In The Fascinating World Of LEGO® Minifigures, There Are Roughly 15,755 Unique Minifigures
LEGO® Minifigs can be the heart and soul of a set…and certainly drive up the price for LEGO® investing purposes. Minifigures consist of three (usually) spectacular parts to make the whole – a head, torso, and set of legs. These minifigs are usually accompanied by varying theme-related accessories, wands, blasters, tools, hairpieces, scuba-gear…the list is endless. Well, not endless but longer than 15,755. The first LEGO® minifigure was added in 1978, since then, literally thousands of minifigures have been added to the exceptional assortment of characters to build, buy, and collect!
Role In Creating A Story Or MOC
LEGO® minifigures serve as the characters in the miniature universes we create. From pirates to astronauts, the minifigures give children (and adults!) the tools for imaginative storytelling. They are the heroes, villains, bystanders, and explorers that populate our brick-built worlds. There vibrant colors add a whole new LEGO® dimension to our building experience.
Examples of Sets Where Minifigures Add Substantial Value
Certain themed sets would be incomplete without their minifigures. Consider the LEGO® Star Wars™ Millennium Falcon; the experience wouldn’t be the same without Han Solo, Chewbacca, and the gang. Similarly, the Cloud City set is one of the most expensive and sought after sets in the theme, why? Easy, because of the specialty printed LEGO® Cloud City Boba Fett. Also, it is important to note that LEGO® Lord of The Rings sets are so expensive due to the extremely expensive LOTR minifigures they contain inside.
Iconic LEGO® Sets and Their Minifigures
Iconic sets like the LEGO® Creator Taj Mahal or the LEGO® Technic Bugatti Chiron may not feature minifigures, but sets like the LEGO® City Police Station or any LEGO® Super Heroes collection are enhanced by their unique characters – sometimes hitting double digits for minifigures. These minifigs become as iconic as the sets themselves, like the classic yellow-faced minifigures in vintage LEGO® City sets or the specialized figures with plastic-cloth coverings in the LEGO® Ninjago series.
Popularity of Minifigures as Collectibles
Minifigures have transcended their role as mere components of larger sets and have become collectible items in their own right. LEGO® has even released series devoted solely to minifigures, often tied to themes or particular franchises. The CMF series or “collectible minfigures” is a line of LEGO® released solely for unique minifigs in packets. Currently, the manufacturer is on series 24.
Trading Communities Love Minifigs
The collectible nature of minifigures has led to the rise of vibrant trading communities. Whether it’s through forums, social media groups, or conventions, enthusiasts find joy in swapping rare or beloved figures to complete their collections. Minifigures, even used, can fetch a hefty price on third-party selling platforms. Learning how to sell these minifigures can give you a pretty, darn lucrative side-hustle. In my stent on eBay, I sold a bunch of old and worn minifigs for roughly $2,500 in profit over three months – not a bad haul!
Customization: DIY, Third-Party Accessories Galore
The appeal of LEGO® extends to the customization possibilities. Many fans paint, modify, and even create their own minifigure accessories. Numerous third-party companies offer specialized pieces that can transform your minifigure into anything from a medieval knight to a futuristic robot.
Star Wars, Marvel, Harry Potter, and Other Major Licenses
Part of the appeal of LEGO® minifigures lies in the company’s partnerships with major franchises. From Star Wars to Marvel and Harry Potter, these sets not only come with iconic locations and vehicles but also include detailed minifigures that fans instantly recognize and love.
Most Sought-After Minifigures In the Market
From limited edition releases to convention exclusives, some minifigures are so rare that they become the “holy grails” of collections. Figures like the 2007 Gold C-3PO or the 2012 New York Toy Fair Iron Man are highly coveted.
Why They Are So Valuable?
The rarity, historical significance, and sometimes even the material (like actual gold plating) contribute to the value of these minifigures. Again, pointing to the lucrative hustle on secondary markets, collectors see them as investments, as their prices can skyrocket.
How to Identify and Take Care of Collectible Minifigures
Verifying the authenticity of rare minifigures is crucial. Check for specific markings, consult reliable sources, and keep them in protective cases to maintain their condition.
LEGO® Minifigures Are The Heart And Soul Of A Set
With over 15,755 minifigures currently listed on brickset, LEGO® shows no sign of slowing down the expanding collection of awesome minifigs. I highly recommend you sort through the rest of my blog to find more information about LEGO® minifigures. Whatever set you buy and build, hold onto the minifigures for as long as you can for their investing potential. Build your collection with as many minifigs as you desire!