Lego bricks are a favorite toy for people of all ages, and with good reason. When you’re given a set of plastic bricks and told to let your imagination run wild, who wouldn’t have fun?
Whether you grew up designing your own structures or collected valuable Lego sets from a specific franchise, almost everyone has a connection to the beloved Lego company. But for some, Lego sets are more than a toy. Some people spend their lives collecting rare Lego Minifigures and expensive Lego kits!
The Origin of Lego
The Lego company began in Denmark in 1932 by Ole Kirk Christiansen and his son. Back then, they made simple wooden toys, like buses and pull-along animals. It wasn’t until 1947 that they began dabbling in plastic, which would soon become the root of their franchise. That year, they purchased a plastic injection molding machine, allowing them to mass-produce plastic toys—with that, the first Lego truck that could be taken apart and put back together was born.
By 1960, they’d gone international with sales and with the invention of their famous Lego brick, and their innovation skyrocketed to create all kinds of themes, sets, and Minifigures. From space to towns to Harry Potter and more, there are countless valuable Lego sets and rare Lego minifigure to choose from. With over 90 years of toy experience, they remain among the most popular choices for children and collectors.
Who Buys Lego?
Short answer—just about everyone buys Lego products! Parents buy valuable Lego sets for their kiddos, children save up their allowance to afford the expensive Lego sets, and collectors actively seek out rare Lego sets to add to their collections. Anyone of any age can buy and enjoy Lego, whether they play with them or display them in mint condition.
Why Should You Collect Lego?
Whether the sight of those yellow characters hits you with nostalgia or you have a newfound appreciation for this classic company, there are endless reasons to start collecting valuable Lego sets. The most obvious is that they’re fun for all ages! Collect rare Lego sets that make you happy or ignite your playful, childlike energy once more. Whether you only invest in Star Wars sets or a certain type of rare Lego Minifigures, you can choose to collect whatever cheap or expensive Lego makes you happy.
Lego sets are all around us! Anyone can start a Lego collection, whether they own a rare Lego set or go out today to purchase expensive Lego collectibles. Some people have been sitting on old, rare Lego Minifigures collecting dust in the basement without knowing their value. Even if you don’t find vintage rare Lego Minifigures right away, your mainstream Lego set will eventually go out of production and could turn a profit a few years later.
What Makes Rare Lego Sets and Minifigures Valuable?
Whether you’re searching for rare Lego Minifigures or generally expensive Lego sets, a few factors make them valuable. Every type of valuable Lego set is only produced for a limited period, so when a set goes out of production, the demand and price both increase. Your average-priced pieces could become expensive Lego sets sought after by worldly collectors over the years.
As in most collections, rarity does impact the overall value of a Lego. In some cases, only a handful of rare Lego Minifigures were ever produced, meaning they’re incredibly sought after. The same goes with valuable Lego sets—the fewer made, the higher the price. Rare Lego sets are worth trying to hunt down if you’re interested in making money!
What are Lego Minifigures?
Up there with Funko Pops, Lego Minifigures are one of the most recognizable brands for kids and adults alike. Lego Minifigures are human-like characters that come with a set and are typically packed in three separate parts to be put together: the head, hips/legs, and torso/arms/hands. The rare Lego Minifigures sometimes come with special, differing features, but they all look the same. With little feet that can attach to the surface of a Lego brick, they’re one of the most valuable parts of a rare Lego set!
Most Valuable Rare Lego Minifigures:
14K Gold C-3PO (can go for over $100,000!)
LEGO Black Suit Superman Minifigure
Original Roman Commander Minifigure
LEGO Mr. Gold
Some of these valuable little minifigs even have accessories, like the Mr. Gold Minifig Keychain or the Minifigs are so popular that they can be purchased new and there are even some fun surprise bundles like the LEGO Minifigures Marvel Series Mystery Blind Box that add a little extra excitement when your are unboxing. Many collectors like to display their minifigs in cases like this one so they can enjoy looking at them and sharing them with others.
What Makes Up a Lego Set?
A Lego set includes every single item that comes in the box, from the smallest brick to the building manual. As you buy and sell Lego sets, it’s important to check that all pieces are included. Many people will still buy a set as long as the missing pieces are easy and affordable to replace, but they may not go for as much as a complete, valuable Lego set.
5 Extremely Valuable Lego Sets:
LIT2009 Ole Kirk’s House Lego Set
H.C. Andersen’s Clumsy Hans 4000020 Lego Set
10179 Star Wars Ultimate Collector’s Millennium Flacon (first edition)
375-2 Lego Castle
Where Can I Find Collectible Lego Sets?
If you want to start your collection with the current sets, take a trip to the toy aisle of your local retailer, such as Target or Walmart. If you’re lucky, there may even be a Lego store near you! You can even order on the Amazon Lego Store if you are the online type.
For rare Lego Minifigures or other expensive Lego sets, you can look at online auction websites like eBay or Lego collector sites such as Brick Owl or Bricklink to get updates on value and good deals. If you’re looking for a rare Lego set, websites like these are your best bet.
If you want to hunt for valuable Lego sets in person, visit your local thrift store or learn how to shop antique malls and connect with like-minded, passionate Lego vendors. Some sellers love to rent a booth for their entire collection, while others may just have a small section of expensive Lego sets. Going to an in-person location gives you the thrill as you try to find the best sets and make amazing bargains. Our Algonquin, Highland, and Melbourne locations may have the rare Lego sets you’re looking for—one way to find out!
Anyone can join in the fun of collecting Lego! You don’t need to begin with the most expensive Lego sets out there. Start by purchasing a new, valuable Lego set at the store or dig up your childhood favorites, and you’re on your way to the Lego collection of your dreams. Visit us at one of our America’s Antique Mall locations and get started today!
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