More LEGO Sets

Continuing from the previous article, The Best LEGO Investments (Pt. 2), we are covering the best LEGO set investments over the years.

Creator Expert

The Creator expert was the precursor to the now popular icons theme of LEGO sets, (the modular buildings were also part of this theme).

The 10196 Grand Carousel is one of the most iconic and sought-after sets in the Advanced Models / Fairground series, released in 2009. In 2017 a modern remake very similar to the original was released, the 10257 Creator Expert Carousel, which caused the demand of this classic set to fall, which also brought down the price to around $1700. Originally retailing for $249.99, the classic version of the Grand Carousel is now valued at approximately $2,500 +900% gain.

Lord of the Rings

The Lord of the Rings theme was very popular when introduced in 2012. This theme was released alongside the Hobbit Films in the early 2010's. The popularity of Tolkien's work cannot be underplayed, although the films came out over 20 years ago LEGO revived the theme by releasing several new Lord of The Rings Sets in 2023. From the 2012 collection the most notable set is 9469 Gandalf Arrives, which caused the Originally priced at 12.99 the set currently goes for $130, which would be a +900% increase.

Indiana Jones

Released in 2008 with the 4th installment of the Indiana Jones franchise, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, these sets quickly became fan favorites and collectors items. With the release of the 5th film Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, Several of the classic Indy sets were remade in 2023.

Of all the Indiana Jones sets the best investment came in the form of 7621 Indiana Jones and the Lost Tomb. At 277 pieces this classic set originally retailed for $19.99 currently the set is valued at around $210, a +950% gain. Before the release of the remade version of this set 77013 Escape from the Lost Tomb in 2023, the original was valued at over $340!

Pirates of the Carribean

The Pirates of the Caribbean wave of sets were released in 2011 to accompany the hype of the 4th instalment of the film franchise, Pirates of the Carribean: On Stranger Tides. An immediate success, these sets harkened back to the classic pirates sets and included some unique minifigures including, Captain Jack Sparrow, Davy Jones and Blackbeard.

The most iconic and perhaps the best set in the series, 4184 The Black Pearl originally retailing for $99.99 is currently valued at $1,120 which is a +1020% gain. Luckily enough almost 14 years after its release, an updated and more accurate version of the icon ship is currently available at most LEGO stores.

Legends of Chima

This LEGO theme was an original theme about a kingdom of anthropomorphic characters that waged war against each other. Some of the most unique sets to be produced, this theme lasted from 2013 - 2015. The most notable investment from this collection is 70211 CHI Fluminox. This 91 piece set from 2014 was originally priced at $19.99, and currently goes for around $230, a +1050% increase in value.

BrickHeadz

Brickheadz were a response to the funko craze of the late 2010s. These buildable cute figurines were marketed as collectables and must-haves for everybody. The 41636 Benny is a highly collectible set from the BrickHeadz / The LEGO Movie 2: The Second Part line, released in 2019. Comprising 103 pieces, this set features Benny, the beloved spaceman. Originally retailing for $9.99, its value has skyrocketed to around $145, representing an impressive +1,350% growth.

Marvel

Similar to DC, Marvel is the rival super hero comic book company. Although some of us prefer the DC heroes to the Marvel ones, no one can deny the way Marvel paved the way for super heroes on film. No one can also deny the popularity of characters like Spiderman, Deadpool, and the X-men.

Like we stated earlier a LEGO set's collectability can be determined just from the minifigs included with the set. Seen as though this was the introduction of deadpool into the LEGO minifig population, and 4 years before the deadpool movie even came out this was definitely an amazing investment in 2012. 6866 Wolverine's Chopper Showdown was a 199 piece set that in addition to Deadpool included Wolverine and Magneto on a stand. Notably, the variants of Wolverine and Magneto were exclusive to this set. Originally retailing for $19.99, it is now retired and valued at approximately $330, representing a +1,550% growth.

Ninjago

LEGO Ninjago was first introduced in 2011, since then this theme has become one of the most beloved themes spawning the creation of several TV shows, movies and even a dedicated area at the LEGOLAND Theme parks.

One of the best performing sets from this theme is the 2521 Lightning Dragon Battle. Released in 2011 under the Ninjago: Spinners subtheme, this 645 piece set included four minifigs Jay, Sensei Wu, Frakjaw, and Kruncha. Originally retailing for $79.99, the retired set has risen in value to around $1,400, marking an impressive +1,650% gain.

Modular

The LEGO modular series, which has been going since the mid 2000s is characterized by large beautiful buildings. These buildings range from banks, to hotels, to theaters to even small shops. They are called “modular” because each building is designed to connect with another, allowing fans to line them up and create an entire street of LEGO architecture.

10182 Cafe Corner is one of LEGO's most impressive investment sets. Released in 2007 as part of the modular buildings theme, this 2,056 piece set includes three minifigures. Originally retailing for $139.99, it is now retired and has gone up in value to around $3,247 representing +2,220% growth since its release.

City

LEGO City is a classic theme that depicts many typical scenes from city life including emergency services, law enforcement, air traffic, construction and transportation. Since 2005 these icon blue boxes have been some of the most iconic LEGO sets to come out.

The 66266 City TRU Co-Pack is a rare collectible from the LEGO City / Value Packs line, released in 2006. Originally retailing for just $7.99, this 118 piece set's value has skyrocketed to around $185, representing an impressive +2,220% gain.

In the next article, The Best LEGO Investments (Pt. 4) we continue going through the list of the best LEGO set investments!