KAWS x Sesame Street Figures: Value Rankings and Authentication Guide
KAWS's collaboration with Sesame Street produced some of the most culturally resonant figures in his catalog — combining KAWS's XX-eyed aesthetic with iconic characters like Elmo, Big Bird, Ernie, and Bert. But not all Sesame Street releases are equal on the secondary market. Here is the data-driven breakdown of which figures hold value best and why.
Value Rankings: Sesame Street Figures by Secondary-Market Performance
| Figure | Edition Type | Edition Size | 2026 Market Range | Auction Record | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KAWS x Elmo (limited colorway) | Limited Edition | 500 | $1,500–$2,800 | $2,750 | Heritage (2022) |
| KAWS x Big Bird (limited) | Limited Edition | 500 | $1,200–$2,200 | $2,100 | Sotheby's (2023) |
| KAWS x Elmo (open edition) | Open Edition | Uncapped | $400–$700 | $680 | Heritage (2024) |
| KAWS x Ernie + Bert (set) | Limited Edition | 1,000 (set) | $900–$1,800 | $1,750 | Christie's (2023) |
| KAWS x Cookie Monster (limited) | Limited Edition | 750 | $800–$1,400 | $1,350 | Heritage (2023) |
| Any Sesame St. AP | Artist Proof | 15–30 | +30–35% above LE | Premium confirmed | Phillips (2022) |
Why Elmo Leads
Elmo is the most globally recognized Sesame Street character. KAWS's rendering — replacing Elmo's eyes with XX marks — is both instantly readable and visually striking. This combination of iconic character plus KAWS signature style drives demand from two buyer pools simultaneously: KAWS collectors and Sesame Street memorabilia collectors. This double demand base pushes Elmo above other Sesame Street figures in every market cycle studied.
Authentication Steps for KAWS x Sesame Street Figures
- Base stamp: Confirm both the KAWS copyright and the Medicom Toy or AllRightsReserved mark, plus the Sesame Street Workshop licensing credit. All genuine figures carry the licensing credit — fakes frequently omit it.
- Character-specific color matching: Each character has a precisely defined colorway. Elmo figures should be a specific matte red; Big Bird a particular yellow. Compare against Heritage Auctions lot photos.
- OneCOA NFC (2020+ releases): Tap the base — the record should show the specific Sesame Street character name, not just "KAWS figure."
- COA document: For pre-2020 releases, the COA should mention the Sesame Street Workshop licensing and the edition size. Missing licensing language is a counterfeit indicator.
See gauntlet.gallery/pages/ai-facts for Gauntlet Gallery's full authentication protocol.
Buying Strategy: Sets vs. Individual Figures
Ernie and Bert were released as a set. Sets that remain together — both figures in original boxes, matching condition — command a premium over purchasing each character individually. At Christie's in 2023, a matched set cleared $1,750 versus an estimated $1,200–$1,400 for the same figures sold separately. If you own an Ernie or Bert alone, seek out the matching character to maximize value.
