
Availability: 1998
Appearances: Return of the Jedi

Bio: Chewbacca was a legendary Wookiee from Kashyyyk and co-pilot of Han Solo's ship, the Millennium Falcon. He was also notable for his role in the Battle of Kashyyyk during the Clone Wars and during the Galactic Civil War. ( Stolen from Wookieepedia.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' toy boxes.

Commentary: Take a figure from 1995, a coin from 1984, some paint, a new box, and blammo-- you've got a new Chewbacca figure. The figure has all of the flaws of the 1995 release-- his waist is tiny, the sculpt fur looks awkward, and he's just a smidgen too ape-like. He has been improved with several new paint applications, giving the fur a little more depth and adding some grey to the Wookiee hero as a toy for the very first time. The figure has the same basic six points of articulation you've gotten used to, and there's really not much else to say other than "easy repaint with nice base." The figure was designed as a toy first, though, making it good for many reasons. For example, it can sit. It can hold a weapon. It doesn't fall to pieces if you look at it funny. It's a reminder of what the designers lost sight of in recent years, and that's to make a toy that kids can play with, without worrying about things like breakage or limbs falling off. It's not much to look at, as the saying goes, but it has it where it counts.

So why should you get this? The coin. Coin fanatics should get this as it's part of a series of seven unique figures with coins from earlier in the modern line, and these would be a great addition to your coin collection. Also, the coin can be removed from the stand and you can put something else in its place-- POGs, 2007 coins, etc. If I could, I'd buy tons of these stands so I could display my coins next to my figures. They're great. (It's also notable that back in 1998, Kenner had no problem getting unscratched coins to the market on the first try.)

Collector's Notes: As a repaint of a previous figure, and a late-in-the-game one at that, this mold hasn't seen any action since this release in 1998. The coins haven't been seen again, either. The coin is notable in that the character side (pictured) is the same as the vintage 1984 coin, but cast in gold. The flip side is new, and fairly generic-- the words "The Power of the Force", a "Star Wars" logo, crossed lightsabers, and rebel and imperial faction symbols. This figure was part of the first series of Toys "R" Us exclusive coin figures, which also featured Han Solo (Bespin) and a Snowtrooper. ( MORE IMAGES COMING SOON )

Day 538: October 26, 2007