For many people, LEGO isn’t just a toy. LEGO is a hobby, a connection, a fun challenge, a family activity, and even a trip down memory lane. For some, LEGO is also an investment. For those interested in the monetary value of LEGO sets, it’s best to know what you’re searching for and looking at. To help, NSA Storage presents this valuable guide to LEGO sets! Read on to find out if your sets are valuable, how to find more, and how to store them for safekeeping!

What Factors Make a LEGO Set More Valuable?

1. The Age of the Set

As with most collectibles, the older a LEGO set is, the more value it tends to gain. This is especially true if it’s older and still sealed in the original box.

2. Limited Edition and Exclusive Sets

A limited edition LEGO set, or one that was exclusive, are almost always more valuable. One great example are the limited edition Christmas-themed sets given only to LEGO employees and brand ambassadors. Comic convention (CON) LEGO sets always shoot up in value, also.

3. The Overall Condition of the Set

Collectors know that anything is more valuable when it’s in excellent condition. The same goes for LEGO , which means you need to look for:

• Sets that are complete. Missing parts or minifigures can put a huge dent in a LEGO set’s value.
• Parts and pieces that have not faded, been painted, cracked or broken, etc. (White and gray parts tend to fade badly. Brown parts are the most prone to breaking.)
• The original box and instructions. Sets with their OG box and instructions (in good to great condition), make a LEGO set much more valuable. 

4. The Theme or ISP Connected to the Set

LEGO experts know a little secret: licensing Star Wars saved LEGO from bankruptcy in 1999! Adding this popular IP to their lineup was so huge that LEGO quickly started adding more. Today, Harry Potter, Spiderman, Batman, Minecraft, Disney and many more IPs have been given the LEGO treatment. These sets, in many cases, are more valuable because they’re more coveted by collectors.  

5. Sets with Rare Minifigures

The popularity of the minifigure can’t be exaggerated; it’s massive! Some folks only collect minifigures, especially since LEGO upped their quality and variety to amazing levels.

For LEGO investors, you should always be sure the minifigure is included when you buy a used set.  LEGO set #10123, Cloud City, is a great example. The original “Lando Calrissian” minifigure makes this set ridiculously valuable.

How to Determine the Value of a LEGO Set

• Check the LEGO Set’s Number- Found on the box and instructions, the set number is perfect for determining its value.
• Use Online Sources- There are many online sources of valuable information about LEGO . Here are a few of the best:

• BrickLink
• Brickset
• Rebrickable
• Brick Owl
• The Brothers Brick
• BrickEconomy

• Join a LEGO Fan Group (LUG)- LEGO User Groups (LUGs) are found around the country. Not only can they be very helpful, but they’re also a lot of fun and LEGO camaraderie.
• Search Prices on eBay- eBay is a major source of current LEGO values. As they say, a LEGO set is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it. On eBay, you’ll see what’s been paid for a set lately, which can be a great guideline.

Where Can You Sell Your Valuable LEGO Sets?

Want to sell your LEGO and bank the profits? Below are the best places to do exactly that:

• eBay
• Facebook Marketplace
• Craigslist
• Bricklink

10 of the Most Valuable LEGO Sets

Below are 10 of the most valuable LEGO sets, listed with their original retail price and current (estimated) value. 

1. Cloud City #10123 $99.00 / $8200.00
2. Monorail Airport Shuttle #6399    $200.00 / $4000.00
3. Skull’s Eye Schooner #6286 $50.00 / $3500.00
4. Market Street #10190 $110.00 / $2700.00
5. UCS Millenium Falcon # 10179 $499.00 / $2400.00
6. Death Star 2 # 10143 $270.00 / $2600.00
7. Cafe orner #10182 $150.00 / $1700.00
8. Imperial Star Destroyer #10030 $450.00 / $1200.00
9. Taj Mahal #10189 $300.00 / $900.00
10. Eiffel Tower # 10181     $200.00 / $800

Which is Best for Investing: Sealed or Open and Built?

A sealed LEGO set will always be more valuable than one that’s been opened and built (even if only once). Many older sets are very hard to find in a sealed box but they’re still valuable. 

If you’re investing, sealed is best. If you’re a LEGO enthusiast who wants to also invest on the side, open and play!

Tips for Keeping LEGO Sets in Good Condition

To protect your valuable LEGO sets, storing them correctly is a must! Here’s how to keep all your sets in great condition:

1. Store LEGO sets in a Cool, Dry Place

• Avoid heat and especially direct sunlight.
• Don’t store LEGO in the attic or basement.
• For a large collection, store your LEGO in a climate controlled storage unit.

2. Keep the Original Boxes and Instructions

• These add a lot of value, especially if they’re in good shape.
• Store boxes flat to avoid bending or tearing. (A mirror box is a great choice!)

3. Use Ziploc Bags

• Keep sets together using labeled ziploc bags.
• Place the instructions inside each bag for easy rebuilding later.

4. Don’t Mix LEGO Sets

• Mixing parts makes it hard to rebuild or sell the full set.

5. Stack Sets Safely

• Don’t stack too many (sealed) LEGO boxes on top of each other.
• Use a shelving unit if you’re storing many LEGO sets in boxes.

Use NSA Storage for Your Collection

We hope the information provided today will help you find LEGO sets that are worth collecting, and how to store them for safe keeping. There’s no denying that some sets are truly valuable and worth seeking.

To store your LEGO in the best possible conditions, consider renting a storage unit from NSA Storage. Clean, safe, and spacious, a storage unit is the perfect place to store LEGO while they increase in value. A climate controlled storage unit provides the ultimate protection from extreme temperatures and humidity.

Reserve your storage unit online today! Until then, best of luck determining if your LEGO sets are valuable and picking up more to build your investment portfolio brick by brick!