Retired LEGO Sets Worth Buying in 2025
Supporting Free Content
When you purchase through our links, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep bringing you expert LEGO® reviews and guides. Thank you for your support!
Not all retired LEGO sets are good investments. Learn which discontinued sets appreciate in value, where to find them, and how to avoid overpaying on the secondary market.
Retired LEGO sets can appreciate 10-30% annually, making them attractive alternative investments. But not all retired sets gain value— some languish on the secondary market. This guide covers which retired sets are worth buying in 2025, where to find them, and how to identify sets with strong appreciation potential.
Why Retired LEGO Sets Appreciate
When LEGO retires a set, production stops permanently. Limited supply + sustained demand = rising prices. Popular themes like Star Wars UCS, Architecture landmarks, and large Icons sets consistently outperform.
Factors That Drive Value
- Theme Popularity: Star Wars > Disney > Harry Potter > Generic themes
- Piece Count: Larger sets (2,000+ pieces) appreciate faster
- Unique Elements: Exclusive minifigures, rare colors, innovative techniques
- Condition: Sealed boxes appreciate 3-5x more than built sets
- Original Retail Price: Premium sets ($300+) have higher appreciation
Categories of Retired Sets Worth Buying
1. Star Wars Ultimate Collector Series (UCS)
Average appreciation: 15-30% annually
UCS sets are the gold standard of LEGO investing. The original UCS Millennium Falcon (10179) sold for $500 in 2007 and now trades for $4,000-$5,000 sealed—an 800% return.
Currently available UCS sets likely to appreciate:
UCS Millennium Falcon (75192)
7,541 pieces | $849.99 | Still available
Buy now before retirement. Expected value in 5 years: $2,000-$2,500 sealed.
2. Architecture Landmarks
Average appreciation: 10-20% annually
Large Architecture sets consistently appreciate. The original Taj Mahal tripled in value. Currently available landmarks to buy before retirement:
Colosseum (10276)
9,036 pieces | $599.99
Available since 2020—may retire soon. Expected 20-30% appreciation after retirement.
3. Large Icons Sets
Major Icons sets like Titanic and Eiffel Tower appreciate due to sheer size and display appeal.
Titanic (10294)
9,090 pieces | $679.99 | 53" long
Where to Buy Retired LEGO Sets
1. BrickLink (Best for Serious Collectors)
- Largest LEGO marketplace
- Compare prices from hundreds of sellers
- Verify seller ratings and reviews
2. eBay (Wide Selection)
- Check "Sold listings" for true market value
- Use buyer protection
- Watch for counterfeit Chinese knock-offs
3. Facebook Marketplace / Craigslist (Best Deals)
- Local pickup avoids shipping damage
- Negotiate prices
- Inspect before buying
Investment Strategy: Buy Two Approach
- Buy 2 copies of high-value sets at release
- Build one for display and enjoyment
- Keep one sealed in mint condition
- Sell sealed copy 3-5 years after retirement
- Profits typically cover both sets plus premium
Sets to Avoid
- Generic City/Friends sets (low collector demand)
- Small sets under 500 pieces (minimal appreciation)
- Incomplete or built sets without boxes (lose 60-80% value)
- Damaged boxes (lose 20-40% value)
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, if you choose wisely. UCS Star Wars, large Architecture, and premium Icons sets appreciate 10-30% annually. However, most small generic sets don't appreciate significantly. Focus on limited production, high piece count, and popular themes.
3-5 years after retirement is optimal. Prices jump 30-50% immediately after retirement, then appreciate gradually. Holding 3-5 years captures maximum appreciation before market saturation.
Start Your LEGO Investment Collection
Browse current sets likely to retire soon. Buy before prices jump on the secondary market.
Browse All Sets →
