I compared secondary market prices for 348 retired Star Wars sets. Prequels are crushing everything else and it's not even close.

A recent analysis of 348 retired LEGO Star Wars sets reveals significant trends in the secondary market, with the Prequel trilogy sets experiencing massive appreciation compared to other eras. The study compared original retail prices to current market values, highlighting the varying returns across different subthemes and set sizes. Overall, the Star Wars theme performs well, with a median appreciation of +30%, but the data reveals substantial differences within the franchise.

The Prequel trilogy sets lead the pack, with Episode III sets showing a median return of +143%, Episode II at +177%, and Episode I at +66%. Sets like the 2014 Kashyyyk Troopers battle pack, originally €17, now sell for €91 (+436%), and the Coruscant Police Gunship saw a jump from €60 to €271 (+352%). The Rebels subtheme is also a strong performer, with a median appreciation of +109%. The Ghost, for example, went from €100 to €423 (+323%), driven by a passionate fanbase and the scarcity of unique minifigures. In contrast, the Sequel trilogy sets are struggling, with Episode VII sets averaging a mere +0.2% appreciation after 7.6 years. The Mandalorian sets are also down, though it's still early to draw firm conclusions.

Microfighters and smaller sets outperform the larger UCS sets in terms of percentage gains. Microfighters have a median appreciation of +70%, while UCS sets are at +39%. The 2014 Clone Turbo Tank microfighter increased from €10 to €42 (+320%), while the UCS Red Five X-Wing saw a smaller percentage gain. The analysis also highlights the importance of time, with Star Wars sets breaking even faster than the average LEGO theme (3-5 years vs. 5 years). The minifigure market is also significant, with some figures like the original Jango Fett (sw0053) valued at €340 and Ahsoka Tano adult (sw0759) at €285. The value of minifigures often exceeds the set's value, especially in Rebels and Clone Wars sets.

Several notable sets are retiring in December 2026, including the 75192 Millennium Falcon, the Venator UCS, Jabba's Sail Barge UCS, and the TIE Interceptor UCS. The Republic Juggernaut is highlighted as a promising set due to its Clone Wars era and strong demand. Considering the data, the smaller sets retiring alongside these might offer better percentage returns. If you're looking to start or expand your LEGO Star Wars collection, consider researching the Prequel and Rebels sets, as they have shown the most significant appreciation. You might also want to pick up a LEGO display case to showcase your valuable minifigures.