Do My Old LEGOs Have Value?

This is a brief approach to determining the value of your old LEGOs. Discover how to check the values using Bricklink.

Quick Summary: Old LEGO bricks can be worth money, mainly from discontinued or uncommon sets. Some characteristics, such as unusual hues or original packaging, can significantly raise their value. You can also visit websites like BrickLink or Reddit's r/lego to get an estimate of the value of your previous sets.

Hi there! Have you ever pondered the potential value of those old LEGOs collecting dust in your attic? You're not alone, though. In this post, we're delving into the intriguing realm of vintage sets to address your pressing inquiries. We can answer questions about what constitutes "old LEGOs" and whether they are truly valuable. We'll also look at how to determine the value of these sentimental bricks and if they increase in value over time. Prepare to discover the gems that are concealed within your collection!

What is Old LEGOs Exactly?

To begin with, let's clarify what "Old LEGO" means. Essentially, it refers to those sets, bricks, or other items from long ago that are no longer produced. Such were those sets with themes like Classic Space, Castle, Town, or Pirates from the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s. Additionally, it occasionally features vintage pieces, such as those that may differ in colour or shape from more recent models.

LEGO has existed since 1932, which is a very long time ago! And what do you know? Many collectors and enthusiasts are intensely interested in those vintage sets and parts. Some people adore the vintage designs, while others are interested in the past. Additionally, collectors are drawn to these vintage sets and components because of their potential rarity, which makes them highly valuable on the secondary market.

Do Old LEGOs Have Value?

Indeed, antique bricks can be valuable, mainly if they are part of rare or discontinued sets. Specific characteristics, such as unusual colours or original packaging, can significantly increase their value.

Let's get started.

What Makes Older LEGO Bricks More Valuable Than Newer Ones?

Now, imagine that you have a traditional brick. The one that has existed for a very long time and is available in every set that humanity has ever known. That? It won't cost you a lot of money. After all, who will shell out a lot of money for a mere 2x4 brick?

There's a twist, though, so wait. Today, We're discussing whether that brick is still sitting in its original package from back when. The value of the nostalgic set to which the brick belongs is more critical than the brick itself. Dismantle a 1978 Yellow Castle and attempt to sell it piece by piece? You will only receive a small portion of what you could receive with the entire set. Believe me, only those miniature figures may bring in a reasonable amount of money.

Here's an expert tip: look for those uncommon hues—the ones LEGO only briefly produced, you know? Those infants are precious. Red sand? Yes, there you have it—the jackpot.

Not to mention the parts that have been withdrawn, it's like that enigmatic goat figurine that disappeared into the LEGO abyss after briefly appearing in one set. Even while modern LEGO is simplifying its components collection, this increases the value of these antiques.

Unopened LEGO Sets Could Be Worth Hundreds of Dollars

This is when the exciting part begins. Do you recall all the unopened sets collecting dust in your closet? Yes, those might be the key to a big paycheck, mainly if they are from the heyday of the 1990s.

Sets that exude nostalgia, such as those with a Star Wars theme that pushed every child's imagination into overdrive, are what I mean. Unbelievably, you may get hundreds of dollars from some of these bad boys. It's similar to discovering hidden gems within your own house.

Therefore, don't dismiss your collection as mere play the next time you find it. You might be sitting on a goldmine, so take a closer look.

Who would have thought those vibrant bricks could be worth so much?

How Much is My Old LEGO Worth?

Oh, the age-old query that all LEGO fans eventually ask themselves: What is the value of my cherished vintage sets? Don't worry, though, because we will go deeply into the LEGO economy to reveal the mysteries of LEGO valuation.

Key Factors that Determine the Value of LEGO Sets

Let's start by discussing the main elements that affect LEGO sets' worth. Demand, condition, and uniqueness are more critical than the quantity of pieces you own. You see, in the LEGO world, rarity is king.

Rarity

For collectors, discontinued or limited edition sets are like gold dust. If you have one hidden away, you may be sitting on a goldmine.

