Who doesn’t love Lego? The brightly colored bricks are enjoyed by children and adults worldwide, building endless possibilities. Since 1958, Lego Group, a Danish company, has been producing these popular interlocking plastic pieces that can be used to create just about anything imaginable.
Today, Lego has continuously pushed the boundaries of creativity and imagination, releasing new and innovative build-it-yourself kits with more bricks and complex designs.
While most people are familiar with Lego’s standard brick sets, the company also produces several high-end, luxury sets targeted toward adult collectors. These sets are significantly more expensive than the average Lego set, with some costing upwards of $5,000.
One time, collectible Lego sets were a niche market, outperforming gold and other precious metals as an investment. The complexity, rarity, and detail affect their value and price, with some of the most expensive Lego sets costing enough cash to mortgage a home.
So, what are the most expensive Lego sets on the market today? Here’s a look at 11 of the priciest, along with a brief description.
The 11 Most Expensive Lego Sets in 2022
The Lego Group creates a whole host of different sets, from Star Wars to Harry Potter, each with its own unique price point. For Lego fans who want to own the most impressive and rarest sets, paying a little extra for a stellar set is definitely worth it. Here are 11 of the most expensive Lego sets as of early 2022:
1. Ultimate Collector’s Series Millennium Falcon (Limited Edition) – $4,530
Kicking off the list is the Ultimate Collector’s Millennium Falcon, one of the most iconic, intricate, and coveted Lego sets of all time. Released in 2007, this kit features a detailed replica of Han Solo’s iconic ship from the Star Wars films.
The set includes over 5,197 pieces and a 311-page instruction booklet. Its level of detail is incredible, right down to the Lego figures of Chewbacca, Han Solo, Princess Leia, Han Solo, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Luke Skywalker.
The Ultimate Collector’s Millennium Falcon has long been one of the most valuable Lego Star Wars sets among collectors and has recently fetched a whopping $15,000 in one Las Vegas auction. Lego made and sold a limited number of the first edition versions of this set, which explains its rarity and high resale value. It was retired in May 2010, after 31 months on the market, making it even more sought-after by diehard fans and collectors.
2. Taj Mahal – $3,864
The Taj Mahal is one of the most famous and recognizable buildings in the world, and Lego’s reproduction of the beautiful Indian monument is just as stunning. This intricately detailed Lego replica of the Taj Mahal tomb was released in 2008 and includes over 5,900 pieces.
At the time of its release, this huge and highly-detailed set blew away Lego fans and quickly became one of the most popular sets ever released by the company. If you love Indian culture or architecture, this set is definitely for you.
The final product is an incredibly detailed replica of the actual Taj Mahal, complete with minarets, balconies, arches, and intricate facade details. Even though this set was retired in 2010, it still commands a high resale value due to its scarcity and desirability.
3. Eiffel Tower – $2,392
Away from the Lego Star Wars bonanza, the Eiffel Tower is one of the most instantly recognizable landmarks globally, and Lego’s replica of this iconic structure is simply stunning. If you have always wanted to take a trip to Paris to marvel at the massive and sophisticated Eiffel Tower, this set is your next best option.
Released in 2007, this 3,428-piece set includes a detailed replica of the Eiffel Tower, complete with the grand staircase, elevator, and flag at the top. It’s built to 1:300 scale from the tower’s original blueprints.
It is also the tallest Lego set ever released (42-inches high) and should be attempted if you have the patience and dedication to tackle such a vast project. The Eiffel Tower set was retired in 2009, with a lifespan of 25 months, making it one of the rarest and most sought-after Lego sets on the market. Its high resale value is a testament to its rarity, desirability, and collectability.
4. Grand Carousel – $2,300
Grand carousels are a staple of any amusement park, and the LEGO Grand Carousel is no different. This massive set includes an impressive 3,263 pieces and features a working carousel with spinning horses, a ticket booth, and a concession stand. It comes with a remote control that allows you to operate the carousel remotely.
This rare set was released in 2009 and officially retired in 2010, making it one of the shortest-lived sets in LEGO history. It’s also one of the most sought-after and expensive sets on the secondary market. This set’s elaborate building instructions and detailed components make it a favorite among LEGO collectors.
The Grand Carousel is one of the biggest LEGO sets ever released, making it a real challenge to build. It’s also one of the most expensive, with sets routinely selling for over $2,000 on the secondary market.
5. Star Wars 75159 Death Star II – $1,972
The Star Wars 75159 Death Star II is one of the most iconic villains’ lairs in popular culture, and Lego’s rendition of this classic Star Wars location does not disappoint. This Star Wars huge set includes 3,000 pieces and features a detailed replica of the Death Star II from Return of the Jedi.
It includes several features such as the Superlaser control room, Emperor’s throne room, detention block, and trash compactor. It also comes with a slew of Lego Star Wars mini-figures, including Luke Skywalker, Darth Vader, Emperor Palpatine, Chewbacca, and Princess Leia.
This set was released in 2005 and was quickly snapped up by Lego Star Wars fans. Unfortunately, it was retired in 2007 as it didn’t sell as well as its predecessor Death Star I model. As a result, the Death Star II set has become increasingly rare and valuable, with some recent auctions fetching over $5,000.
