Quick Summary: Old LEGO bricks can have significant value, especially if they are part of rare or discontinued sets. Certain factors, such as having original packaging or rare colors, can greatly increase their worth. You can also find out approximately how much your old sets is worth by visiting websites like BrickLink or Reddit’s r/lego.

Hey there! Ever wondered if those old LEGOs gathering dust in your attic are worth something? Well, you’re not alone. In this article, we’re diving into the fascinating world of vintage sets to answer all your burning questions. From what qualifies as “old LEGOs” to whether they actually hold any value, we’ve got you covered. Plus, we’ll explore whether these nostalgic bricks appreciate over time and how to assess their worth. Get ready to uncover the hidden treasures lurking in your collection!

What is Old LEGOs Exactly?

First thing first, let’s understand what “Old LEGO” refers to. It basically means those sets, bricks, or pieces from way back that they don’t make anymore. Like those sets from the 70s, 80s, and 90s with themes like Classic Space, Castle, Town, or Pirates. And sometimes it includes those vintage pieces, you know, the ones that might have different colors or shapes compared to the newer ones.

LEGO has been around for ages, like since 1932! And you know what? Lots of folks, collectors, and enthusiasts, they’re really into those old sets and pieces. Some just love the nostalgia, others are into the history, and some just dig the classic designs. And because these old sets and pieces can be pretty rare, collectors go crazy for them, making them worth a pretty penny in the secondhand market.

Do Old LEGOs Have Value?  

Absolutely, old bricks can hold significant value, especially if they’re part of rare or discontinued sets. Certain factors like being in original packaging or featuring rare colors can increase their worth substantially.

Let’s dive into it.

What Makes Older LEGO Bricks More Valuable Than Newer Ones?

Okay, picture this: you’ve got your hands on a classic brick. The one that’s been around for ages and comes in every set known to humankind. That? Not gonna fetch you a fortune. I mean, who’s gonna pay big bucks for a standard 2×4 brick, right?

But hold up, there’s a twist. If that brick happens to be chilling in its original box from way back when, well, now we’re talking. It’s not so much about the individual brick’s worth but the nostalgia-packed set it belongs to. Take apart an old Yellow Castle from ’78 and try selling it brick by brick? You’ll end up with a fraction of what you could get for the whole set. Trust me, those minifigures alone could fetch a pretty penny.

Oh, and here’s a pro tip: keep an eye out for those rare colors. You know, the ones LEGO only made for a hot minute? Those babies are like gold dust. Sand red? Yeah, that’s the jackpot right there.

And let’s not forget about the discontinued parts. Like that elusive goat figure that only made a cameo in one set and then vanished into the LEGO abyss. Modern LEGO might be streamlining their parts collection, but that just makes these old relics all the more valuable.

Unopened LEGO Sets Could Be Worth Hundreds of Dollars

Now, here’s where things get really interesting. Remember all those unopened sets gathering dust in your closet? Yeah, those could be your ticket to a hefty payday. Especially if they hail from the golden era of the ’90s.

I’m talking about sets that ooze nostalgia, like those Star Wars-themed ones that sent every kid’s imagination into hyperdrive. Believe it or not, some of these bad boys could fetch you hundreds of dollars. It’s like finding buried treasure in your own home.

So, the next time you stumble upon your collection, don’t just brush it off as child’s play. Take a closer look, because you might just be sitting on a goldmine.

Who knew those colorful bricks could hold so much value, huh?

How Much is My Old LEGO Worth? 

Ah, the age-old question that every LEGO enthusiast ponders at some point: How much are my beloved old sets worth? Well, fret not, for we’re diving deep into the bricks and minifigures economy to uncover the secrets behind LEGO valuation.

Key Factors that Determine the Value of LEGO Sets

First off, let’s talk about the key factors that determine the value of LEGO sets. It’s not just about how many pieces you have; it’s about rarity, condition, and demand. You see, rarity reigns supreme in the LEGO world.

