There are countless LEGO sets out there, but not all sets were created equal! Some are harder to find, and as such their prices have skyrocketed.
So in this post, we’re going to be looking at 25 of the rarest and most expensive LEGO sets in the world.
And trust us when we say that some of these sets are so elusive that there’s barely any information out there about them!
But with that being said, let’s dive on in!
Note: Prices sourced from Brickset
25. Gungan Sub – $856.90
Set number: 7161
Release year: 1999
Franchise: Star Wars
No. of pieces: 379
Retail price: $50
Current price: $856.90
% difference: +1713%
We’re starting off with the 7161 Gungan Sub that was released in 1999 and retailed for $50. Since that time its price has increased 1713% to around about $856.90.
This was an early LEGO Star Wars set, released in the years between Episode I: The Phantom Menace and Episode II: Attack of the Clones.
It features three Minifigures (Jar Jar Binks, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Qui-Gon Jinn), all of which are in the older yellow style of Minifigures. That makes these figures collectible items themselves!
This set got an update in 2012 when the 9499 Gungan Sub LEGO set was released.
The updated version is a much sleeker and less blocky vehicle that still maintains the same spirit and basic build of the original.
Still, the original was definitely a fun and interesting LEGO build that scratched the itch of those that loved this unique submersible vehicle.
24. iFountain – $958.55
Set number: ???
Release year: 2001
Franchise: LEGO / Coca-Cola
No. of pieces: ???
Retail price: ???
Current price: $958.55
% difference: ???
The iFountain is undoubtedly an elusive and mysterious set that was only available to LEGO and Coca-Cola employees. How much it costs is a mystery!
The set came pre-glued together in three sections which could be quickly and easily assembled. There were also separate stickers and instructions that came with the set too.
We know very little about this set. In fact, we don’t even know the set number for it!
It’s not really the most exciting set in the world, and the fact it came pre-glued kind of takes a lot of the fun out of it.
But still, not only is LEGO a highly collectible brand but so is Coca-Cola, so for the right buyer, it would make a fine addition to their collection.
23. The LEGOLAND Train – $963.30
Set number: 4000014
Release year: 2014
Franchise: LEGOLAND
No. of pieces: 548
Retail price: $0.00 / £0.00
Current price: $963.30
% difference: N/A
There were only ever 350 of the 4000014 LEGOLAND Train set ever made, and they were given out at random to LEGO Fan Weekend Skaerbaek 2014 participants. Automatically, this scarcity drove prices up!
Coming with 7 Minifigures, this is an extremely detailed and fun little LEGO set.
It even comes with a platform for the train to alight at! The LEGOLAND logo on the platform is a cool little touch too.
The LEGOLAND Train set has a lot of playability, and the fact that it was given away for free at a fan event means that the sets made their way into the hands of people who would truly appreciate them!
22. Y-wing Attack Starfighter – $1130.50
Set number: 10134
Release year: 2004
Franchise: Star Wars
No. of pieces: 1473
Retail price: $120.00 / £109.99
Current price: $1130.50
% difference: +942%
The 10134 Y-wing Attack Starfighter is one of the most incredible LEGO sets on this list.
Why? Well, not only is it Star Wars (and everyone loves Star Wars), but the amount of detail that has gone into the design is jaw-dropping.
It’s a large build that is strong and sturdy, and it even comes with a display stand, so you can show this beauty of a vehicle off.
When it was first released, though, it wasn’t a big seller. The Y-wing isn’t the most iconic of Star Wars spaceships, and the popularity of the LEGO set only increased after it was discontinued in 2006.
As fewer and fewer mint-in-box Y-wing Attack Starfighter LEGO sets could be found on the market, the price for them shot upwards, currently sitting at around 942% over the recommended retail price.
Read more: Biggest Star Wars Set of All Time
21. Market Street – $1152.35
Set number: 10190
Release year: 2007
Franchise: LEGO Factory
No. of pieces: 1248
Retail price: $59.99 / £59.99
Current price: $1152.35
% difference: +1920%
Streets and everyday scenes are always a win as they allow you to build and expand city or location builds, and the 10190 Market Street LEGO set is no different.
This blue-bricked building is more of a vertical build and gives people an opportunity to add a dash of cool blue to their collections.
