LEGOS are little toys that are wildly popular, with people collecting the miniature figurines that come with some sets. LEGOS come in sets where you can build your own creation, or follow the directions included to build something specific. Future engineers and collectors can build anything from basic farm structures and cars to detailed replicas of machines and places only seen in the movies. These replicas offer miniatures figurines, or mini-figs, to enhance the replica.

For example, LEGOS recently released a replica of Darth Vader’s Tie Fighter, complete with a miniature Darth Vader. While the Tie Fighter itself is cool, the included LEGO Star Wars figure Darth, complete with black cape, is what will make this set a true collector’s item. The Darth Vader mini-fig will be so popular that people will buy the set just for that mini-fig.

Visit any auction site and you will find scores of these detailed sets being sold below retail. Read the listings closely, though, and you will see that they do not include the mini-figs. That is because, for many collectors, the mini-figs are what matters, not the set itself.

The character specific mini-figs such as Indiana Jones, Darth Vader and Hans Solo are not the only highly popular ones. Even basic mini-figs such as storm troopers carry a certain, independent resale value. LEGO Star Wars figures that only appear in sets rarely are more valuable. Ewoks, for example, have only been offered as mini-figs in a few sets and so they are a little harder to find.

Purchasing your own mini-figs to collect is as simple as visiting a local auction site. There you can find almost any figure you are interested in, although you may pay dearly for them. Watch thrift stores for LEGO sets, as these provide an opportunity to pick some up at a discount. Finally, garage sales may be your best friend when it comes to finding mini-figs. Parents selling off unused LEGO toys are not always aware of the desire for mini-figs, so you may find rare, highly collectible mini-figs at a great discount.