In the past decade, the purchases of the rarest LEGO Star Wars sets for investment purposes have surged in popularity. These include some of the most expensive Star Wars LEGO sets, which can be priced in the thousands of dollars. To a casual observer, this may seem ridiculous, but there are perfectly legitimate reasons why these make for great alternative investments outside of traditional asset classes such as stocks, bonds and even cryptocurrencies.
Both LEGO and Star Wars have worldwide brand recognition, and the release of Disney’s movies and television series have renewed interest in both fans new and old. The rarest sets – those from discontinued lines, never to be produced again, invoke a powerful sense of nostalgia in adults who grew up with the original trilogies seeking investment opportunities.
Like most niches in the world of toys and collectables, the sealed and unopened boxes kept in mint conditions often fetch the highest price on resale sites such as eBay. This article will explore this unique niche by providing an overview of the 10 most expensive LEGO Star Wars sets found recently in the marketplace.
Bossk’s Bounty is compensated for any purchases made through any Ebay or Amazon links that may appear below.
Honorable Mention: 75053 The Ghost
The VCX-100 light freighter featured in the Star Wars Rebels animated series was named for its ability to avoid detection from Imperial sensors and owned by Hera Syndulla. Upon completion, it measures in at a relatively compact 12 inches (33cm) in length and 10 inches (27 cm) wide.
It’s a colorful, faithful model of the ship and features two cockpits with seating room for the mini figures. Additionally, the 360-degree rotating gun turret increases playability, along with detachable escape pods and a cargo hold which opens up to reveal a Holocron.
Notably, the set comes with 4 mini figures: a Stormtrooper, Hera Syndulla, Kanan Jarus and Zeb Orellios. The latter two figures are exclusive to the set and adds to its collector value.
Current value: $775
|
Year Released |
Year Retired |
Subtheme |
Piece Count |
Age Range |
| 2014 | 2015 | Rebels | 929 | 9+ |
10. 10129 Rebel Snowspeeder
Featured in Episode V: Empire Strikes Back during the Battle of Hoth, the LEGO Rebel Snowspeeder was used by rebel pilots to take down the feared AT-AT Walkers with their snow cables. This LEGO set features the twin laser canons mounted to the canopy, a rotating harpoon gun at its rear and the signature orange stripes of the Rebel Alliance Navy on its hull.
The 1457-piece set consists primarily of white-colored blocks, with grey and orange pieces complementing the main body. The cockpit opens upwards up to 90 degrees to reveal the two-person configuration for the pilot and the gunner in great detail. The wing flaps can also open and withdraw to simulate the dynamic movements of the ship. The rear exhaust ports are also depicted in great detail.
Overall, it is an elegant set that pays homage to the ship. It is a model which sits well on its stand and one in which Star Wars enthusiasts will get a lot of joy building. It is also one of the first Ultimate Collector Series sets to be released.
Current value: $1250
|
Year Released |
Year Retired |
Subtheme |
Piece Count |
Age Range |
| 2003 | 2005 | Ultimate Collector Series | 1457 | 14+ |
9. 10212 Imperial Shuttle
The Lambda-class T-4a shuttle was designed, manufactured by Sienar Fleet Systems, and used by the Empire to primarily transport both troops and high-ranking officers. This relatively large LEGO starship set features eight front canons and a pair of sturdy landing gears.
The wind shielded cockpit opens at a connecting bridge, revealing 4 seats for the mini figures. The stickered control panel pieces provide a nice touch and attention to detail. Fans will be delighted to find that the wings can be configured to fold up into landing mode or extend in flight mode via a pair of rotating knobs at the rear. The rear of the shuttle beautifully models the exhaust ports and rear turrets.
Notably, the LEGO Imperial Shuttle comes with 5 mini figures: Darth Vader, Shuttle Pilot, Imperial Officer, Stormtrooper and Luke Skywalker – with lightsabers included for the Sith and Jedi icons.
Finally, the set comes with a sturdy stand made of black blocks which can support the weight of the model. This allows the collector to proudly showcase the ship in different flight modes.
Current value: $1280
|
Year Released |
Year Retired |
Subtheme |
Piece Count |
Age Range |
| 2010 | 2012 | Ultimate Collector Series | 2503 | 16+ |
8. 10221 Super Star Destroyer
This impressive 3152-piece LEGO set is a mini-scaled version of Darth Vader’s personal flagship, The Executor. Upon completion, the set measures nearly 50 inches (124.5 cm) long and weighs a hefty 8 lbs (3.5 kg). This makes it the longest Star Wars LEGO set released to date.
As one of the most powerful Dreadnoughts ever constructed by the Empire, the 19,000-meter vessel oversaw the Battle of Yavin, the Battle of Hoth and boasts hundreds of turret batteries. The level of detail paid to the dagger-shaped starship is impressive; the removable hull plate can be lifted to reveal the command bridge, complete with stickered consoles. The thruster arrays of its powerful engines are featured prominently when viewed from the rear.
