Four 4 in-tall plastic figures of the Monkees, bought for pence in the 1970s, could make more than £1,000 at auction today.
The Show Biz Babies’ models of the famous group were given to Mary Hegarty by her older brother on her 10th birthday in 1970.
Now the set could make £800-£1,200 at Hansons Auctioneers’ toy sale at its Etwall saleroom on January 22 – an eye watering £300 per doll.
The 64-year-old, who lives near Willenhall in the West Midlands, said: “I was a huge fan of the Monkees. My sister and I watched the TV show every Saturday morning. I used to shout at the screen telling Micky Dolenz how much I loved him – how embarrassing. My sister loved Davy Jones because he was the heartthrob.
“Apparently I wrote to the Monkees’ fan club asking Micky to marry me when I grew up. I also wrote his name in ink on my hand and pretended it was a tattoo.”
Today the doll set, featuring band members Micky Dolenz, Michael Nesmith, Peter Tork and Davy Jones, is highly sought after by nostalgic collectors.
Hansons Auctioneers head of toys, David Wilson-Turner, said: “Complete or carded Show Biz Babies’ dolls of the Monkees are much scarcer than many other 1960s licensed toys. The production run was comparatively short, from 1966-1967 before Hasbro discontinued it, meaning carded and unopened examples like these hardly ever come to market.
“With their flexi records and small size, they have a distinct nostalgic 1960s appeal today.”
Teddy bear collector Mary, who works for Walsall local authority, said: “I’ve taken them from every house or flat I have ever lived in but now they are currently kept in the loft.”
The four-piece set was part of a series of small collectible dolls produced by Hasbro from 1967–1968 with others including all four members of the Mamas & The Papas, Peter Noone from Herman’s Hermits, Bobbie Gentry, Spencer Davis and Mitch Ryder.
With vinyl heads, they were jointed only at the neck, not fully articulated like later action figures.
Each came on a backing card, with a psychedelic 1960s design art and an image or photo of the real artist on the back, often with a facsimile autograph.
They also included a flexi-disc (33⅓ RPM) – thin flexible record tucked into the packaging with facts about the artist.
David Wilson-Turner continued: “The dolls were timed to coincide with The Monkees’ peak popularity on TV – their show aired from 1966–1968 – as well as their multiple hit singles. Today, for the Baby Boomer, they scream nostalgia.”
The Monkees was the first band specifically created for a TV show, with each member answering a newspaper ad in 1965 for an NBC sitcom.
The show debuted in 1966 and depicted the band’s comedic adventures heavily based on the Beatles’ film A Hard Day’s Night.
But despite their non musical roots, they went on to become a real, highly successful band, even outselling The Beatles in 1967.
Hits included I’m a Believer, Daydream Believer and Last Train to Clarksville.
Mary continued: “I am more of a teddy person than a doll one, which might explain why they were unopened. It’s time now for them to go to someone who will appreciate them more.”
Auction Details
Auction: Hansons Diecast, Model Railway, Live Steam & Collectable Toy Auction
Auction date: 22nd January 2026 | 10am
Location: Hansons’ Derbyshire Saleroom
Auction contact: [email protected]
Catalogue/bidding: www.hansonslive.co.uk | www.the-saleroom.com
