In the Godzilla Action Figure collector world, and in the action figures market in general, there are some terms that are used by the most knowledgeable and expert people. That is very necessary because collecting these items requires a lot of specialized knowledge. Again, these terms are common to the action figures market in general.
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! Despite the main core of a Godzilla Action Figures collection is vinyl figures, usually, it is possible to find die cast models too.
Godzilla Japanese Die Cast 7″ GD-98 1975 Mecha Godzilla – by BANDAI
2. Exclusive: This term refers, many times, to the way the toys has been merchandised. For example, if the action figures was made only for a retail store, then it is an exclusive toy. Also, if it is meant to be sold in one country (only Japan or only USA, for example), the toys is also exclusive.
3. Foreign card: This is an interesting term, and has to do with the United States. If a toy has a card printed in a language other than English and is sold outside the States, then it is said to be ‘foreign carded’.
4. Holo: This term stands for holographic or hologram. It may refers to the card, the package or the toy itself.
5. Limited edition: This is another marketing strategy to increase sales. It happens when a toy is produced in limited quantities despite there is still demand for such toy.
This version of Godzilla was only manufactured through 2004, and is a very limited edition. By Toy Vault
This version of Godzilla was only manufactured through 2004, and is a very limited edition. By Toy Vault
6. Loose: Loose Godzilla Action Figures refers to toys that have been removed from the original package. They often have its accessories missing and are not in good conditions. Loose Godzilla Action Figures can keep a very good resale price if it is kept in good conditions and is complete with all of its accessories.
7. Mail aways: Usually collectors must send in barcodes from other purchased toys or products in order to receive an item that is not available elsewhere.
8. Mint/MIB/MIP/MINMP/MONMC: Mint refers to a toy in perfect conditions, that has no visual differences from a new one at a toy store, for example. MIB means 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: This term refers to metal figurines that are not solid. With the hollow cast technique, the metal is poured into the die, and the sides will cool first. The excess molten metal is poured out, leaving a hollow figurine. This type of action figures are worth less.
10. Animated toys: An animated toy has some kind of movements that simulate life. The simulation techniques include rubber bands, gravity, batteries, steam, springs, etc. One of the first animated Godzilla Action Figures is the 1978 Mattel creation that had a not too cool launching mechanism.
Mattel Shogun Warriors line, 1978
