Bin Laden CIA doll realises $12,000 at Nate D Sanders

A prototype Osama Bin Laden doll produced by the CIA for a ridiculous propaganda mission was among the highlights of Nate D Sanders' November 20 sale, achieving $11,875.

In 2005, the government agency commissioned GI Joe creator Donald Levine to create a doll modelled on Bin Laden which would be handed out to children in the Middle East.

Bin Laden doll
The doll was designed to scare children off joining Al Qaida

The project, codenamed Devil Eyes, was intended to dissuade children from joining Al Qaida.

While the doll would appear normal at first, eventually the paint would rub off to reveal an evil face reminiscent of Darth Maul from the Star Wars prequels.

Unsurprisingly, it was never green lighted and just three dolls were produced. The other two are held in the collection at the Pentagon, while the present lot was consigned by Levine himself.

A spokesman for the CIA, Ryan Trapani, explained to the Washington Post earlier this year: "To our knowledge, there were only three individual action figures ever created, and these were merely prototypes to show what the final product might look like

"After being presented with these examples, the CIA declined to pursue this idea and did not produce or distribute any of these action figures. Furthermore, the CIA has no knowledge of these action figures being produced or distributed by others."

Please sign up to our free newsletter to receive exciting news about unique items auctions.

Featured products

Elvis Presley Authentic Strand of Hair
Elvis Presley Authentic Strand of Hair
Sale price£399
In stock
Fidel Castro signed certificateFidel Castro Signed Certificate
Fidel Castro signed certificate
Sale price£2,995
In stock
King Henry VIII Autographed DocumentKing Henry VIII Autographed Document
King Henry VIII Autographed Document
Sale price£55,000
In stock