The 10 Most Collectible Bobbleheads of All Timebobbleheads，Welcome to click on the official website to learn more!
An In-Depth Look at the Most Iconic and Valuable Bobbleheads for Collectors
Bobbleheads have come a long way since their humble beginnings as quirky desk ornaments. Today, they have evolved into highly sought-after collectibles, with some fetching astronomical prices at auctions. Their charm lies not only in their wobbly heads but also in the rich stories, cultural significance, and limited availability that make certain bobbleheads stand out in the eyes of collectors. In this article, we’ll take a look at the 10 most collectible bobbleheads of all time, highlighting the stories and factors that make them so valuable.
1. The 1960s Brooklyn Dodgers Bobblehead
One of the earliest and most iconic examples of sports-related bobbleheads, the 1960s Brooklyn Dodgers bobblehead is a true collector's item. These bobbleheads were made in the early 1960s and depict players from the Brooklyn Dodgers, a Major League Baseball team that was relocated to Los Angeles in 1957. What makes these bobbleheads particularly valuable is their age and rarity. Since the Dodgers moved to LA, these vintage Brooklyn versions are highly sought after by collectors, especially those with an interest in MLB history. The bobbleheads were produced in very small numbers and are often found in poor condition, which makes finding one in good shape even more coveted.
2. The 1999 San Francisco Giants Willie Mays Bobblehead
The Willie Mays bobblehead produced by the San Francisco Giants in 1999 is another coveted piece in the world of sports memorabilia. A tribute to one of the greatest baseball players of all time, this bobblehead was handed out to fans during a game at Candlestick Park. What makes it so collectible today is its connection to Mays’s incredible legacy and the limited quantity in which it was produced. Unlike most promotional items, this particular bobblehead has not been reproduced, and its value has only increased over time. Fans who own one of these items often treat it as an invaluable piece of baseball history.
3. The 2003 Bobblehead of the Seattle Mariners’ Ichiro Suzuki
Ichiro Suzuki was a revolutionary player in Major League Baseball, and his 2003 bobblehead has become a collector’s gem. Known for his incredible batting technique and impeccable fielding, Ichiro was not only a dominant player but also a fan favorite, especially in the Pacific Northwest. The Seattle Mariners' Ichiro Suzuki bobblehead, released to commemorate his arrival to the team, is rare, as only a limited number were produced. Its value has surged due to Ichiro’s iconic status and the increasing demand for memorabilia related to foreign-born players who excelled in MLB.
4. The 1967 “Popeye” Bobblehead by Topps
In the 1960s, the Topps company ventured beyond sports collectibles and produced a set of bobbleheads featuring popular cartoon characters. One of the most famous—and valuable—of these is the 1967 “Popeye” bobblehead. Popeye, the beloved spinach-chomping sailor, was a cultural icon, and Topps made a limited number of these bobbleheads, making them highly collectible today. Its nostalgic value, combined with its rarity, has made it one of the most expensive bobbleheads on the market. Collectors often seek this particular bobblehead because of the cross-section between comic and pop culture history.
5. The 2008 Bobblehead of the New York Yankees’ Derek Jeter
As one of the most iconic players in MLB history, Derek Jeter’s 2008 bobblehead, handed out during a Yankees game, has become a highly collectible item. The limited-edition release is not only tied to Jeter’s incredible career but also the New York Yankees’ rich legacy. With its detailed design and the popularity of Jeter as a player and cultural figure, this bobblehead is frequently seen at auctions and has steadily risen in value since its release. Fans of both the Yankees and Jeter consider this bobblehead a treasured piece of memorabilia.
6. The 2000 Bobblehead of the NBA’s Shaquille O’Neal
When it comes to basketball, few players have left a mark as strong as Shaquille O'Neal. The 2000 Shaquille O’Neal bobblehead, released by the Los Angeles Lakers to celebrate his dominance during the early 2000s, is now a prized collectible. The big man’s larger-than-life personality and on-court success made this particular bobblehead a must-have for fans, and its connection to the Lakers’ championship seasons adds to its desirability. The limited edition of this bobblehead has helped it become one of the most valuable NBA-related pieces for collectors.
7. The 1960s Bobblehead of the New York Mets’ Mr. Met
Mr. Met, the iconic mascot of the New York Mets, has been a favorite of baseball fans for decades. The early 1960s Mr. Met bobblehead, which was one of the first-ever MLB mascot bobbleheads produced, is considered a collector’s item due to its vintage status. These bobbleheads are rare and are often found in poor condition due to their age, making the few that are in excellent shape particularly valuable. Mr. Met's cheerful face and association with the Mets’ early years have ensured this item remains a coveted piece of baseball memorabilia.
8. The 1972 Bobblehead of the Los Angeles Lakers’ Jerry West
Known as "Mr. Clutch," Jerry West’s impact on the NBA is undeniable. The 1972 bobblehead of Jerry West is a nostalgic reminder of the Lakers’ golden era. These bobbleheads were produced as part of a limited run to honor West’s contribution to the game and are regarded as rare items today. The unique thing about this particular bobblehead is its depiction of West in his playing days, complete with his classic fadeaway jump shot posture. As with many vintage bobbleheads, the condition of the item significantly affects its value, with those in excellent condition fetching higher prices.
9. The 2014 Funko Pop! Bobblehead of The Big Lebowski’s Jeff Bridges
While bobbleheads have traditionally been a sports memorabilia phenomenon, the pop culture world has gotten in on the action. One standout example is the 2014 Funko Pop! bobblehead of Jeff Bridges as "The Dude" from The Big Lebowski. This limited-edition piece, which was released by Funko to coincide with the 15th anniversary of the film’s release, has become a must-have for fans of the cult classic. Its unique design and the movie’s massive fan base have driven demand for this bobblehead, making it one of the most collectible non-sports bobbleheads of all time.
10. The 1967 Bobblehead of the Minnesota Vikings’ Viking
The 1967 Viking bobblehead was part of a limited set created for the inaugural year of the Minnesota Vikings. As one of the earliest NFL-related bobbleheads, it stands as a representation of the team’s early days in the league. These bobbleheads were produced in limited numbers, and few have survived in good condition, making them extremely valuable today. With their historical significance and the growing popularity of vintage NFL memorabilia, the 1967 Viking bobblehead has become one of the most sought-after pieces for fans of both the Minnesota Vikings and football history in general.
Conclusion
Bobbleheads have transcended their original purpose as simple desk ornaments to become cherished pieces of sports and pop culture memorabilia. From vintage sports figures to beloved movie characters, each collectible bobblehead tells a story and holds intrinsic value for those lucky enough to own them. Whether you're a sports enthusiast or a fan of pop culture, these ten bobbleheads are the epitome of what makes this collectible niche so fascinating. With limited editions and their connections to iconic moments in history, these bobbleheads will continue to hold their place as prized treasures in the collecting world for years to come.