Each of the levels of the building can be easily separated and features its own unique scenes that you can play with using the 3 unique Minifigures also included in the set.
This set’s high price comes from the fact that it didn’t receive a wide release when it originally dropped in 2007, only gaining popularity after it was retired.
20. LEGO Store Glasgow Grand Opening Set – $1210.30
Set number: GLASGOW
Release year: 2013
Franchise: LEGO Promotion
No. of pieces: 15
Retail price: $0.00 / £0.00
Current price: $1210.30
% difference: N/A
We’re going to be looking at a set of Minifigures next! The LEGO Store Glasgow Grand Opening Set could only be obtained if you were there on the day!
They were handed out free to customers at the event, and there were only 300 of the sets ever made, making them pretty scarce.
The three Minifigures are pretty unremarkable and look like ones you can get in any bog-standard LEGO City set, however, it’s the fact that they could only be obtained by actually being there in person at the Glasgow LEGO store that drove the price up.
Many people do not live near the store and, as such, could not travel there on the day to hopefully receive one of the free sets.
Instead, their want for the Minifigures 3-pack drove up the prices on the secondary market.
Read more: 15 Rarest Minifigures Ever
19. Darth Maul – $1254.95
Set number: 10018
Release year: 2001
Franchise: Star Wars
No. of pieces: 1868
Retail price: $150.00 / £130.00
Current price: $1254.95
% difference: +836%
Another set released in the years between the opening of Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace and Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones, the 10018 Darth Maul is a bust of the Sith apprentice featured in the former of the releases.
Darth Maul is a popular character, so many people jumped at the opportunity to own a bust of the Sith apprentice.
Unfortunately, though, this set was only available for a single year, being released in October 2001 and retiring in October 2002.
Still, the build is complete and sturdy, and the result looks fairly good, especially for a LEGO build of that particular era.
We can see the charm and why people would be willing to pay such a price for this set!
18. Rebel Blockade Runner – $1330.00
Set number: 10019
Release year: 2001
Franchise: Star Wars
No. of pieces: 1747
Retail price: $200.00 / £170.00
Current price: $1330.00
% difference: +665%
As the first spaceship we see in ANY Star Wars movie, the Blockade Runner is an instantly iconic vehicle.
That’s what makes the 10019 Rebel Blockade Runner so unique and ultimately so valuable.
With a run of 2 years, it was released in the early days of LEGO Star Wars collecting.
It was, of course, a popular set, but the popularity of LEGO Star Wars had by no means reached the lofty heights of today.
This was a set that you certainly had to make room for. There weren’t too many HUGE LEGO sets back in 2001, so to have a whole Rebel Blockade Runner take over an entire shelf was truly something special.
It might be over 20 years old, but it still holds up as one of the coolest and rarest LEGO Star Wars sets to date.
17. Rebel Snowspeeder – $1421.20
Set number: 10129
Release year: 2003
Franchise: Star Wars
No. of pieces: 1457
Retail price: $130.00
Current price: $1421.20
% difference: +1093%
Next up, we have another early LEGO Star Wars offering, this time it’s the 10129 Rebel Snowspeeder.
With its many playability functions and a nice, simple display stand and plaque, it’s akin to the Ultimate Collector’s Series sets of today.
Similar to many of the other sets we’ve already talked about, it’s how early this came in the LEGO Star Wars line that makes it so rare and valuable.
Still, if you purchased today (if you can afford it), you’ll be surprised to find how fun this set is.
There have been updates in the years since, but overall this set is well-designed, well put together, and it makes no wonder they based all subsequent sets off of this one.
16. Taj Mahal – $1422.15
Set number: 10256
Release year: 2017
Franchise: LEGO Creator Expert
No. of pieces: 5923
Retail price: $369.99 / £299.99
Current price: $1422.15
% difference: +384%
As one of the largest LEGO builds ever, the 10256 Taj Mahal is a fan favorite. It looks incredible, it’s huge, and the number of pieces means it is filled with all kinds of details.
This set was a reissue of the 10189 Taj Mahal set (released in 2008 and retired in 2010), slightly updating the design and giving collectors the opportunity to get their hands on this expansive and expensive set.
Unfortunately, this set was retired at the end of 2020, meaning that if you want to get hold of a Taj Mahal, you’re going to have to pay a much higher price.