Not every set has the capacity to be appreciated. Certain sets, like 42077, which costs 99.99 euros at retail, are considered garbage. It's challenging to sell it for even 50 euros despite BrickEconomy's current valuation of 106 euros. However, high-quality sets like 76023, which were once priced at 199.99 euros, are currently selling for about 260 euros and are being snatched up by customers quickly. Even if they're previously completed, limited editions, big sets, ones with lots of minifigures, or pieces from a series typically have the potential to be appreciated.

It's crucial to read reviews and visually inspect store sets before purchasing. Purchasing many sets of high-quality ones is also a brilliant idea because they may be sold for a profit in a few years.

Condition

Condition, the make-or-break factor, comes next.

Conditions, your sets' current status. The value of your sets can be affected by various situations, ranging from played and worn to mint in a sealed box (MISB). Consider it like LEGO grading, where the higher the grade, the more expensive it is.

The following is the pricing structure for used sets: Assembled but with complete pieces and the original box with instructions > assembled with complete parts + instructions > with complete parts > with partial parts. This is the original LEGO factory outer packing cardboard box, plus the original unopened box.

The original box's condition also influences the value; many discriminating players use a hairdryer to break the seal rather than knives to open the original box.

Additionally, LEGO sets' plastic components may become yellow with age due to prolonged exposure to sunshine. Therefore, profit-driven individuals must preserve their sets out of direct sunlight.

Buying used original boxes and instructions online can increase the value of missing instructions and original boxes.

Imagine the difference between a beaten, missing-pieces mess and a brand-new, sealed box. Which one do you believe will sell for more money? That's right—the more excellent the value, the better the condition. Additionally, keep in mind that it's not only about the bricks. Instructions and the packaging are also important.

Market Demand

However, how do you determine how much your LEGO treasures are worth? Don't worry; the internet is on your side. Recent pricing information may be found on websites like BrickLink, BrickSet, and eBay. BrickLink, in particular, is a refuge for LEGO fans, providing a thorough marketplace and price guide.

You can also look through the following price guides and other databases:

  • Rebrickable
  • LUGNET
  • Peeron
  • Brickipedia
  • Brick Picker
  • Brick Investing
  • Minifigure Price Guide
  • Brick Toy Price Guide
  • Brick Wars Sets (Star Wars focus)
  • Brick Instructions

Not to mention forums and social media communities like Reddit's r/lego, where fans exchange ideas more quickly than you can say "minifigure."

You need to look no further than the BrickEconomy website to learn about the retirement sets market. For LEGO, it's similar to the stock market, where the value of discontinued sets may soar. For instance, the Pirates of Barracuda Bay set. Although discontinued in 2021, it sells for prices that would make any investor happy.

A crash course in LEGO economics is now available. Go ahead and unearth those old sets; you never know what might happen. Plastic bricks could turn out to be a treasure trove.

Bonus – How to estimate the value of your old LEGO set using BrickLink(Example)

1. On the home screen, select "sets."

2. Enter the pertinent terms that best describe your sets in the search window. I use "ship" in this instance.

3. This search page has many products comparable to your sets. You can compare their costs by clicking on their links. For illustration, I use 7880-1 (Inv).

4. Select the "price guide" tab.

Now, let's examine the sales figures for this particular set. The "Last 6 Month Sales" columns contain all the juicy information.

  • This set has sold four times, once as used and once as new.
  • For now, the lowest sale price has been USD 436.28, the average has been USD 436.28, and the highest has been USD 436.28.
  • For used goods, the lowest sale price has been $148.11, the average has been $165.00, and the highest has been $189.44.

The following can be found in the "Current Items for Sale" columns:

  • Ten used sets and one new set are available.
  • US $522.50 is the lowest, US $522.50 is the average, and US $522.50 is the maximum sale price for new.
  • For used goods, the lowest possible sale price is $85.50, the average is $186.76, and the highest is $378.81.

