LEGO® fans say it is a toss-up between 1975 and 1978! The first, little minifigs that ever came out were brought into production in 1975 but did not look like the minifigures we know today — they consisted of 4-5 parts and were nowhere near as poseable.
In 1978, we saw the creation of the classic, yellow LEGO® minifigure as a policeman in LEGO® set 600. This would be the framework and base for all LEGO® minifigures to come!
Was This The First Set With LEGO® Minifigures?
Yes, it was the first! LEGO® set 600, known as Police Patrol, was the first set ever to introduce the LEGO® minifigure. It contained a total of 16 pieces and only 1 minifigure. Even with so few pieces, the age and rarity of the set have driven up the price: Most listings have this original, new-in-box (NIB) set listed anywhere from $800–$1,000!
A Simple Name, A Simple Minifigure
The LEGO® Police Officer has a standard name and standard item number: cop014s. I think it is funny to note that LEGO® put “cop” in the labeling structure for the minifigure!
This iconic LEGO® minifigure made its way into the Classic Town LEGO® Theme from 1978–1981. Now, although the set is rare, this minifigure is by no means rare. It was in mass production for three years as the beginning LEGO® minifig meaning all sets around this time contained this figure. You can easily find the black, yellow, torso-printed, and white-hat-wearing officer on third-party platforms going from $1.00–$4.00.
How the Minifigure Evolved After 1978
The cop014s was just the beginning. What’s remarkable about the 1978 minifigure design is how little the fundamental form has changed in nearly 50 years — and yet how much LEGO has managed to do within those constraints.
The 1980s brought the first real diversification. LEGO introduced the Castle and Space themes, and with them came minifigures with printed visors, armor, and specialized headgear. The basic yellow face with two dot eyes and a simple smile remained universal, but the accessories and torso prints started telling stories. The Pirates theme (1989) pushed things further with the first minifigure to feature a hook hand and peg leg — actual new mold pieces designed for a single character.
The 1990s and 2000s saw the introduction of licensed themes. Star Wars (1999) was the game-changer — suddenly minifigures needed to look like real people and characters. This led to flesh-toned skin colors, more detailed facial printing, and eventually dual-sided heads with alternate expressions. If you’re curious about how these changes affect value, check out our guide on why LEGO is so expensive.
Modern minifigures (2010s–present) feature leg printing, arm printing, and incredibly detailed facial expressions. The Collectible Minifigure Series (CMF), launched in 2010, turned minifigures into their own standalone product line. Today, LEGO produces over 400 unique minifigure designs per year. Every single one of them traces its DNA back to that little cop014s police officer from 1978. If you’re looking to start collecting, here’s a guide on how to make custom LEGO minifigures — or if you’ve already got a collection, learn how to sell LEGO minifigures for the best return.
A Piece Of History For A Low Price
Honestly, as a LEGO® collector or LEGO® investor, I highly recommend getting your hands on this little guy and placing him in a minifigure display case. For under $5.00, you can hold onto a small part of massive LEGO® minifigure history!
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the first LEGO minifigure come out?
The first proto-minifigures appeared in 1975, but the classic LEGO minifigure design — with movable arms, legs, and the iconic yellow head — debuted in 1978 in LEGO set 600 (Police Patrol).
What was the first LEGO minifigure ever made?
The first modern LEGO minifigure was a police officer (part number cop014s) included in set 600. It featured a simple torso print, white hat, and the now-classic yellow skin that became the standard for all minifigures.
How much is the first LEGO minifigure worth?
The loose cop014s minifigure sells for $1–$4 on BrickLink since it was mass-produced from 1978–1981. However, a sealed, new-in-box LEGO set 600 can fetch $800–$1,000 due to its historical significance.
Why are LEGO minifigures yellow?
LEGO chose yellow as a neutral, non-specific skin tone to represent all people equally. The tradition started with the first minifigure in 1978 and continued until licensed themes introduced flesh tones in 2003. Learn more in our deep dive on why LEGO minifigures are yellow.
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