Those that already own them either want to keep hold of them or want a heft price if they do part with them!
And that’s exactly what is driving up both the rarity and the price of this amazing set!
15. Eiffel Tower – $1455.40
Set number: 10181
Release year: 2007
Franchise: LEGO Advanced Models
No. of pieces: 3428
Retail price: $199.99 / £146.99
Current price: $1455.40
% difference: +727%
As one of the most recognizable and iconic world landmarks, it made a lot of sense for LEGO to produce the 10181 Eiffel Tower.
Standing at close to 2 feet (60 cm) tall, it’s a pretty tall set, and it’s obvious that the high piece count has gone into making the structure strong and (hopefully) unbreakable.
The Eiffel Tower LEGO set has that recognizable jaggedness of the earlier sets before they smoothed out the designs and made them look less blocky and more like what they’re supposed to look like.
But then, on the other hand, that is part of its charm, and we can understand why people would have snapped this one up back in the day.
Finding yourself one today might be a trickier venture, though.
14. Ultimate Collector’s Series Imperial Star Destroyer – $1603.60
Set number: 10030
Release year: 2002
Franchise: Star Wars
No. of pieces: 3096
Retail price: $269.99 / £249.99
Current price: $1603.60
% difference: +593%
The 10030 Ultimate Collector’s Series Imperial Star Destroyer is one of the largest LEGO sets that we have on this list, and as such it’s one of the more loved and sought-after sets around – especially by Star Wars fans!
It’s strange how this has become a rare collector’s item, though. It’s undeniably a fantastic set, but it’s not the strongest or most stable of LEGO sets out there.
It is definitely of its time, bridging the gap between the more basic, blocky-looking sets, and the modern premium-looking ones.
This set is the predecessor of the 75252 Ultimate Collector’s Series Imperial Star Destroyer. The newer version has an extra 1688 pieces in its build, though.
These extra pieces have gone into adding a little more length to the set, as well as reinforcing the internal structure and fixing the flaws of the original 10030 Ultimate Collector’s Series Imperial Star Destroyer.
13. LEGO Toy Fair 2005 VIP Gala Darth Vader – $1672.00
Set number: TF05
Release year: 2005
Franchise: Star Wars
No. of pieces: 53
Retail price: $0.00 / £0.00
Current price: $1672.00
% difference: N/A
We’ve got another LEGO Minifigure set next, this time it’s the LEGO Toy Fair 2005 VIP Gala Darth Vader, which depicts the ‘birth’ of the iconic Sith Lord in Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith.
It’s cool that you get a medical droid that can be pivoted toward and away from the operating table, as it gives you a bit of movement and playability. The table also tilts from horizontal to vertical.
There is also a burnt Anakin Skywalker Minifigure included that is not in the box artwork.
A limited number of this set was given away only at the Toy Fair 2005 VIP Gala and, as such, is extremely rare and commands a very high price on the second-hand market.
12. Comic-Con 2005 Batman Announcement – $1700.00
Set number: DC1
Release year: 2005
Franchise: DC
No. of pieces: 13
Retail price: ???
Current price: $1700.00
% difference: N/A
Another LEGO Minifigure set, and this one is the Comic-Con 2005 Batman Announcement.
This promo set was to announce a line of Batman LEGO sets that would be arriving the following year.
In the near little box, you get the standard Batman as well as a Joker. These Minifigures can be found in various sets, so it’s not the figures themselves that are driving up prices.
The rarity is the fact that it came in a specially designed box and the fact that they were given away free to a handful of lucky fans that were at the event.
As with all sets like this, the rarity dictates the price. Though we do think it’s an amazing set to own, should you get the opportunity.
11. Grand Carousel – $1847.75
Set number: 10196
Release year: 2009
Franchise: Advanced Models
No. of pieces: 3263
Retail price: $249.99 / £179.99
Current price: $1847.75
% difference: +739%
The 10196 Grand Carousel is a large and ornate LEGO set that has plenty to see and do.
With 3263 pieces, its construction is fiddly and time-consuming, but the results are amazing, with several different animals and vehicles within the white, red, blue, and gold carnival favorite.
