Atlantis: Deep Sea Treasure or a Sinking Investment?

People have been facinated by the ocean numerous times over the centuries. There have been different books written about it. My personal favorite book about the ocean is Atlantis. The book talks about people who are trying to find the lost city. In 2010, the Lego Company released the Atlantis theme. The theme is based on minifigures trying to find the lost city of Atlantis.

The theme has had twenty-three sets released into the market and there was a Lego movie aired on Cartoon Network using the Atlantis sets. The theme only lasted for two years. It began it 2010 and ended in 2011. At the most, the sets are about two to three years old, which is not a lot for investments. Each of the twenty-three sets will be explained and analyzed for their investment potential. Here are the sets:

7976 Ocean Speeder

Description: (All Descriptions are from Lego.com)

Dive deeper in the Ocean Speeder to seize the treasure!

Fearless Lance Spears is diving for the treasures of Atlantis on his Ocean Speeder as a dangerous sea snake spots him! Can he escape the slippery serpent and reach the treasure?

• Includes Lance Spears minifigure with diving gear
• Grab with the Ocean Speeders arms, move it’s propellers and shoot with the harpoon!
• Ocean Speeder measures 3” (7cm) wide
• Features sea snake, treasure and rare gold elements

Statistics:

• Number of pieces: 54
• Number of minifigures: 1
• Retail price: $4.99 USD
• Year released: 2011
• Current value: $5.95 USD
• Current CAGR: 9.20%

Analysis: The Ocean Speeder has a good CAGR after two years. Over the two years, the set has increased in value by ninty-six cents ($0.96 USD) from the retail price. Some of you may think that this is not a lot, but for a small set like this, it is a lot percentage wise, but with money, it is not a significant increase. To make a decent profit on this set, a person must have many of these sets to sell.

7977 Seabed Strider

Description:

Defeat the evil Hammerhead Guardian to claim the treasure!
Walking through the ruins of the lost city of Atlantis on his powerful Seabed Strider, valiant diver Axel Storm discovers the precious golden shield. He transforms his craft into a sleek submarine to return the treasure to the surface, but can he first defeat the trident-carrying Hammerhead Guardian?

• Includes 2 minifigures: Hammerhead Guardian and diver with swim fins, scuba helmet and tank
• 2 in 1 build: Seabed Strider transforms into sleek submarine!
• Sieze the treasure with the Seabed Strider’s grabbers!
• Features sea snake, harpoon, trident, treasure and rare gold elements
• Spin the turbines!
• Grab treasure with Seabed Strider claws!
• Seabed Strider measures 3” (7cm) tall

Statistics:

• Number of pieces: 105
• Number of minifigures: 2
• Retail price: $9.99 USD
• Year released: 2011
• Current value: $10.14 USD
• Current CAGR: 0.75%

Analysis: The Seabed Strider does not have a good CAGR after two years. The CAGR is less than 1%. Over two years the set has gained fifteen cents ($0.15 USD) in value. That is not much for percentage and money. This is not the best investment if you want to make some big money fast. It is a slow growing set.

7978 Angler Attack

Descripition:

Outsmart the Angler Fish and evil guardian to reach the treasure!
Expert diver Dr. Fisher catches sight of an ancient helmet lying among the ruins of LEGO® Atlantis. Just then, the evil Barracuda and giant Angler Fish, with it’s razor-sharp teeth, swim out from the murky depths. Can Dr. Fisher outsmart the deadly creatures to claim the golden helmet and take a photo of the rare fish?

• Includes 2 minifigures: diver with camera and Barracuda guardian with trident
• Minifigure accessories include diver’s helmet, tank and swim fins
• Deep Sea Jet features harpoon, grabbing claws
• Angler Fish measures 7” (17cm) wide, 5” (12cm) long
• Angler Fish features moving fins and tail!
• Includes treasure chest with jewels, golden helmet and special gold elements
• Snap the jaws of the Angler Fish!

Statistics:

• Number of pieces: 200
• Number of minifigures: 2
• Retail price: $19.99 USD
• Year released: 2011
• Current value: $27.18 USD
• Current CAGR: 16.61%

Analysis: The Angler Attack set has a great CAGR for two years. Over that period of time, the set has gained $7.19 USD in value. That is a decent percentage from the retail price. This set is a great investment. To make a lot of money off this set, a person would have to have a lot of these sets.

7984 Deep Sea Raider

Description:

Drill a path to the riches!
Recruited to dig and drill through the dangerous ruins, excavation expert Dr. Brains from the LEGO® Power Miners is trying to get to the treasure! Open the back compartment and release the mini sub for tight squeezes! Can he outwit the angry hammerhead guardian to retrieve the treasure and legendary body armor? Set includes 2 minifigures and mini sub.

