10026: Special Edition Naboo Starfighter (2002)
10026: Special Edition Naboo Starfighter is by far the smallest UCS set ever created, with a mere 187 pieces. At first glance, the set might look like any ole LEGO N-1, but you’ll soon discover the component that sets this build apart from the rest: a plethora of shiny and chrome elements. These exclusive pieces drive up the price of the set beyond belief. In addition, this product had a very brief shelf-life, only available for purchase for two months at the end of 2002, meaning sealed copies are in short supply today.
10179: Ultimate Collector’s Millennium Falcon (2007)
The biggest LEGO set of all time upon its release in 2007, the first-ever UCS Millennium Falcon immediately became a staple of any LEGO Star Wars fan’s mega collection. Made to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Star Wars, this 5,197-piece behemoth used to command even double the price it does today, but because of the 2017 remake, it has depreciated over time. Still, the set’s stranglehold over the LEGO Star Wars fandom for over a decade contributed to the idea that these small, plastic bricks are a better investment than gold.
10143: Death Star II (2005)
The third and final UCS Death Star on the list, and the only one specifically dedicated to the second version from Return of the Jedi, 10143 is one of the most beloved LEGO Star Wars sets ever made. Instead of a fully detailed interior with minifigures to populate, this 3,449-piece model is just that: a model. An eye-opening centerpiece of any collection, LEGO masterfully captured the unfinished essence of Death Star II, all while incorporating the space station’s massive laser and a miniature-scale version of the Imperial Star Destroyer.
10018: Darth Maul (2001)
The penultimate set on this countdown might surprise you: a 1,868-piece bust of Darth Maul. In fact, this remains the only bust LEGO has ever made within the Star Wars theme. Despite a lukewarm reception in 2001, the set now enjoys a cult following, with the rarity of the product in its original box propelling it to new heights. The design is also spectacular for the time as well, accurately picturing the Sith Lord’s menacing face and sadistic horns.
10123: Cloud City (2003)
The LEGO Star Wars set to end all LEGO Star Wars sets, 10123: Cloud City has solidified itself as the ultimate piece for any collection. Ironically, it’s not even part of the Ultimate Collector Series, so why is it so popular? For starters, it was the first-ever rendition of anything Cloud City in LEGO form, meaning fans could finally recreate moments such as, “No, I am your father” in the system. Second, Lando Calrissian came as a LEGO minifigure for the first time, and the scoundrel only appeared in that set for the next six years. Finally, a highly-detailed Boba Fett figure with added arm and leg printing was included, way ahead of its time. Boba Fett alone from 10123 is worth more than the majority of sets on this list, often selling for over $2,000. All these factors came together to form the perfect storm of a LEGO Star Wars set, and as the years pass, new copies are becoming increasingly hard to find, yielding the most valuable LEGO Star Wars set of all time.
All of these sets can be purchased on eBay right now.