Rarity

Limited edition or discontinued sets are like gold dust to collectors. So, if you happen to have one of those stashed away, you might be sitting on a goldmine.

Not all sets have potential for appreciation. Some sets are considered junk, such as 42077, which retails for 99.99 euros. Although BrickEconomy currently estimates its value at 106 euros, in reality, it’s hard to sell even for 50 euros. On the other hand, good sets like 76023, originally priced at 199.99 euros, are now selling for around 260 euros and are quickly snapped up by buyers. Limited editions, large sets, those with many minifigures, or part of a series generally have appreciation potential, even if they’re already assembled.

Before purchasing, it’s essential to read reviews and physically inspect the sets in stores. It’s also wise to consider buying multiple sets of good ones, as they can be cashed out for profit in a few years.

Condition

Now, onto condition – the make or break element.

Conditions, the state of your sets. From mint in sealed box (MISB) to played and worn, there’s a spectrum of conditions that can make or break the value of your sets. Think of it as LEGO grading – the better the grade, the higher the price tag.

The pricing order for second-hand sets is as follows: LEGO original factory outer packaging cardboard box + original unopened box > original unopened box > assembled but with complete parts and original box with instructions > assembled with complete parts + instructions > assembled with complete parts > assembled with incomplete parts.

The condition of the original box also affects the value, with many discerning players opting not to use knives directly when opening the original box but instead using a hairdryer to loosen the seal.

Additionally, prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause the plastic parts of LEGO sets to yellowing with age, so it’s important for those aiming for profit to store sets away from direct light.

If instructions and original boxes are lost, their value can be enhanced by purchasing second-hand original boxes and instructions online.

Picture this: a pristine, sealed box versus a battered, missing-pieces mess. Which one do you think will fetch a higher price? Exactly. The better the condition, the higher the value. And remember, it’s not just about the bricks. The box and instructions matter too.

Market Demand

But how do you gauge the value of your LEGO treasures? Fear not, for the internet is your friend. Websites like BrickLink, BrickSet and eBay are treasure troves of recent pricing information, BrickLink, in particular, is a haven for LEGO enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive marketplace and price guide.

You can also check other databases and price guides, as follow:

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

And let’s not forget about social media groups and forums like Reddit’s r/lego, where enthusiasts share insights faster than you can say “minifigure.”

And if you’re curious about the demand for retired sets, look no further than website BrickEconomy. It’s like the stock market for LEGO, where discontinued sets can skyrocket in value. Take the Pirates of Barracuda Bay set, for example. Discontinued in 2021, it’s now fetching prices that would make any investor smile.

So, there you have it – a crash course in LEGO economics. Now go forth, dig out those old sets, and who knows? You might just stumble upon a fortune in plastic bricks.

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

1, On the homepage, click “sets”

2, In the search bar, search the relevant keywords that best describe your sets. In this example, I take “ship”.

3, You can see many products similar to your sets on this search page. You can click their links and compare their prices. In this example, I take 7880-1 (Inv) .

4, click on the “price guide” tab

Alright, let’s dive into the sales stats for this specific set. Check out the “Last 6 Month Sales” columns – that’s where you’ll find all the juicy data.

• This set has been sold 1 times as new, and 4 times as used
• The minimum sale price for new has been US $436.28, the average US $436.28, the maximum US $436.28
• The minimum sale price for used has been US $148.11, the average US $165.00, the maximum US $189.44

In the “Current Items for Sale” columns, we can find that:

• There are 1 new sets and 10 used sets available
• The minimum sale price for new is US $522.50, the average US $522.50, the maximum US $522.50
• The minimum sale price for used is US $85.50, the average US $186.76, the maximum US $378.81

These can come in handy as we’re assessing things!

5, click on the “Items for Sales” tab

Next up, let’s check out the current selling prices of the set in our reference market: USA. It’s worth noting because sometimes sets can be cheaper if purchased in The European Union or Asia, but remember, the displayed price might not include customs costs.