With 9 Minifigures that are unique to the set, the Grand Carousel has plenty of options when it comes to play. All the Minifigures can be sat on the seats of the ride.
But the most fun and interactive feature of the whole set is that it is mechanized, and includes a motor that can make the carousel turn, just like the real thing!
It was a LEGO exclusive set, though, making it extra hard to find in the wild.
It has only gotten rarer and rarer since it was discontinued in 2010 after a run of only 11 months.
10. Death Star II – $1971.25
Set number: 10143
Release year: 2005
Franchise: Star Wars
No. of pieces: 3441
Retail price: $269.99 / £249.99
Current price: $1971.25
% difference: +730%
A truly large and magnificent set, the 10143 Death Star II looks ridiculously cool. Especially when you consider that all it is is a half-finished ball!
The mark of an older LEGO set is seeing more studs on the outside of the build. However, the studs covering the outside of this particular set give it a cool industrial texture. A happy coincidence.
The high piece count comes not only from the sturdy inner structure that is hidden by the paneling but also from the exposed, complex, half-built sections.
Unfortunately, though, it comes with precisely zero Minifigures. There are definitely Minifigures associated with this build that would have fit nicely into the set and added a little extra flavor.
This set was ultimately replaced with the 75159 Death Star, released in 2016. That set offers much more play value.
However, as the years passed, people sought out the much simpler and displayable (and ultimately harder to find) Death Star II set, driving its price up.
9. Statue of Liberty – $2131.80
Set number: 3450
Release year: 2000
Franchise: Advanced Models
No. of pieces: 2822
Retail price: $199.99
Current price: $2131.80
% difference: +1065%
The 3450 Statue of Liberty sought to replicate an icon of the New York skyline but in LEGO form – a feat which it accomplished very well!
One of the things that makes this set so rare is the use of the sand green LEGO bricks. It’s a color brick not often found in many sets.
The Statue of Liberty is indeed an older set and didn’t sell too well at the time, however since it was retired it has become a bit of a holy grail for collectors of LEGO and world landmarks.
Unfortunately, it is over 20 years old and increasingly harder to come by in a good condition and for a reasonable price.
8. New York Toy Fair I♥NY Yoda – $2276.20
Set number: SW0465
Release year: 2013
Franchise: Star Wars
No. of pieces: 3
Retail price: $0.00
Current price: $2276.20
% difference: N/A
The final Minifigure on this list, the SW0465 I♥NY Yoda could only be obtained at the 2013 New York Toy Fair.
Since it’s super limited release, it has become the number 1 grail Minifigure for not only LEGO Star Wars collectors but also collectors of Minifigures in general.
The head and leg pieces can be found in multiple other LEGO sets, however the I♥NY torso piece with the green Yoda hands is super rare, making this shorter Minifigure ridiculously expensive.
The number produced is currently unclear, with only a handful of people claiming to own an original I♥NY Yoda Minifigure.
7. LECA Automobile – $2351.25
Set number: LIT2005
Release year: 2005
Franchise: LEGO System
No. of pieces: ???
Retail price: ???
Current price: $2351.25
% difference: N/A
If you’re a fan of cars, then the LIT2005 LECA Automobile is going to be a set that you love!
LEGO attempted to create a sleek red sports car, and the final product is…just okay.
If released today, we’re sure LEGO would have covered up those ‘unsightly’ studs with smoother pieces and given the car a much more sleek and aerodynamic look.
Overall though, not much is known about this LEGO set. We don’t know where you got it, how much it cost, or even how many pieces the set contains.
What we DO know, though, is how much people are willing to pay for this set. If nothing else, it certainly is a classic.
6. Ultimate Collector’s Millennium Falcon – $2413.95
Set number: 10179
Release year: 2007
Franchise: Star Wars
No. of pieces: 5197
Retail price: $499.99 / £342.49
Current price: $2413.95
% difference: +482%
Up next is another LEGO Star Wars set, this time it’s the 10179 Ultimate Collector’s Millennium Falcon.
There are plenty of details to this particular set, and when you stand a Minifigure next to this, you really get a sense of scale, in the same way that you would if you were standing next to a full-sized Falcon!
The boarding ramp raises and lowers, and you also have access to the interior, which adds to the play value of this uniquely huge set (for the time, at least).
