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A beginner’s guide to Toy collecting: Part 3

The toy collecting dictionary

Welcome to the third installment of our beginner’s guide to toy collecting. In this post, we’ll delve into the toy collecting dictionary, a crucial resource for any novice collector. Understanding the terminology is key to navigating the vast world of toy collecting.

Toy collecting terms you should know:

AFA (Action Figure Authority): A grading system for the condition of action figures.

Articulation: The movable joints on an action figure.

Bootleg: An unauthorized, unofficial copy or reproduction of a toy.

Carded: A figure still attached to its original packaging card.

Catalog: A comprehensive list of toys, often used by collectors to keep track of their collections.

Chase Figure: A rare variation of a mass-produced toy, often produced in limited numbers.

Complete: A toy that includes all original parts and accessories.

Custom: A toy that has been modified or repainted by a collector.

Die-Cast: Toys made from metal, often referring to cars or miniature models.

Exclusive: A toy that is only available through a specific retailer or event.

Holy Grail: A highly sought-after and often rare collectible that is the ultimate goal for a collector.

Limited Edition: A toy that is produced in limited quantities, often making it more valuable.

Loose: A toy that is no longer in its original packaging. Condition can vary.

MIB (Mint in Box): A toy that has never been removed from its original packaging and is in perfect condition.

MOC (Mint on Card): A toy that is still sealed on its original card backing.

NRFB (Never Removed from Box): Similar to MIB, but emphasizes that the toy has never been taken out of its packaging.

Playset: A set of toys designed to be played with together, often creating a specific scene or environment.

Prototype: A pre-production model used for testing and marketing.

Reissue: A modern re-release of a classic toy.

Variant: A toy that has slight differences in packaging, color, or accessories.

VHTF (Very Hard to Find): A term used to describe extremely rare and desirable toys.

Now that you’ve mastered the basics of toy collecting, why not level up your knowledge with the exciting world of video game collecting? Dive into our next blog post to discover rare gems, pro tips, and the hidden treasures of the gaming universe. Click here and start your next adventure!

A beginner’s guide to Video Game collecting: Part 1


A beginner’s guide to Toy collecting: Part 3 was originally published in Golisto on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.