To do this:

• Select the “Items for Sale” tab within the product page you are viewing
• Set the Condition of the set you are interested in (New or used, complete or incomplete). In this example, I take “Used(C,I)”
• Set the “seller location”. In this example, I take “USA”

In our example, we’re seeing the set being sold in the USA starting at US $85.50 to US $378.81, which pretty much aligns with the global figures we’ve got.

Ask for help

If you’re feeling stuck, don’t hesitate to ask for a hand. There are tons of online and local Lego collector groups and forums like Reddit’s r/lego packed with folks who are passionate about Lego and happy to lend a hand.

Now, don’t go expecting everyone to do your pricing homework for you – that’s a big ask. But if you’re struggling to identify a specific piece, it’s totally cool to reach out to your local Lego crew or hit up an online forum for some backup. Even online stores and physical shops that deal with Lego might offer some assistance.

But hey, if you’ve got a massive collection on your hands and you’re looking to sell, the whole process might seem a bit overwhelming. Don’t worry, you’re not alone in that boat!

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

So, the burning question: do those sets sitting in your attic or tucked away in the basement appreciate like fine wine over the years? Although there are many research have said that new or secondhand sets are a better investment than stocks, bonds, or gold. Well, the answer isn’t as straightforward as a simple yes or no. It’s more like, “Mostly Yes, but it depends.”

Example of old LEGO sets go up/increase in value

Let’s take a stroll through the annals of LEGO history, shall we? Picture this: back in 2007, you snagged a pristine, unopened box of the iconic 10182 Cafe Corner for a cool $140. Fast forward to today, and guess what? That same box is now flirting with a jaw-dropping $2000 price tag. Not too shabby, huh? But hold your horses, that’s not even the oldest set on the block.

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

Now, if you happen to possess a mint-condition, still-in-the-wrapper 3450 Statue of Liberty from the year 2000, congratulations are in order. You’re potentially sitting on a goldmine, my friend. Word on the LEGO street is that it could fetch a tidy sum in the ballpark of $3000. That’s right, 20 years later, and it’s still making waves in the market.

But here’s where things get a tad tricky. Strip away that pristine packaging, and suddenly, the value takes a nosedive faster than a brick in a whirlpool. Take, for instance, a not-so-valuable or sought-after set. Say you’ve got one in mint condition, still sealed up tight? You might be looking at a couple of hundred bucks, give or take. Crack open that seal, though, and you’re looking at a measly $12, maybe even less. Ouch.

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

But hey, here’s the kicker: even played-with sets have a knack for holding their worth. It’s like they’ve got some kind of magic built into those colorful bricks. Unlike your average toy, LEGO doesn’t just shrivel up and fade into oblivion once it’s been unboxed and put through its paces. Nope, it holds its ground, steadily climbing the value ladder, albeit at a leisurely pace.

Why? Well, for starters, LEGO sets are like fine wine—they only get better with age. And let’s not forget about those timeless elements. Many of the bricks you find in today’s sets are eerily similar to their vintage counterparts, making it a breeze to reconstruct older sets with a mix of old and new pieces.

Sealed boxes is one key factor

But here’s the rub: when it comes to LEGO, sealed is the name of the game. Collectors aren’t just after any old bricks—they want the real deal, straight from the factory, untouched by human hands. It’s all about authenticity, my friend. And trust me, when you’re dealing with seasoned LEGO aficionados, your word alone won’t cut it. They want that seal of approval, quite literally.

And let’s not forget about the allure of vintage sets. We’re talking about the OG sets—the ones that paved the way for the LEGO empire we know and love today. Think Automatic Binding Bricks from the 1950s or pristine Town Plan sets from yesteryears. Heck, even the original wooden LEGO toys from the 1930s could fetch a pretty penny on the market.

So, are your old sets destined for greatness? Well, it depends on a multitude of factors—age, rarity, condition, you name it. But one thing’s for sure: when it comes to LEGO, there’s always a glimmer of hope that those childhood treasures might just turn into a lucrative investment. So, who’s up for a trip down memory lane?