These can be useful when we're doing the assessment!

5. Select the option labelled "Items for Sales."

Let's examine the set's current selling pricing in the USA, which serves as our reference market. Sets may occasionally be less expensive if bought in Asia or the European Union, but the price listed may not include customs fees.

To accomplish this:

  • On the product page you are currently viewing, select the "Items for Sale" tab.
  • Choose the set's condition (new or used, complete or incomplete) that interests you. For illustration, I use "Used(C,I)".
  • Decide on the "seller location." For illustration, I'll use "USA."

According to our example, the set is being offered in the USA for between US $85.50 and US $378.81, roughly in line with our statistics for the entire world.

Ask for help

Never be afraid to seek help if you're feeling stuck. Numerous local and online Lego-collecting organizations and forums, such as Reddit's r/lego, are teeming with enthusiastic people about Lego and willing to help.

That's a huge ask, so don't expect everyone to perform your pricing research for you. But it's fantastic to ask your local Lego crew or visit an internet forum for help if you're having trouble identifying a particular piece. Even Lego-related physical and internet retailers can help.

However, the entire procedure may seem intimidating if you possess a sizable collection that you wish to sell. You're not alone in that boat, so don't worry!

Do my old LEGO sets go up/increase in value? 

So, the crucial question is whether those sets hidden in your cellar or resting in your attic are like good wine. According to numerous studies, new or used sets are a better investment than equities, bonds, or gold. The answer, however, is more complicated than a simple affirmative or negative. "Mostly Yes, but it depends" is more accurate.

Example of old LEGO sets go up/increase in value

Shall we embark on a journey through the history of LEGO? Imagine paying $140 for a new, unopened box of the famous 10182 Cafe Corner 2007. In the present day, you know what? Now, that identical box is teasing a startling $2000 price tag. Not too bad. It's not even the oldest set on the street, so don't get ahead of yourself.

Example of old LEGO sets don't go up/increase in value

Congratulations if you can own a 2000 3450 Statue of Liberty that is in perfect shape and still in its original packaging. My friend, you might be sitting on a goldmine. According to the LEGO community, it might sell for a respectable $3000. Yes, it is still causing a stir in the market twenty years later.

However, this is where things become a little more complex. When immaculate packaging is removed, the value plummets more quickly than a brick in a whirlpool. Consider a collection that isn't particularly valuable or in demand. Let's say you have one that is still tightly sealed and in perfect shape. Give or take, you could be looking at a few hundred dollars. However, if you break through that seal, you'll only be spending $12, if not less. Aww.

Exception: some played-with LEGO sets will still go up/increase in value

The worst part is that even used sets tend to retain their value. Those vibrant bricks have some magic incorporated into them. After being opened and tested, LEGO doesn't simply wither away and become obsolete as other toys. It remains stable and continues up the value scale, albeit slowly.

Why? LEGO sets only get better with time, much like excellent wine. Not to mention those timeless components. Rebuilding older sets with a combination of new and old bricks is simple because many bricks found in modern sets are strikingly identical to their antique counterparts.

Sealed boxes are one key factor

The problem is that sealing is the key when it comes to LEGO. Right out of the factory, unaltered by human hands, the genuine thing is what collectors seek. Authenticity is crucial, my friend. And believe me, your word won't cut it when you're interacting with seasoned LEGO enthusiasts. They want that sign of approval.

Not to be overlooked is the appeal of vintage sets. We refer to the first LEGO sets, which laid the foundation for the modern, beloved LEGO empire. Imagine 1950s Automatic Binding Bricks or old-fashioned, immaculate Town Plan kits. You could sell the original wooden LEGO toys from the 1930s for a reasonable price.

Is greatness in store for your old sets? Age, rarity, condition, and other variables all play a role. However, one thing is sure: there is always a chance that those childhood treasures could become a profitable investment for LEGO. Who wants to take a journey down memory lane, then?

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