6. Ultimate Collector’s Series Imperial Star Destroyer – $1,796
If you are a massive fan of the Star Wars franchise, then the Ultimate Collector Series Imperial Star Destroyer is definitely the set. Based on Darth Vader’s flagship from the original Star Wars Episode IV, this 4,784-piece set is one of the biggest and most detailed Lego sets ever released.
The Imperial Star Destroyer measures a staggering 3 feet long and 2 feet wide when assembled, making it an impressive display piece for any home or office. The level of detail on this set is incredible, with features such as a detailed bridge, hangar bay, and turrets. It also comes with a host of Lego Star Wars mini-figures, including Darth Vader, Grand Moff Tarkin, and a host of Imperial Officers.
The UCS Imperial Star Destroyer was released in October 2019, and while its price isn’t as high as some of the other sets on this list, its value is sure to increase in the coming years once it’s retired.
7. Lego Technic 42100 Liebherr R 9800 – $1,465.41
If you love the thrill of building and operating heavy machinery, then this is the set for you. The Lego Technic 42100 Liebherr R 9800 Excavator is a replica of the real-life mining excavator and is one of the most detailed and complicated sets that Lego has ever released.
Additionally, it’s also Lego’s most expensive Technic set to date. Released in October 2019, this set includes a whopping 4,108 pieces and comes with a printed building instruction booklet. You can move this massive Technic set back and forth, spin it around, and operate the arm and scoop independently.
Due to its massive size and weight, the Lego Technic 42100 Liebherr R 9800 Excavator set is not for the faint of heart. It takes serious time and building skills to bring this behemoth to life. But once you’re done, you’ll have a detailed replica of a real-life mining excavator that’s quite a showstopper.
8. Super Star Destroyer – $1,342
As one of the most valuable Lego sets ever released, the Super Star Destroyer is a must-have for any serious Lego collector. This set includes an impressive 3,152 pieces and an instruction booklet to help you build the massive vessel. It was released in 2011 and retired in June 2014 after 34 months in production.
This rare set is one of the most detailed and accurate representations of the Super Star Destroyer ever released. It comes with a mini-scale Imperial Star Destroyer, which can be placed on top of the main vessel.
The Dengar and Admiral Piett mini figures are exclusive to this set and are some of the world’s most sought-after LEGO mini figures. In secondary markets such as eBay, this set routinely sells between $1,100 and $1,357, but the price is dependent on the condition of the set and whether or not it includes the original box and instructions and Lego’s brick and knob configurations.
9. Harry Potter Diagon Alley – $815
If you’re a fan of the Harry Potter series, then you’ll know that Diagon Alley is the place to go for all your wizarding needs. From wands to broomsticks, this magical shopping district has it all. Lego’s replica of Diagon Alley is simply stunning and perfectly captures this iconic location’s essence.
This massive set includes a whopping 5,544 pieces and comes with a host of 17 mini figures, making it one of the most detailed and expensive Lego sets ever released. It features Scribbulus Writing Implements, Ollivanders Wand Shop, Florean Fortescue’s Ice Cream Parlor, and Weasley’s Wizard Wheezes.
The Diagon Alley set was released in 2020 and retails at $399.99. It can be built in four different ways and is compatible with the Lego Harry Potter minifigure collection. A finished model of this set measures over a meter, needing a lot of space for display.
10. Colosseum – $549.99
One of the biggest tourist attractions in Rome, the Colosseum is an iconic piece of architecture and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Lego’s replica of this ancient amphitheater is simply stunning and is one of the most detailed sets that the company has ever released.
This impressive Lego form set includes a whopping 9,036 pieces and comes with a 92-page manual to help you assemble the behemoth. It also features a number of realistic details, such as arched entrances, Corinthian columns, a display stand, and a detailed facade. The set also comes with a number of mini figures, including Roman soldiers, gladiators, and olive trees.
The Colosseum set was released in 2020 and is one of the newest sets on this list. It’s also one of the most expensive Lego sets ever released, with a retail price of $549.99 on the official Lego website.
11. Hogwarts Castle – $399.99
Being an extremely rare and hard-to-find set, the Hogwarts Castle is considered one of the most expensive Lego sets. Based on the iconic wizarding school from the Harry Potter franchise, this ultimate set includes a staggering 6,020 pieces and is one of the largest Lego sets ever released. It was released in 2018 and comes with 28 minifigs, including Salazar Slytherin, Godric Gryffindor, Rowena Ravenclaw, and Helga Hufflepuff.
This highly detailed set features several iconic locations from the Harry Potter films, such as the Great Hall, classrooms, towers, chambers, and secret passages. Hogwarts Castle is a must-have for any Harry Potter series fan and is sure to be a standout piece in any collection.
Key Takeaway
For over eight decades, Lego sets have been becoming increasingly popular among collectors and investors due to their intricate designs, complex components, and collectible mini figures. Today Legos from the Star Wars and Harry Potter franchises are among the most popular and expensive sets on the secondary market, commanding top dollar from collectors.
While some Lego sets appreciate over time, others depreciate quickly after retiring from production. It’s essential to do your research before purchasing a Lego set on the secondary market to ensure you are getting a good investment.
Whether you’re a casual Lego fan or a serious collector, the secondary market is a great place to find rare and retired sets. However, be prepared to pay a premium for these sought-after sets. With a bit of research and patience, you can find great deals on the sets you want.