It ended up getting replaced with the 75192 Ultimate Collector Series Millennium Falcon, which is a much more detailed design with a sleeker look.
Still, this new set is very expensive, so collectors went on the hunt for a cheaper alternative, namely the 10179 Ultimate Collector’s Millennium Falcon.
Unfortunately, though, this demand for a rare and retired set drove the price up!
5. The LEGOLAND Train (rerelease) – $2748.35
Set number: 4000014
Release year: 2014
Franchise: LEGOLAND
No. of pieces: 548
Retail price: ???
Current price: $2748.35
% difference: N/A
The 400014 LEGOLAND Train (rerelease) is pretty much the exact same set as number 23 on this list, except this is the rereleased version.
There’s not much to say or even know about this set, but it received a limited release and was snapped up in no time by those that had missed out on the original release.
Once again, this caused a scarcity of this LEGO set, and this rarity dictated the second hand market price – which was (and still is) VERY high!
4. Han Solo on his Tauntaun – $3158.75
Set number: LLCA53
Release year: 2011
Franchise: Star Wars / LEGOLAND
No. of pieces: 336
Retail price: $0.00 / £0.00
Current price: $3158.75
% difference: N/A
If we’re going to talk about interesting LEGO sets, then the LLCA53 Han Solo on his Tauntaun is sure to pop up in conversation.
This incredible set was given away for free at LEGOLAND California as part of the promotional push for their new Star Wars miniland area.
Making something large look good when scaled down could easily go wrong, but LEGO have taken a classic Star Wars character riding a classic Star Wars creature and created something beautiful.
Is it quite angles and blocky? Yes! But it’s almost abstract, like an artistic representation of what it’s supposed to be.
And at the end of the day, it works, and you can totally tell who and what it’s supposed to be!
3. Piper Airplane – $4016.60
Set number: 4000012
Release year: 2012
Franchise: Miscellaneous
No. of pieces: 795
Retail price: ???
Current price: $4016.60
% difference: N/A
The 4000012 Piper Airplane is a neat-looking set released in 2012. The Piper Airplane itself can be displayed on a neat black stand to make it look as if it is flying.
Only a limited number of these sets were produced, as indicated by the number section on the bottom right-hand corner of the packaging.
Being able to own a numbered set like this is not only an honor but also an amazing opportunity.
Coming with several unique Minifigures, the Piper Airplane set not only includes the red and white plane, but also a small control tower.
It has a lot of playability, having plenty of places for you to position your Minifigures.
However, for those that collect these sets based on their rarity or value, there’s a very slim chance that they will even open the box.
After all, a mint in sealed box LEGO set brings in bigger bucks than an open set!
2. Antonio’s Pizza-Rama – $4276.90
Set number: COMCON041
Release year: 2012
Franchise: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
No. of pieces: 57
Retail price: $0.00 / £0.00
Current price: $4276.90
% difference: N/A
The second rarest and most expensive set in the world is the COMCON041 Antonio’s Pizza-Rama. That’s right; it’s a LEGO slice of pizza!
It might look simple…and that’s because it is. With only 57 pieces, a limited number of these sets were given away for free at the 2012 San Diego Comic Con. This explains its rarity.
Also, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are one of the most beloved sets of cartoon characters out there.
People are willing to pay big bucks to own a promotional piece, no matter how small or insignificant. That’s what has driven the price of this LEGO Antonio’s Pizza-Rama so high!
1. H.C. Andersen’s “Clumsy Hans” – $7375.80
Set number: 4000020
Release year: 2015
Franchise: Miscellaneous
No. of pieces: 714
Retail price: $0.00 / £0.00
Current price: $7375.80
% difference: N/A
The rarest and most expensive LEGO set in the world is the 4000020 H.C. Andersen’s “Clumsy Hans” LEGO set.
It was designed in the early 1900s by Dagny Holm, the founder of LEGO’s niece.
She designed this very early LEGO set after reading Hans Christian’s famous fairy tale, “Blockhead Hans.”
While this set was never put on the market, it was given to attendees of the Inside LEGO Tour in 2015. The set contains 714 pieces and only 80 were ever made.
And that pretty much sums up all of the info we have on this LEGO set! It’s just that rare!
