Asterix Dunkin Mini Figures (1970s) – Complete Collector’s Guide
March 5, 2026
The small plastic Asterix mini figures commonly known as “Dunkin figures” are among the earliest mass-produced Asterix collectibles. Produced around 1970 and distributed across several European countries, these figures were sold together with chewing gum and became a childhood staple for many fans in the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Germany, Spain, and Portugal.
Today, they are highly collectible due to their early production date, extensive color variations, and multiple packaging formats.
Origins and Licensing
The Asterix comic series was created by René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo, with the first story published in 1959. Around 1970, small plastic figures were distributed with chewing gum by the Spanish confectionery company Dunkin.
Retail History: In the Netherlands, small paper bags containing one figure and a piece of chewing gum were reportedly sold for 10 Dutch cents.
Series and Character Selection
Collectors generally distinguish between two main Dunkin series:
Series One: Included characters from Asterix and Cleopatra and Asterix in Britain, along with core Gaulish and Roman characters.
Series Two: Introduced characters appearing in Asterix and the Laurel Wreath (1972).
Across both series, approximately 36 to 40 different character molds are documented, depending on how specific variants and accessories are counted.
Size and Material
Dimensions: Typically between 2.5 cm and 3.5 cm in height.
Composition: Solid-colored polyethylene plastic, typical of early 70s premiums.
Condition Note: The small scale and soft plastic mean that thin elements (weapons, flags, instruments) are frequently broken on surviving examples.
Color Variants: The Collector’s Challenge
One of the defining characteristics of Dunkin Asterix figures is the extraordinary range of colors.
Standard Colors: Red, dark red, yellow, orange, green, blue, purple, and violet.
Transparent Versions: Yellow, orange, red, green, and blue (highly sought after).
Rare Pastels: White, mint, light blue, pink, olive, and yellow-green.
Pro Tip: Rare pastel colors like white, mint, and pink are often attributed to specific Portuguese distribution runs and command higher prices.
Packaging Types
Single Gum Bags: Small paper bags containing one figure. These are now extremely scarce.
Header Cards: Larger plastic bags marked “Astérix – Devine qui?” (“Asterix – Guess who?”). These usually contained 10 figures.
Late Reissues: Some late 1970s examples are marked “Fabriqué à Taiwan” with a 1978 copyright. These are later licensed productions and distinct from the original 1970 Spanish issues.
Rarity and MarketValue
Condition is the primary determinant of value. Collectors look for:
Structural Integrity: No cracks, warping, or missing accessories.
Color Rarity: Transparent and pastel variants trade at a premium.
The Dunkin figures represent the “dawn” of Asterix merchandising. They predate the more common PVC lines (like Schleich) and offer a deep, rewarding field for “variant hunters” due to the massive number of color and mold combinations.
The small plastic Asterix mini figures commonly known as “Dunkin figures” are among the earliest mass-produced Asterix collectibles. Produced around 1970 and distributed across several European countries, these figures were sold together with chewing gum and became a childhood staple for many fans in the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Germany, Spain, and Portugal.
Today, they are highly collectible due to their early production date, extensive color variations, and multiple packaging formats.
Origins and Licensing
The Asterix comic series was created by René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo, with the first story published in 1959. Around 1970, small plastic figures were distributed with chewing gum by the Spanish confectionery company Dunkin.
Retail History: In the Netherlands, small paper bags containing one figure and a piece of chewing gum were reportedly sold for 10 Dutch cents.
Series and Character Selection
Collectors generally distinguish between two main Dunkin series:
Series One: Included characters from Asterix and Cleopatra and Asterix in Britain, along with core Gaulish and Roman characters.
Series Two: Introduced characters appearing in Asterix and the Laurel Wreath (1972).
Across both series, approximately 36 to 40 different character molds are documented, depending on how specific variants and accessories are counted.
Size and Material
Dimensions: Typically between 2.5 cm and 3.5 cm in height.
Composition: Solid-colored polyethylene plastic, typical of early 70s premiums.
Condition Note: The small scale and soft plastic mean that thin elements (weapons, flags, instruments) are frequently broken on surviving examples.
Color Variants: The Collector’s Challenge
One of the defining characteristics of Dunkin Asterix figures is the extraordinary range of colors.
Standard Colors: Red, dark red, yellow, orange, green, blue, purple, and violet.
Transparent Versions: Yellow, orange, red, green, and blue (highly sought after).
Rare Pastels: White, mint, light blue, pink, olive, and yellow-green.
Pro Tip: Rare pastel colors like white, mint, and pink are often attributed to specific Portuguese distribution runs and command higher prices.
Packaging Types
Single Gum Bags: Small paper bags containing one figure. These are now extremely scarce.
Header Cards: Larger plastic bags marked “Astérix – Devine qui?” (“Asterix – Guess who?”). These usually contained 10 figures.
Late Reissues: Some late 1970s examples are marked “Fabriqué à Taiwan” with a 1978 copyright. These are later licensed productions and distinct from the original 1970 Spanish issues.
Rarity and MarketValue
Condition is the primary determinant of value. Collectors look for:
Structural Integrity: No cracks, warping, or missing accessories.
Color Rarity: Transparent and pastel variants trade at a premium.
The Dunkin figures represent the “dawn” of Asterix merchandising. They predate the more common PVC lines (like Schleich) and offer a deep, rewarding field for “variant hunters” due to the massive number of color and mold combinations.
