Things You'll Need
Instructions
Identifying Red Cards
Visually assess the action figure. You can do this via photograph or in person.
Note the color of the figure's card. In the collecting world, the "card" refers to the cardboard backing where the clear plastic bubble containing the figure is mounted.
Determine the color of the lightsaber depicted on the card. If the lightsaber has a light orange center accented on either end with red highlights, you have spotted a red card "Power of the Force" figure. Note that the lightsaber actually appears more orange than red, despite the term red card.
Avoid Star Wars "Power of the Force" figures with green lightsabers shown on their cards if you are hunting specifically for red carded figures. These figures replaced the red cards in 1997 and are generally less sought-after by collectors.
Spotting valuable red cards
Keep an eye out for extremely valuable red carded "Power of the Force" figures. The most valuable include the red carded Boba Fett with two variant symbols on his chest as well as Ben "Obi Wan" Kenobi or Luke Skywalker on a red card with what is known as a "transition tray." This means that the figure's lightsaber accessory is in a tray longer than the actual saber.
Refer to an action figure price guide and remember valuable variant figures. Examples include the redcarded versions of Boba Fett with no emblem on his chest, Luke Skywalker Jedi Knight with a brown vest, and Tusken Raider with his hand open.
Note red carded figures with lightsabers longer than the standard lightsaber accessory. These figures go for higher prices on the collector's market. Rare finds include Obi Wan Kenobi, Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader figures on red cards with long lightsabers.
Finding red cards
Start with physical locations in your neighborhood. Try the local comic book shop first, as comic book stores often sell collectible action figures.
Visit flea markets and peddler's malls to spot red card "Power of the Force" action figures.
Go to online auction websites to find red cards. Keep tabs on auctions and bid late to get the best price.
Visit online specialty action figure stores online. Though the Internet offers the best selection of red carded Star Wars figures, it tends to be more expensive than flea markets and a peddler's mall.