The chances of finding it out there for sale are ridiculously slim, and if you do, you’re going to have to pay through the nose to own it!
Read more: 10 Biggest LEGO Sets Ever Released
25 Rarest and Most Expensive LEGO Sets in the World…in numbers!
So we’ve taken a deeper dive into the 25 rarest and most expensive LEGO sets out there, but we thought we’d make things a little easier and simpler for you!
Take a look at this table to see how the sets stack up against each other!
| Set Number | LEGO set | Current price | Retail price | % difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7616 | Gungan Sub | $856.90 | $50 | 1713% |
| ??? | iFountain | $958.55 | ??? | N/A |
| 4000014 | The LEGOLAND Train | $963.30 | $0.00 / £0.00 | N/A |
| 10134 | Y-wing Attack Starfighter | $1130.50 | $120.00 / $109.99 | 942% |
| 10190 | Market Street | $1152.35 | $89.99 / £59.99 | 1920% |
| GLASGOW | LEGO Store Glasgow Grand Opening | $1210.30 | $0.00 / £0.00 | N/A |
| 10018 | Darth Maul | $1254.59 | $150.00 / £130.00 | 836% |
| 10019 | Rebel Blockade Runner | $1330.00 | $300.00 / £170.00 | 665% |
| 10129 | Rebel Snowspeeder | $1421.20 | $130.00 | 1093% |
| 10256 | Taj Mahal | $1422.15 | $369.99 / £299.99 | 384% |
| 10181 | Eiffel Tower | $1455.40 | $199.99 / £146.99 | 727% |
| 10030 | Ultimate Collector’s Imperial Star Destroyer | $1603.60 | $269.99 / £249.99 | 593% |
| TF05 | LEGO Toy Fair 2005 VIP Gala Darth Vader | $1672.00 | $0.00 / £0.00 | N/A |
| DC1 | Comic-Con 2005 Batman Announcement | $1700 | ??? | N/A |
| 10196 | Grand Carousel | $1847.75 | $249.99 / £179.99 | 739% |
| 10143 | Death Star II | $1971.25 | $269.99 / £249.99 | 730% |
| 3450 | Statue of Liberty | $2131.80 | $199.99 | 1065% |
| SW0465 | New York Toy Fair I♥NY Yoda | $2276.20 | $0.00 / £0.00 | N/A |
| LIT2005 | LECA Automobile | $2351.25 | ??? | N/A |
| 10179 | Ultimate Collector’s Millennium Falcon | $2413.95 | $499.99 / £342.49 | 482% |
| 71043 | The LEGOLAND Train (rerelease) | $2748.35 | ??? | N/A |
| LLCA53 | Han Solo on his Taun Taun | $3158.75 | $0.00 / £0.00 | N/A |
| 4000012 | Piper Airplane | $4016.60 | ??? | N/A |
| COMCON041 | Antonio’s Pizza-Rama | $4276.90 | $0.00 / £0.00 | N/A |
| 4000020 | H.C. Andersen’s “Clumsy Hans” | $7375.80 | $0.00 / £0.00 | N/A |
Final thoughts
Overall, there are some absolutely incredible rare and valuable LEGO sets out there that range from huge expansive sets, all the way down to individual Minifigures.
Rarer and more valuable sets tend to be older and have long since been retired, meaning that the chances of finding them in perfect condition out there in the wild are slim to none.
Also, many of these sets had very short runs, meaning people had a lot less time to get hold of them. After all, the fewer people that bought them, the more scarce the sets are.
Personally, we think sets such as the 3450 Statue of Liberty, the 7161 Gungan Sub, and the 10181 Eiffel Tower have a certain charm that many of the newer sets lack.
It could be the blocky, more LEGO-y look that they have, but we can’t quite put our finger on their X factor.
But the 4000020 H.C. Andersen’s “Clumsy Hans” LEGO set does truly take the crown. Not only is it a rare and expensive set, but it also has a sweet and interesting backstory that many other sets don’t have.
Suffice to say, there are some insanely rare LEGO sets out there, and if you are lucky enough to own one of them, then you truly are one of the most blessed LEGO fans in the world.
And if you’re looking to buy any of these LEGO sets…well, be prepared to open your wallet because something so rare never comes cheap!
Read more: 30 Coolest LEGO Sets of All Time