Lego Auctions

When you consider some of the most well-known brands in the world, Lego is perhaps one of the most recognised. These building block sets are loved by children and adults alike, with collectors all over the world purchasing Lego sets regardless of whether they are new or old. It is no surprise, therefore, that retired Lego sets are highly sought after at auction, especially due to the nostalgia attached to the earlier sets.

Derrick and the rest of the team are experts in these toys, showing extensive passion and enthusiasm towards the handling of all things Lego - our commitment to toys and models surpasses expectations.

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Background Information: Lego

The LEGO Group was founded in 1932 by Ole Kirk Kristiansen. The company, which started in Denmark, has been passed from father to son over the years and is now owned by Kjeld Kirk Kristiansen, a grandchild of the founder. The name we all recognise today - “LEGO” - is an abbreviation of the two Danish words “leg godt”, meaning “play well”. Originally, Lego started as a collection of wooden toys, but in 1958 the classic brick form that we see today was created. Lego has been proudly crowned “Toy of the Century” on two occasions and has expanded through many different themes as the company has progressed, including Star Wars, Marvel, Indiana Jones and more.

High-Value Sales

Over time, the “price per piece” of Lego sets has generally increased, however, it is not just the new sets which have a high value. Sets from years gone by which are no longer on sale (known as “retired” sets) are at an all-time high in popularity, especially for certain desirable themes, such as Lego Star Wars and Lego Trains. Retired sets are sought after at auctions, and many people may have old sets at home which are worth significantly more than when they were originally purchased.

One example of a high-value set which is incredibly sought after is the 2003 Lego Star Wars set “Cloud City”, which originally retailed for just $99.99 (about £77.75), containing 8 minifigures. Fancy getting your hands on this set nowadays? Well, that would probably cost you around £6,700 for a sealed set, or £3,000 for a used version if it is in good condition. Quite a mark-up in price, right?

Minifigures alone can be highly sought after too, despite their small size. Over the years, several minifigures have been released at exclusive events and won through unique competitions. According to Brickfact.com, in 2007, five solid gold 14K C-3POs were released to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Star Wars, only obtainable as a competition prize. Nowadays, they’re worth around $200,000! It is always worth keeping an eye out for valuable Lego minifigures at auction houses, as some of these can appreciate massively over time.

Did You Know?

The average sale price of “new” condition Boba Fett minifigure from the 2003 Lego Cloud City set was roughly £1,800, based on sales between October 2023 to March 2024. That may explain why the set is now so valuable.

Fake Lego - The Signs to Look For

Unfortunately, like most desirable toys, collectables and trading cards, fake Lego sets are created by scammers who produce knock-off versions of expensive sets and minifigures. There are a number of ways in which you can try and assess whether a Lego set or minifigure is genuine or not - check out our list below. Alternatively, you can get in touch with us and we’ll determine the authenticity for you.

Almost all authentic Lego pieces have the word “LEGO” printed on them somewhere, usually on the “stud” piece of a Lego brick.
Check for the spelling of the printed “LEGO” name on each piece. For example, fake versions may say “LGO” or “LGEO”.
Assessing the quality of the pieces is usually a good indicator of how genuine the product is.
Sometimes, fake minifigures will slightly differ in shape, size or colour, so thoroughly check these minifigures for anything that doesn’t look quite right.

General Tips for Lego at Auction - Buying and Selling

If you’re looking to start a collection of complete Lego sets from an auction, or you’re considering selling current sets that you own, there are a few useful things to know to make sure you’re getting a fair deal and maximise the sale price. At Cullens of Surrey, it is our priority to ensure that you are comfortable with all parts of the auction process, whether you are buying or selling, so never be afraid to ask us for further information.

In what state is the set you’re looking to buy or sell? Consider whether the set is new or used, as this affects the value greatly. If the set is used, what is the quality of the pieces, and is it all complete?
If you’re looking to buy or sell and you’re wondering what a “good sale price is”, search online to see the latest trends in sale prices. These suggested sale prices could also determine the rarity or desirability of the Lego.
A Lego set is worth more if it has the original box, and the quality of this box is important too. If you have a used set, have you got the original box, and how damaged is it?
Lego sets also tend to sell for a higher price if they have the original instructions, although this is less desirable than having the box. Make sure each page is intact with no discolouration.

Looking to Sell With Us?

If you have complete Lego sets or minifigures that you’re looking to sell, or any other toys and models, we offer various routes, such as at auction, direct purchasing or third-party sellers. You can read about each selling route in more detail on our dedicated “Selling At Auction” page.

Want to Find Out More Information About the Auction Process?

At Cullens of Surrey, we want all parts of the auction process to feel as comfortable as possible, helping our customers enjoy buying and selling with us. We have extensive knowledge in a range of different departments, so feel free to get in touch with us today - we’ll answer any questions you may have.

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