Clone Wars VS. Prequel Trilogy VS. Original Trilogy - 1/4

This is the first of 4 installments comparing and contrasting sets from the Star Wars Universe from the BrickIndex Top 20 list.

1. 10174-1: Imperial AT-ST

2. 10212-1: Imperial Shuttle

3. 10186-1: General Grievous

4. 10143-1: Death Star II

5. 7255-1: General Grievous Chase

As promised, I am now going to write short paragraphs on the TOP 20 Performing Star Wars sets, in sets of 5.  

**Please Note: These percentages are for the month of April. The BrickIndex has not yet been updated to May.**

1. 10174-1: Imperial AT-ST
The 10174 Imperial AT-ST has seen remarkable gains for a set that has been retired for 7 years, appreciating approximately $95 in the last 6 months. Like many Star Wars UCS models, the Imperial AT-ST has appreciate extremely well, just short of triple its original MSRP. The 10174 is by no means a popular set, even if it is part of the UCS line. This was a typical “under-the-radar” set, and still remains today. How fitting that it should have grown the most over the past half-year. With the whole of the Original Trilogy in comparison, this set is a tiny part of a larger world, which leads me to think that it still remains an “under-the-radar” set to this day, and will see similar gains to that of unexpected gainers. Watch this set very closely.

2. 10212-1: Imperial Shuttle
A more recent addition to the Biggest Gainers circle, but it has earned its position. As many of you know, this was one of the most surprising “under-the-radar” sets of recent memory. Prior to its retirement, it was considered to be one of the first mediocre UCS sets, so it was largely disregarded by many investors. Quite contrary however, it is arguably one of the best gainers that retired in late-2012/2013. It will be easy for this set to be worth more than $400 by Christmas.

Though not as iconic as other sets from the Original Trilogy, it still commands a price that is similar to the biggest gainers from the sub-theme.

3. 10186-1: General Grievous
This set is a surprise to the leader-group of LEGO Star Wars. Over the past 4 months, there has been little change in its value, but there was an expected jump in value over the holidays of approximately $40, surpassing the $100 benchmark. This is a very accurate model of General Grievous, in part because it is one of the few LEGO Star Wars and Technic sets, giving it a more memorable look. I would try to pick this one up before the holidays because we will most likely see another jump in value.

4. 10143-1: Death Star II
One of the most iconic sets in the entire Star Wars Universe, and in my opinion, the most iconic in the Original Trilogy, giving it an edge on other sets. Once again, a UCS set, and has appreciated very generously, though it has not appreciated quite as much percentage-wise, it has increased approximately $800 over its initial value. From the month of December to May, it saw an incredible jump in value of about $352, much of that during the 2 months concluding the holiday season. Once again, during that time of year is a great time to sell this set. Does the fact that this set is part of the Original Trilogy have to do anything with its gains? Probably, because it plays a major role in the storyline, and because the Original Trilogy was received much better by audiences, leads me to believe that it may have not done as well if it had not been part of the Original Trilogy. On a sidenote, wouldn't many investors love the Live Star mirror its appreciation? That day is yet to come. Don't give up hope!

5. 7255-1: General Grievous Chase
This is the first non-UCS set in the LEGO Star Wars Top 20 Performer’s list. The chase between Grievous and Obi-Wan Kenobi is one of the most climactic in The Revenge of the Sith, which eventually is followed by the execution of Order 66. Because of its iconic factor, I am surprised that it has not yet been remade, though I think it will soon take remake treatment, as it has been 8 years since the first version was released. This set includes very hard-to-find elements, such as those found in the Boga, or in General Grievous’ Wheel Bike, which uses many elements found in Bionicle/Hero Factory.

I believe that this set was also an under-the-radar set because of its low piece count, and because there were not very many “hoarders” or investors of LEGO’s back in 2005 when it first came out. I think that The Revenge of the Sith movie was the best of those in the Prequel Trilogy, which is why it appreciated more than those from other movies in the Prequel Trilogy such as the Attack of the Clones.

**Well, that just about concludes sets 1-5 of the BrickIndex Top 20. 6-10 to be released!**