Home
1. STAR TREK'S CAPT. JEAN-LUC PICARD, from the ''Tapestry'' episode (Playmates 1995-1997). Playmates made a limited edition of 1,701 (get it?) and tossed them randomly into large commercial shipments. Sticker-priced at $12, a mint-condition Picard is now worth $600.
2. STAR WARS' LUKE SKYWALKER At $350, the 1977-79 Kenner figure, which is distinguished by its blond hair and the No. 12 on its back, is one of the movies' most valuable collectibles. In general, Star Wars products are considered the blue chips of the market. Says Jim Silver, publisher of the trade publication The Toy Book, ''They're the most widely collected and the most stable in value.''
3. GINGER SPICE News that she was leaving the Spice Girls inflated the value of Ginger dolls from $25 to $90. But Ginger's split overshadowed manufacturer Galoob's plans to create an insta-collectible. In the original series, Galoob included only one Scary Spice in every 12-doll crate of sistas shipped to retailers. With On Tour, Sporty was the one in short supply. If the band replaces Ginger, she's sure to appreciate. If not, hold on to original Scary and touring Sporty for insurance.
4. THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS' JACK SKELLINGTON It's that Tim Burton touch. Products related to the ghoulish director's films, especially The Nightmare Before Christmas, continue to be popular. A Skellington from the 1993 collection that was tagged at $5.99 now goes for $150 at New York's Howdy Do.
5. SPAWN FIGURES As the comic book made its way from an HBO show to the big screen in 1997, this intricately designed series produced by McFarlane Toys skyrocketed. Some $7.99 numbers now fetch $30.
6. JUDY ROBINSON from the 1998 Lost in Space collection: Demand for slinky Heather Graham means her Trendmasters doll, which sold for $5.99 in April, now goes for $15 mint. ''You'd think Trendmasters were offering a date with her as a sweepstakes prize,'' declares Lee's Action Figure Toy News, a collector's publication. Or maybe the stock boys are hoarding them.
