Author Introduction:
Cui Zhuoran, commonly known as Darth Vader in the LEGO community, is a LEGO enthusiast based in Tianjin. With over ten years of LEGO collecting experience, he considers himself a mixed-style collector, purchasing any set he finds appealing. In recent years, he has developed a deep passion for collecting LEGO minifigures, significantly draining his finances. Through Cool Play Trends, he hopes to connect with fellow collectors and share his knowledge. Feel free to add him on WeChat: LEGO__Collector or follow his Xiaohongshu account: 912600459 to discuss and learn together.
When discussing the rarest and most dazzling LEGO pieces, one category stands out—chrome-plated LEGO elements. Cool Play Trends has previously introduced chrome parts, but minifigures fully or partially made from chrome pieces are even rarer. Today, I will introduce all five chrome LEGO minifigures ever released.
LEGO has officially released five chrome minifigures between 2007 and 2013: Chrome TC-14, Chrome Stormtrooper, Chrome Darth Vader, Chrome C-3PO, and the well-known Mr. Gold. These figures come in three different chrome colors: silver, gold, and black. Aside from Mr. Gold, which was a hidden figure in LEGO's Series 10 Collectible Minifigures, the other four are all from the Star Wars theme. Below, I will introduce each figure in increasing order of market value.
Chrome TC-14
Set Number: 5000063
Minifigure Number: sw0385
Release Year: 2012 (Star Wars Day exclusive gift)
Chrome TC-14 is arguably the most detailed of the five chrome figures, with intricate printing and vibrant colors enhancing its aesthetic appeal. While LEGO did not disclose the exact production numbers, it remains one of the more accessible chrome minifigures.
Market Value:
Sealed: ~1,000 RMB
Graded Versions (UKG): 1,500 - 3,000 RMB
Interestingly, LEGO held a Star Wars Mystery Box event in 2018, where fans could enter a lottery by purchasing a mystery box for $75. Some lucky winners received a signed and stamped Chrome TC-14 figure, while others won ultra-rare solid silver (13 made) or platinum (5 made) R2-D2 minifigures. In 2019, another LEGO VIP lottery offered TC-14 figures alongside signed photos of actor John Fensom. One UKG 100% graded and signed Chrome TC-14 figure is currently held by renowned collector Samuel, who owns an impressive array of rare LEGO minifigures and ultra-limited sets.
Chrome Stormtrooper
Set Numbers:
Polybag version: 4591726
Magnet version: 852737
Minifigure Number: sw0097
Release Years: 2009-2010
The Chrome Stormtrooper was first released in 2009 to celebrate the 10th anniversary of LEGO Star Wars. Initially, it was part of a magnet set without a disclosed production limit. In 2010, a polybag version was released as a Toys "R" Us exclusive, with an official limit of 10,000 units.
Market Value:
Polybag version: ~2,000 RMB
Magnet version: ~1,000+ RMB
Graded (UKG/AFA): 2,000 - 4,000 RMB
One notable distinction between the polybag and magnet versions is the type of blaster accessory included. The magnet version comes with a long rifle, while the polybag version has a short blaster. Another key difference lies in the chrome application process—the magnet version's leg connection points lack chrome plating, whereas the polybag version is fully chromed.
Chrome Black Darth Vader
Set Number: 4547551
Minifigure Number: sw0218
Release Year: 2009 (Limited to 10,000 units)
The Chrome Black Darth Vader is one of the most visually striking chrome minifigures. It remains the only minifigure to feature chrome black elements, making it a true standout in LEGO's history.
Market Value:
Sealed: ~3,600 - 4,000 RMB
Graded (UKG): 5,000 - 8,000 RMB
I own a UKG 100% graded version, which is extremely rare—I've only ever seen two worldwide. If one appears at a reasonable price, it’s a solid investment.
Chrome Gold C-3PO
Set Numbers:
Standard: Randomly inserted in LEGO Star Wars 30th Anniversary sets (Limited to 10,000)
Special Australian Edition: 100 units (Contest prize)
Minifigure Number: sw0008
Release Year: 2007
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LEGO Collecting
This minifigure was randomly inserted into Star Wars 30th Anniversary sets worldwide, making it one of the most famous limited minifigures. In Australia, due to legal restrictions on random inserts, LEGO held a building competition, awarding 100 copies of a special packaged version.
Market Value:
Standard (10,000 units): 14,000 - 16,000 RMB (sealed)
Australian Edition (100 units): 60,000 - 90,000 RMB
Graded versions can reach 100,000+ RMB
Many fakes exist, but authentic figures have silkscreen-printed designs, composed of tiny dots—this is a key verification method.
Mr. Gold
Minifigure Series: LEGO Collectible Minifigures Series 10
Release Year: 2013
Global Limit: 5,000 units
Unlike the other four figures, Mr. Gold isn’t from Star Wars but was released to celebrate Series 10 of LEGO’s minifigure line. Each Mr. Gold minifigure includes a unique serial number and originally had an online tracking system showing global locations (since discontinued).
Some owners even sent their Mr. Gold to LEGO Headquarters to receive an official authentication letter, further enhancing their collectible value.
Market Value:
Unsealed: $4,000 - $5,000 (approx. 30,000 - 40,000 RMB)
Graded versions can exceed $10,000 (70,000 RMB+)
One of the most incredible stories involves a U.S. LEGO fan who found two Mr. Golds in two consecutive days and insured them along with his hands! Now that’s legendary luck.
Final Thoughts
Each of these five chrome minifigures holds a special place in LEGO history. Whether it's the prestige of Mr. Gold, the mystery of Chrome Black Darth Vader, or the rarity of Chrome Gold C-3PO, they all represent LEGO's most exclusive collector’s items.
Which one is your favorite? Let me know in the comments!