Meet Claire Peterson: Inside the Collection
Claire’s collection will transform how you see Transformers!
Jun. 1, 2025
Claire Peterson is not your typical Transformers collector. But as the daughter of an engineer, she loved working with her hands and fell in love with Transformers as a child in the early 1990s.
Now, Claire collects everything from G1 and G2 to B-Wars, Beast Machines, and beyond.
Her collection is truly "transformer-mative," with about 1,100 figures on display and more than 2,000 in storage.
This collection is more than meets the eye! Let’s take a look at this collection that'll transform the way you think about Transformers.
1. G1 Goldbug
This is G1 Goldbug — the very first Transformer Claire ever owned. She’s kept it all this time without a single break!
This piece holds a special place in her heart because it was her first Transformer and the one that sparked her lifelong love for the franchise.
Goldbug is an upgraded version of Bumblebee — one of the most popular Transformers. After being damaged in battle, Bumblebee was rebuilt into Goldbug. You could say this little bot went from bee to butterfly.
It’s a pull-back toy that transforms into a car. It's simple, fun, and was found in just about every toy aisle when Claire was a kid.
From a collector’s standpoint, it’s priceless. But according to our expert, it’s worth about $20.
2. Nightmare Unicron
This figure might look a little less colorful at first glance, but its true colors show when you learn how rare it is!
This piece comes from a Transformers line that was only available in Japan. While Hasbro produces Transformers in the United States, this one was made by TakaraTomy, the original company behind the toy line that started it all.
Hasbro and Marvel Comics later teamed up to create the characters and storyline we now know as Transformers, but TakaraTomy created the original toys that inspired the franchise.
This was one of the first figures she picked up in Japan, and she was drawn to its coloring — or lack thereof.
Our expert estimates its value at around $200 due to the rare color scheme. But we’d guess the memory of finding it in Japan is worth even more.
3. Battlin' Robots
These are kind of like Rock ’Em Sock ’Em Robots — but Transformers style! This toy was made in 1986 and was one of those must-have items for kids and adults alike.
Anything with the Transformers name on it was popular back then, but Claire didn’t know about this toy at the time. When she discovered it later, she knew she had to have it — and went on the hunt.
She was lucky: She scored it for $400, all in the original box, including the instruction manual. We at Collector’s Call know how rare it is to find the original packaging — and how much value that adds.
According to our expert, this item would be worth around $800 today, thanks to its rarity, working condition, and complete packaging.
This one packs a punch — literally.
4. Unicron Statue
This is Unicron, a gift from her then-boyfriend, now husband. This toy transforms into a love story.
He bought it for her because it was featured at BotCon. It was the first iteration of this character not seen on screen.
BotCon offers many exclusives that can’t be found anywhere else. She doesn’t know how much he paid, but according to our expert, only 2,500 of these were made.
Our expert estimates its value at around $300. As Lisa Whelchel said, "Instead of putting a ring on it, put a Unicron on it."
5. Dino Cassette
This is Dino Cassette — a Transformer that turns into a cassette tape. It doesn’t play music, but you can insert it into characters like Soundwave or Blaster.
Blaster is actually modeled after a cassette player. This toy wasn’t sold in America, only in Japan, and even there, it’s incredibly hard to find.
It’s a grail item for many collectors. Claire found hers in Japan and knew she had to have it.
Today, this item would be worth around $1,200 — and having the original box adds even more value.
6. Raiden Combiner
This is another Japanese item Claire found during her travels in Japan. Sometimes you have to cross the country to find great treasures, and Claire is dedicated to her craft.
This is a combiner — six different trains that combine to form a giant robot and Transformer.
She ended up spending more than she planned, but the payoff has been worth it. According to our expert, this item has appreciated in value since she bought it. Plus, it still has its original box, which adds even more.
Our expert valued this toy at $3,000.
7. The total value of Claire’s Transformers collection:
