It’s a bit weird if you think about it. We’ve taken one of the most somber, transformative figures in American history—a man who bore the weight of a fracturing nation—and shrunk him down into a four-inch vinyl figure with a massive head and no mouth. But that’s the magic of the Abraham Lincoln Funko Pop. People love it. Not just history buffs or teachers, but hardcore collectors who usually hunt for Batman variants or glow-in-the-dark dragons. There is something about that iconic stovepipe hat translated into the Funko aesthetic that just works.
I’ve spent years looking at how historical figures get "toy-ified." Most of the time, it feels forced. With Lincoln, it feels like a tribute.
You’ve probably seen him on a shelf at Target or buried in a specialty shop. He stands there, stoic. He looks like he’s ready to deliver the Gettysburg Address, or maybe just join your shelf next to a vinyl Baby Yoda. It’s a strange juxtaposition. But for many, it’s the gateway drug into the "Icons" line of Funko products.
The Different Faces of the Abraham Lincoln Funko Pop
Funko didn't just stop at one version. They’re smarter than that.
The most common one you’ll find is Abraham Lincoln #09 from the "Icons" series. This is the quintessential Abe. He’s wearing the black frock coat, the signature tall hat, and he has that iconic chin curtain beard. It’s simple. It’s clean. It’s exactly what you picture when you close your eyes and think about the 16th President. Honestly, the paint job on the beard is usually what determines if you've got a "good" one or a "Friday afternoon" one from the factory.
Then things got interesting with the Target Exclusive versions.
There is a specific "Red, White, and Blue" version that collectors went nuts for a few years back. It’s a "paintsplash" style. Imagine someone took a standard Lincoln and dropped him into a bucket of patriotic tie-dye. It isn't for everyone. Some people think it looks messy. Others see it as a piece of pop art. If you’re a completionist, you probably spent way too much time refreshing the Target website trying to snag one before the scalpers got to them.
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Then we have the Abraham Lincoln with the Gettysburg Address. This one is a bit more niche but highly sought after. He’s holding a small scroll. It’s a tiny detail, but for a history nerd, it changes everything. It moves the figure from being a "guy in a hat" to being a specific moment in time.
Why History is Trending in the Vinyl World
Why do we want a plastic 16th President?
Basically, nostalgia isn't just for 80s cartoons anymore. We are seeing a massive shift in the hobby. Collectors are getting older. The people who grew up buying G.I. Joe are now the people who actually enjoy visiting National Parks and reading 800-page biographies by Doris Kearns Goodwin. Funko tapped into this perfectly.
The Abraham Lincoln Funko Pop represents a bridge. It bridges the gap between a serious office desk and a playful hobby. I’ve seen these in the offices of high-powered lawyers and on the nightstands of middle schoolers.
There’s also the "Educational Value" argument, though let's be real—nobody is learning the nuances of the Emancipation Proclamation from a vinyl toy. But it does spark curiosity. You see it, you talk about it. Maybe you Google why he wore the hat. (Fun fact: he actually kept important papers inside the lining of his stovepipe hat, which is a detail I’m still waiting for Funko to incorporate into a "Secret Compartment" variant).
Spotting a Fake: The Lincoln Edition
Because Lincoln is part of the "Icons" line, he doesn't get faked as often as, say, a rare Planet Arlia Vegeta. But it happens.
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If you’re buying an Abraham Lincoln Funko Pop from a third-party seller on eBay or Mercari, look at the box art. The "Icons" logo should be crisp. On many counterfeits, the font looks slightly "bolded" or blurry because they’re just scanning a real box and reprinting it. Look at the feet, too. Real Funko Pops have serial numbers stamped on the bottom of the feet or the neck that should match the sticker on the bottom of the box.
If the price is too good to be true, it probably is. Lincoln isn't a $500 figure, but he holds his value well. If someone is selling a "Mint in Box" Lincoln for five bucks and shipping it from an anonymous warehouse, run away.
The Aesthetics of the Hat
Let’s talk about the hat. It’s the centerpiece.
In the world of Funko design, proportions are everything. If the hat was too small, he’d just look like a guy in a suit. If it was too big, the figure would tip over. Funko actually balanced this one surprisingly well. The weight distribution is solid. Unlike some of the female characters with tiny feet and big hair, Abe stands on his own without needing one of those clear plastic stands.
The matte finish on the hat is also a nice touch. It doesn't have that cheap, shiny plastic look. It feels a bit more "premium," even though it’s the same material as everything else. It’s a subtle design choice that makes the Abraham Lincoln Funko Pop feel like it belongs in a library.
How to Display Your Presidential Collection
If you're going to collect the Presidents, don't just shove them in a dark corner.
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- The "Rushmore" Setup: Get Washington, Lincoln, Roosevelt, and Jefferson. Put them on a tiered acrylic riser. It looks professional and slightly nerdy in the best way possible.
- The Desk Companion: Lincoln is the ultimate "Accountability Buddy." Put him right next to your monitor. When you're tempted to procrastinate, just look at those giant, unblinking black eyes and remember that he saved the Union. You can finish that spreadsheet.
- In-Box vs. Out-of-Box: This is the eternal struggle. For the Abraham Lincoln Funko Pop, I actually recommend going out-of-box. The textures—the beard, the coat lapels, the hat—are meant to be seen from different angles. Plus, the box for the Icons line is a bit plain compared to the vibrant colors of the Marvel or Disney lines.
The Market Reality
Let's get real about the "investment" side of things.
Is this going to pay for your kid's college? No. Probably not. While some Pops skyrocketed to thousands of dollars, the historical icons tend to stay fairly stable. They are "blue chip" collectibles. They don't fluctuate wildly based on a new movie trailer or a controversial tweet.
The Abraham Lincoln Funko Pop has seen a steady climb in value for the vaulted (retired) versions, but it’s a slow burn. You buy this because you like it, not because you’re trying to day-trade vinyl.
That said, if you find a "Chase" version or a rare convention exclusive, hold onto it. The "Gold" Lincoln variant that popped up at certain conventions is a legitimate trophy. It looks like a miniature statue you’d find in a park, and the secondary market prices reflect that.
Final Thoughts for the Collector
Collecting is personal. There’s no right way to do it. But if you're looking for a piece that has a bit more "gravitas" than a cartoon character, you can't do much better than the 16th President.
The Abraham Lincoln Funko Pop remains a standout in a crowded market because it doesn't try too hard. It’s a simple, effective tribute to a man who defined an era. Whether you’re a history teacher looking to spruce up your classroom or a collector wanting to add some "class" to your shelf, Abe is a solid pick.
Just keep him away from the sun. Vinyl hates UV rays, and a faded Lincoln looks more like a ghost than a President.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Collection:
- Check the Vault: Visit the official Funko app to see if the specific Lincoln variant you want is "Vaulted." If it is, stop looking at big-box retailers and start scouring reputable secondary markets like PPG (Poppriceguide).
- Verify the Box: If you’re a "New-in-Box" collector, always ask for photos of the bottom of the box to verify the JJL or DRM production codes. This is the easiest way to ensure authenticity.
- Expand the Set: If you enjoy the Lincoln figure, look into the "Washington" and "Rosie the Riveter" Pops to create a more cohesive historical display.
- Invest in Protection: For any exclusive versions (like the Target Red/White/Blue), spend the $8 on a hard "Pop Protector" case. The corners on the "Icons" boxes are notoriously easy to ding.