A sealed set, a complete opened set and an incomplete lot need different records and evidence. Identify the exact set number, inspect what is present and avoid valuing an opened set using a sealed listing without disclosing the mismatch.
Start with the set and its contents
Record the set number and exact release, then check whether the box is factory sealed, opened, built or incomplete. BrickEconomy's condition descriptions distinguish complete and incomplete used sets. A generic title saying “used” is not enough to establish completeness.
Do not claim to have checked every part if you have only seen a built display model. Missing minifigures, instructions or accessories should remain explicit uncertainties until checked.
Use a contents checklist
| Component | Record treatment |
|---|---|
| Main set | Confirmed set number and what was inspected |
| Minifigures | Included, missing, substituted or unchecked |
| Instructions | Original, reproduction, digital-only or absent |
| Box | Sealed, opened, damaged, replacement or absent |
| Extra parts | Distinguish included extras from another set's pieces |
Keep overlapping assets out of the total
If you value the complete set including its figures, do not also add every included figure as a separate independent asset. If you split the set, document the non-overlapping groups before calculating a combined amount.
Illustrative example: an entered complete-set estimate is $200 and its included figure is separately recorded at $40. Adding both as distinct holdings creates a $240 total for the same physical contents. The inventory structure must change before the arithmetic is meaningful.
Research the relevant condition
- Confirm the set number and release.
- Describe completeness honestly, including unchecked components.
- Compare opened sets with similar contents where evidence exists.
- Label sealed prices as sealed context rather than your used value.
- Preserve the evidence date and sale-versus-ask distinction.
A set becoming retired does not prove it will appreciate. Historical asks and forecasts are not guaranteed future sale proceeds.
Pieces can retain a mixed collection record, but dedicated LEGO part reconciliation and completeness scanning are not promised. Keep a specialist parts list where needed and use collection P&L only after resolving duplicated contents and the estimate basis.
Sources and further reading
Written by the Pieces team for personal collection recordkeeping. Competitor resources inform the topic; examples and checklists here are original. Pieces is independent of the named services.
Building a complete collection record? Start with how to track your closet’s value, then use this guide for the details.