VAULTED MEANING

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Vaulted Funko Pops are a significant part of the Funko Pop collecting world, as they represent figures that are no longer in production. Once a Pop is vaulted, it is officially retired and will never be made again in that specific design, making them highly sought after by collectors.

When a Funko Pop is classified as "Vaulted," it means that Funko has discontinued the production of that particular figure. The design is metaphorically placed in a "vault," meaning it's locked away and will no longer be reissued in the same form or packaging.

1. Limited Shelf Space: Funko releases hundreds of new Pops every year, so to make room for new designs, they need to retire older figures.
2. Licensing Agreements: Sometimes, licensing agreements with the brand or franchise expire, requiring Funko to stop producing certain figures.
3. Creating Rarity and Value: By vaulting certain Pops, Funko can maintain the rarity and value of the collectibles, which adds excitement for collectors.
4. Seasonal/Promotional Runs: Some Pops are tied to specific promotions, seasons, or events, and once that time has passed, they become vaulted.

• Permanently Out of Production: Once a Pop is vaulted, it’s gone for good, making any remaining stock all that’s left in circulation. This scarcity significantly increases its value over time.
• Collector Demand: Collectors are often willing to pay a premium for vaulted Pops, especially if they missed the chance to buy them while they were still available.
• Iconic or Popular Characters: If a vaulted Pop features a beloved character from a popular franchise (e.g., Marvel, Disney, Star Wars), its value can skyrocket due to high demand.

• Research: The easiest way to confirm if a Pop is vaulted is by checking collector resources like the Funko App, Pop Price Guide (PPG), or websites that specialize in Funko Pop information. These platforms have dedicated sections showing whether a Pop is still in production or vaulted.
• Packaging: Vaulted Pops may come in older-style packaging that’s no longer used. This can be an indicator, especially if the Pop is several years old.
• Sticker Information: If a Pop was originally a store exclusive or part of a special release, the sticker might hint that it’s been vaulted, as newer batches won’t have updated versions of these stickers.

1. Holographic Darth Maul (Star Wars): Originally a convention exclusive, this Pop was vaulted and is now one of the most valuable Star Wars figures in existence.
2. Freddy Funko (Various Versions): Funko's mascot has multiple vaulted versions, each with its unique design, making them highly prized by collectors.
3. Disney's Dumbo (Clown Face): A vaulted classic Disney Pop that’s rare and expensive due to its limited availability.

• Resale Market: Since vaulted Pops are no longer produced, your best bet is to find them on secondary marketplaces like eBay, Mercari, or dedicated Funko groups on Facebook. However, they may be priced significantly higher than when they were first released.
• Comic and Collectible Conventions: Sometimes, vendors at conventions have vaulted Pops in their inventory, but be prepared to pay a premium.
• Local Collectible Shops: Some smaller collectible stores might have vaulted Pops in stock, but availability can vary.

• Increased Value Over Time: Once a Pop is vaulted, its value often rises. However, the rate of increase depends on factors like character popularity, franchise demand, and overall rarity.
• Condition Matters: As with all collectibles, the condition of the vaulted Pop is crucial. Pops in mint-condition boxes will fetch a much higher price than those with damaged packaging.

• Use Protective Cases: Since vaulted Pops can be quite valuable, it's wise to invest in Pop protectors or hard cases to keep the box and figure in excellent condition.
• Store in a Safe Location: Keep your vaulted Pops away from direct sunlight, extreme temperatures, and high humidity to prevent any damage or fading.

Generally, once a Pop is vaulted, it’s gone for good. However, Funko has occasionally reissued some figures with slight variations (different poses, new packaging, etc.), but they won’t be identical to the original vaulted version. This ensures that the value of the original vaulted Pop remains intact.

• Check Collector Apps Regularly: Use apps like the Funko App or Pop Price Guide to track vaulted Pops and their current market value.
• Join Funko Communities: Being part of a Funko Pop community can help you stay informed about newly vaulted items, trading opportunities, and where to find rare figures.
• Act Fast: Once a Pop is confirmed to be vaulted, its price often rises quickly, so if you’re interested in adding it to your collection, it’s best to act sooner rather than later.