Collecting Smurfs is a surprisingly deep and fun hobby — and it can get pretty valuable too, depending on which figures you chase. The little blue characters first appeared as comic creations by Belgian artist Peyo in 1958, but their collectible legacy really took off when Schleich, a German toy company, began producing Smurf figurines in 1965.
Types of Smurf Collectibles
- PVC Figures (Schleich & Bully)
- The most common and popular to collect.
- Produced from 1965 onward, with over 400 different designs.
- Early ones (1960s–1970s) are the most valuable, especially “Bully” marked figures (Bully was Schleich’s early distributor).
- Promotional Smurfs
- Many companies gave away special Smurfs with products (Kinder Surprise, BP petrol stations, McDonald’s, etc.).
- Often unique molds or paint jobs, so these can be rarer.
- Playsets & Accessories
- Smurf houses, mushroom cottages, vehicles, and themed sets (farms, castles, playgrounds).
- Original 1970s–1980s playsets in box can fetch high prices.
- Ceramics & Plush
- Alongside PVC, companies released ceramic Smurfs, plush toys, and even lamps and clocks.
- Comics & Memorabilia
- Original French/Belgian comic albums and 1980s Smurfs merchandise (stickers, puzzles, lunchboxes, stationery).
Collectibility & Value
- Most Valuable Smurfs tend to be:
- Early 1960s–70s Schleich/Bully figures (rare molds, hand-painted).
- Error Smurfs (wrong paint colors, mis-molds).
- Promotional Smurfs made in small runs.
- Common 1980s–90s Smurfs usually sell for just a few dollars each, but rare ones can go for $100+ each.
- Complete sets (like all Smurf Olympics figures from 1980) are especially sought after.
How to Identify Them
- Markings on the feet/base: usually say “Schleich,” “W. Germany,” “Bully,” or include a year.
- Paint variations: Early hand-painted versions differ from later factory-painted ones.
- Condition: Mint with original paint is most desirable.
Tips for Collectors
- Start by collecting themes (sports Smurfs, work Smurfs, holiday Smurfs).
- Join Smurf collector groups/forums — trading is a big part of the hobby.
- Look for old lots on eBay, flea markets, garage sales — many people still sell childhood Smurfs cheaply.
- Store in a cool, dry place; paint can fade if exposed to sunlight.
The Most Valuable Smurfs
1. Gold Smurf (1978, 50th Schleich Anniversary)
- Painted gold, given out in small numbers.
- Very hard to find in good condition.
- Value: $500–$1,000+ depending on paint quality.
2. Irrigation Smurf (Bully, 1970s)
- A rare promotional Smurf holding a watering can.
- Produced in small numbers by Bully before Schleich took over.
- Value: $200–$400.
3. Large Easter Smurfs (Bully, early 1970s)
- Oversized figures with painted Easter eggs.
- Extremely scarce.
- Value: $250–$500.
4. Angry Smurf with Tongue Out (1960s Prototype)
- Early Schleich test figure, never widely released.
- Collectors pay very high prices.
- Value: $600–$1,000+.
5. Promo Smurfs (Shell, BP, McDonald’s, Kinder, etc.)
- Companies gave away special versions, often with unique paint or accessories.
- Some were only available in one country.
- Value: $50–$300 each (depending on promo and rarity).
6. Smurf with Camera (1960s Bully, Hand-painted)
- One of the first non-standard Smurfs.
- Bully marking makes it much rarer than later Schleich versions.
- Value: $200–$400.
7. Cowboy Smurf with Yellow Hat (Variation)
- Later versions had a brown hat, but the yellow hat version is rare.
- Value: $100–$250.
8. Halloween Smurf (Pumpkin Head, 1980s Limited Release)
- Released only in a few European countries.
- Now highly collectible.
- Value: $100–$200.
9. Olympics Series Smurfs (1980)
- Special set made for the 1980 Moscow Olympics, quickly pulled.
- Harder to find complete sets.
- Value: $300–$700 for a full set.
10. Error / Misprint Smurfs
- Wrong paint jobs (e.g., Papa Smurf painted blue hat instead of red).
- Collectors pay premiums for oddities.
- Value: $50–$200+ depending on uniqueness.
Factors That Boost Value
- Markings: “Bully” and “W. Germany” stamps usually mean earlier, rarer figures.
- Condition: Mint paint = big jump in value.
- Packaging: Boxed playsets or bagged promos = much more valuable.