Star Trek: Science Fiction Memorabilia & Collectibles
Star Trek, created by Gene Roddenberry and first broadcast on NBC on September 8, 1966, spawned one of the most expansive franchises in entertainment history. Despite initial cancellation in 1969 after three seasons, the original series generated a devoted fan base that sustained the brand through syndication, conventions, films, and successor series. Star Trek collectibles span six decades and range from inexpensive mass-produced merchandise to screen-used props worth six figures.
Key Collecting Categories
- Screen-used props and costumes: Original production items from any Star Trek series or film. Authenticated pieces from the original 1966-1969 series are the most valuable. Christie's 2006 auction of Paramount's Star Trek archive set benchmark prices across all categories.
- Action figures (Mego, 1974-1976): The first Star Trek action figures, produced in 8-inch format. Complete figures with original accessories are highly collectible. The "Neptunian" alien figure is among the rarest.
- Playmates figures (1992-1999): Mass-produced but certain variants, prototypes, and short-run figures command premiums.
- Model kits: AMT produced the first Enterprise model kit in 1966. Original unbuilt kits in sealed boxes are valued well above built examples.
- Autographs: Signed photographs and items by original cast members, particularly DeForest Kelley and James Doohan (both deceased), have increased in value.
- Publications and scripts: Original shooting scripts, call sheets, and pre-production documents from any series.
- Gold Key/Marvel comics: Gold Key published Star Trek comics from 1967-1979. Early issues, particularly #1, are the most sought after.
Identification and Authentication
Screen-used props should carry documentation from Paramount, Christie's, or Profiles in History auction house. The 2006 Christie's catalog serves as a primary reference for authenticated original series items. Mego figures are identified by their distinctive body type and copyright markings on the back ("(c) 1974 Paramount Pictures Corp."). Reproduced and custom figures are common in the market; original Mego accessories (phasers, communicators, tricorders) should match known production specifications. AMT model kits are dated by box art variations and copyright notices.
Auction Price Ranges
| Item | Era | Condition | Typical Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Screen-used TOS phaser prop | 1966-69 | Authenticated | $50,000 - $200,000+ |
| Screen-used TNG uniform (main cast) | 1987-94 | Authenticated | $3,000 - $15,000 |
| Mego USS Enterprise Bridge playset | 1975 | Complete w/box | $500 - $1,500 |
| Mego 8" Kirk figure, Type 1 | 1974 | Mint on card | $300 - $800 |
| AMT Enterprise model kit (1st issue) | 1966 | Unbuilt, sealed | $400 - $1,000 |
| Gold Key Star Trek #1 comic | 1967 | VF/NM | $500 - $1,500 |
| Leonard Nimoy signed 8x10 (PSA/DNA) | Any | Authenticated | $150 - $400 |
| Playmates Tapestry Picard (short run) | 1990s | Mint on card | $50 - $200 |
Condition Factors
For action figures, the presence of original packaging dramatically affects value--a mint-on-card Mego figure can bring five to ten times the price of a loose complete example. Props and costumes are evaluated on completeness, original finish, and provenance documentation. Model kits must be unbuilt with all parts on sprues for maximum value; built and painted examples bring a fraction of unbuilt prices regardless of build quality. Comic books follow standard grading (CGC/CBCS); condition is particularly impactful on key issues.
Collecting Tips
Original series (1966-1969) items consistently outperform all other Star Trek eras at auction. The 2006 Christie's auction established a public record for hundreds of authenticated props and costumes that serves as a valuation baseline. Mego figures from 1974-1976 represent the most active secondary market segment, with alien figures (Gorn, Neptunian, Mugato) commanding the highest prices. Autograph collectors should insist on third-party authentication (PSA/DNA, JSA, or Beckett) as Star Trek signatures are among the most frequently forged in the entertainment memorabilia market. Next Generation and Deep Space Nine items are currently undervalued relative to their long-term potential.