The set comes with two black display stands to sturdily support the behemoth, along with a data card and a Star Destroyer to illustrate the size of the flagship when compared side by side.
Notably, the set comes with 5 mini figures: Darth Vader, Bossk, Dengar, IG-88 and Admiral Piett – with the latter three figures being unique to the set.
Current value: $1499
|
Year Released |
Year Retired |
Subtheme |
Piece Count |
Age Range |
| 2011 | 2014 | Ultimate Collector Series | 3152 | 16+ |
7. 7181 Tie Interceptor
The deadly fighter ship built by the Sienar Fleet Systems for the Galactic Empire featured four dagger shaped wings powered by solar arrays – giving it a striking look. While its wings appear as dark grey on the box art, the set actually utilizes more blue pieces upon assembly. Once completed, the classic LEGO set measures 21 inches (53 cm) long and 17 inches (43 cm) wide.
The unique print on the canopy opens to reveal the pilot’s cockpit, complete with a front display panel, control yoke and side panels. Two additional chin canons, jet engine pieces and wing grill pieces complete the agile fighter look – ready to intimidate even the most experienced Rebel pilots.
The LEGO TIE Interceptor rests upon a slightly adjustable black stand and information plate. Despite the low piece count by today’s standards, the gorgeous design and nostalgic look of the set makes it a worthwhile collector’s item.
Current value: $1499
|
Year Released |
Year Retired |
Subtheme |
Piece Count |
Age Range |
| 2000 | 2001 | Ultimate Collector Series | 703 | 14+ |
6. 10030 Imperial Star Destroyer
At the time it was released, this was the first 3000+ piece LEGO Star Wars set and held the distinction of being the biggest until the release of #10143 Death Star II in 2005. Upon completion, the set measures nearly 23 inches (59 cm) long and 21 inches (51 cm) wide.
The dagger shaped hull of the infamous Imperial Navy capital ship consists mostly of grey blocks and is joined to the frame using magnets. It utilizes LEGO greebling techniques well to give the different exterior sections an interesting look. As a relatively more complex build, avid collectors will be pleased to see the level of detail on its rear engines, top antennae towers and armaments once completed.
The model also comes with a mini–Blockade Runner ship, scaled to the Star Destroyer and two black stands to support the enormous set. Nonetheless, as a display set, the model does not come with any mini figures and has limited playability.
Current value: $1800
|
Year Released |
Year Retired |
Subtheme |
Piece Count |
Age Range |
| 2002 | 2008 | Ultimate Collector Series | 3096 | 16+ |
5. 10195 Republic Dropship
This dynamic two-vehicle-in-one LEGO set includes both the Republic LAAT/C (Low Altitude Assault Transport / carrier) and AT-OT (All Terrain Open Transport), which locks automatically together, with the AT-OT ready to be dropped into hostile territory to assault enemy positions.
Upon completion, the models measure nearly 18 inches (46 cm) and 16 inches (40 cm) long respectively and weighs a hefty 6 lbs (2.7 kg). The AT-OT can carry up to 16 Clone Trooper mini figures and is the largest Clone Wars LEGO set ever made.
The carrier dropship has an opening cockpit, with twin anti-personnel turrets and storage. Its 21 inch (53 cm) wide wings also carry four flick fire missiles and the set features unique decal stickers – allowing collectors to customize the look of the front modules. Finally, the large Technic pin allows it to lock into place with the included AT-OT Walker, or 7675 AT-TE Walker and 8098 Clone Turbo Tank (sold separately).
The eight-legged AT-OT Walker features a front cockpit that can be opened. There are two forward-facing, rotating laser canons and two rear-facing anti-personnel rear canons. In addition, a rear boarding ramp and weapons racks allows troops easy access to mount defensive positions.
Notably, the set comes with six Clone Trooper and two Clone Pilot mini figures. This makes it a LEGO set that comes with the most Clone Troopers mini figures than any other.
Current value: $2450
|
Year Released |
Year Retired |
Subtheme |
Piece Count |
Age Range |
| 2009 | 2012 | The Clone Wars Ultimate Collector Series |
1758 | 14+ |
4. 10179 Millennium Falcon
At the time of its release, this 5000+ piece model of the legendary Han Solo’s Corellian YT-1300 light freighter was the biggest LEGO set ever produced. Upon completion, the set measured nearly 33 inches (84 cm) long, 22 inches (56 cm) wide and 8.2 inches (21 cm) tall. The instruction manual alone was 316 pages long and the first edition of this set came with a LEGO certificate of authenticity.
The Falcon was made to scale with Lego mini figures, which meant that each figurine can comfortably fit inside the control deck and blaster module. The radar dish at the top of its hull can be rotated, the boarding ramp can be extended, and its landing gears provide a sturdy base for the magnificent ship. As an example of this set’s level of intricacy, the top quad laser turrets on the famous smuggling freighter can be removed and its laser turrets can rotate.
