10 More Specialist Action Figure Collection Terms Explained

Much like becoming a doctor or a mechanic, becoming a pro Star Wars, Avatar, Marvel Superheroes or Harry Potter collector requires a lot of specialist knowledge! Today we continue our quick reference guide to the ever amazing dictionary that belongs to the toy collectors' world.

1. Die cast

A toy made out of metal. While they are usually stainless steel, any type of metal can be die cast, if it is cast from a die!

2. Exclusive

If a toy set or assortment is made only for one retail store, it is considered exclusive. There are other ways for a toy to be exclusive, of course (for example, if it was only sold in the United States), but this is the one the term refers to.

3. Foreign card

If a toy was sold outside the United States and the card is printed in a language other than English, it is said to be 'foreign carded'.

4. Holo

Stands for holographic or hologram, and may refer to the card, the packaging, or the toy itself.

5. Limited edition

If production of a particular model is limited, despite demand for the toy still existing, it is a limited edition. This is frequently a marketing ploy to enhance branding and increase after market sales … possibly by the company themselves.

6. Loose

Has been removed from the original packaging. Often loose toys are missing accessories, and frequently rate lower on the C-scale. Loose Star Wars toys can still fetch quite decent prices …

7. Mail aways

Usually collectors must send in barcodes from other purchased toys or products in orfder to receive an item that is not available elsewhere.

8. Mint/MIB/MIP/MINMP/MONMC

Mint means that the toy is visibly no different to the state it would have been sold in on the primary market, in toy stores etc. MIB stands for Mint In Box, MIP stands for Mint In Package, MINMP stands for Mint In Near Mint Package, MONMC stands for Mint On Near Mint Card.

9. Hollow cast

Metal figurines that are not solid - the metal is poured into the die, and the sides will cool first. The excess molten metal is poured out, leaving a hollow figurine. These are obviously worth less than solid figurines.

10. Animated toys

If a toy is made to move or simulate lifelike movements it is considered animated. Simulation techniques could include rubber bands, gravity, steam, electricity, batteries, springs, etc.