Notably, this set was one of the most expensive Star Wars LEGO releases at the time with a price tag of $499.99, although the resale value now is multiples higher. In 2017, LEGO released a redesigned model of the ship with the 75192 Millennium Falcon, which had 7000+ pieces and a retail price tag of $799.99.
Notably, the set came with 5 mini figures from its original adventures in Episode IV: A New Hope: Chewbacca, Princess Leia, Luke Skywalker, Han Solo and an old Obi-Wan Kenobi with grey hair and beard – with the latter being unique to the set.
Current value: $2500
|
Year Released |
Year Retired |
Subtheme |
Piece Count |
Age Range |
| 2007 | 2009 | Ultimate Collector Series | 5197 | 16+ |
3. 10143 Death Star II
The second Death Star and terrifying superweapon of the Empire was revealed in Episode VI: Return of the Jedi in its “partially reconstructed” form. True to the saga, the impressive LEGO set’s build starts with the sturdy stand, and measures 25 inches (65 cm) high and 19 inches (50 cm) wide, weighing a hefty 15 lbs (6.8 kg) when finished.
The distinct upper and lower hemispheres are built with grey blocks to replicate its quandanium steel look. There is a battery of defensive turrets installed to guard the partially constructed rear side, without the fatal flaw of the ventilator shaft of its predecessor.
Most noticeably, the fully operational superlaser that was key to the Emperor’s plans to lure the Rebels into a trap is on full dramatic display on the northern hemisphere – with separate bright green beams merging into a single powerful laser shot.
Despite its price tag of $2700 or more on the secondary market for a brand-new set, passionate Star Wars fans and investors alike will find it a unique addition to their collection.
Common for older Star Wars LEGO sets of its era, the set did not include any mini figures. However, it does include a miniature Imperial Star Destroyer
Current value: $2699
|
Year Released |
Year Retired |
Subtheme |
Piece Count |
Age Range |
| 2005 | 2007 | Star Wars Ultimate Collector Series |
3441 | 16+ |
2. 10018 Darth Maul Bust
This impressive yet menacing sculpture set of the Zabrak is one of the most expensive collector pieces on the marketplace today. It stands at 27.7 inches (57.6 cm) tall and 19 inches wide (48cm) wide, consisting primarily of classic black and red bricks.
The build itself is done using the older style layer-by-layer method, although the instructions are fairly clear and easy to follow. Notably, the chrome antenna pieces of Darth Maul’s ear studs and quarter cylinder pieces for the display stand are considered rare and expensive pieces on their own. Upon completion, the realistic and detailed portrayal of the Sith Lord’s face tattoos, horns and glaring eyes will surely draw the attention of anyone entering the room.
As a bust display set, it does not come with any mini figures or play figures – reducing its playability to zero for the more casual builders. With its hefty price tag, only the most serious collectors would consider adding this unique piece as part of the showcase.
Current value: $3500
|
Year Released |
Year Retired |
Subtheme |
Piece Count |
Age Range |
| 2001 | 2002 | Ultimate Collector Series | 1868 | 14+ |
1. 10123 Cloud City
The most expensive and rare LEGO Star Wars set found on the marketplace depicts multiple iconic scenes on Cloud City from The Empire Strikes Back. Collectors can recreate the dining hall betrayal, the dramatic carbonite chamber scene, and of course Luke and Vader’s epic duel. It also includes the exterior landing platform. Upon completion, the set measures 25 inches (62 cm) long.
Due to its intricate design and collection of beloved character figures, the playability of the set is very high. For example, the dueling room has a mechanism for propelling Luke out the window onto the famous railing platform and ledge. The carbonite room also has a rotating lever to lower Han to be frozen. Overall, the level of intricacy and attention to detail on its prints really shines through in a set that is beloved by collectors worldwide.
As one of the reasons for its astounding price, the set comes with 7 mini figures, 4 of which are exclusive to the set: Luke Skywalker in Cloud City outfit, Princess Leia in Cloud City outfit, Lando Calrissian in a stylish cape and the rare Boba Fett with printed arms and legs.
The remaining figures, Darth Vader, Han Solo (plus a Han Solo in Carbonite brick), and a Stormtrooper found in other collections are also included.
Current value: $7999
|
Year Released |
Year Retired |
Subtheme |
Piece Count |
Age Range |
| 2003 | 2005 | Star Wars Episode V |
698 | 9+ |
Concluding Thoughts
While prices and rankings will no doubt fluctuate as the marketplace shifts over time, the popularity of the Star Wars franchise should help the rarest LEGO sets retain their value. Casual enthusiasts and avid collectors alike should do their own due diligence before making a purchase decision, especially if their goal is to buy it for purely investment purposes