• Includes 2 minifigures: diver and hammerhead guardian
• Deep Sea Raider features opening cockpit, grabber and functioning drill
• Open the back compartment to reveal the mini sub!
• Features flexible falling pillar, lobster, treasure chest with jewels and body armor
• Deep Sea Raider measures 6” wide (15cm) and 8” long (20cm)
• Mini sub measures over 2” wide (5cm) and 2” long (5cm)

Statistics:

• Number of pieces: 265
• Number of minifigures: 2
• Retail price: $29.99 USD
• Year released: 2011
• Current value: $25.53 USD
• Current CAGR: -7.73%

Analysis: The Deep Sea Raider has a bad CAGR after two years. Over that period of time, the set has lost $4.46 USD in value. This set is not a set to be used for investing. The set may have been good for investing if, the set was purchased on a really good sale. Even if that happened, the set may still have not been profitable.

7985 City of Atlantis

Description:

Free the golden king in the City of Atlantis!
At long last, the lost City of Atlantis has been discovered! Help Captain Ace Speedman and Professor Sam Rhodes release the golden king from the temple ruins! Avoid the booby traps and falling pillar as you battle the guardians. Whatever you do, stay out of the dungeon and away from the claws of the giant crab. Set includes 6 minifigures and Deep Sea Sub with flick missiles.

• Includes 6 minifigures: giant crab, lobster guardian, barracuda guardian, golden king and 2 divers
• Features Deep Sea Sub with flick missiles and claws
• Swing the axe and drop the pillars!
• Unlock the golden king with the treasure key lock function!
• City of Atlantis measures 9” (22cm) wide, 9 (22cm) tall and 12” (30cm) long
• Deep Sea Sub measures 5” (12cm) wide, and 5” (12cm) long

Statistics:

• Number of pieces: 686
• Number of minifiugres: 5
• Retail price: $69.99 USD
• Year released: 2011
• Current value: $74.40 USD
• Current CAGR: 3.10%

Analysis: The City of Atlantis is one of the larger sets in the Atlantis theme. There is a good amount of minifigures in the set. The CAGR for this set is decent. Over the two years, I expected the set to have a bigger value and CAGR. The set has only gained $4.41 USD in value over two years. The set is profitable, but for large profits off this set, there must be a large amount of sets sold.

20013 Neptune Microsub

Statistics:

• Number of pieces: 63
• Number of minifigures: 0
• Retail price: N/A
• Year released: 2010
• Current value: $7.32 USD
• Current CAGR: N/A

Analysis: The 20013 Neptune Microsub is one of the four Atlantis mini sets. The set comes in a polybag. The set has a great value for a mini set. This set would be a great investment if it is at the right price.

30040 Octopus

Statistics:

• Number of pieces: 42
• Number of minifigures: 0
• Retail pirce: N/A
• Year released: 2010
• Current value: $5.93 USD
• Current CAGR: N/A

Analysis: The 30040 Octopus is one of the four Atlantis mini sets. The set comes in a poly bag. The set has a good value for a mini set. The set is a good investment if it is at the right price.

30041 Piranha

Statistics:

• Number of pieces: 49
• Number of minifigures: 0
• Retail pirce: N/A
• Year released: 2010
• Current value: $9.49 USD
• Current CAGR: N/A

Analysis: The 30041Pirahna is one of the four Atlantis mini sets. The set has a great value for being a mini set. The set comes in a polybag. The set is a great investment if it is at the right price.

30042 Mini Sub

Statistics:

• Number of pieces: 42
• Number of minifigures: 1
• Retail price: N/A
• Year released: 2010
• Current value: $3.06 USD
• Current CAGR: N/A

Analysis: The 30042 Mini Sub is one of four mini sets from the Atlantis theme. The set is the only mini set to have a minifigure. The set comes in a polybag. The set is a decent investment if it is at the right price.

8056 Monster Crab Clash

Description:

Beware the monster crab’s claws!
On a dangerous deep-sea mission to recover the orange Atlantis treasure key from the murky depths of the ocean, the heroic diver comes face-to-face with the treasure’s mighty guardian: a giant crab with powerful crushing claws!

• Set includes 1 heroic diver minifigure!
• Collectable orange Atlantis treasure key included; collect them all!
• Features monster crab with snapping claws and moveable legs!

Statistics:

• Number of pieces: 68
• Number of minifigures: 1
• Retail price: $6.99 USD
• Year released: 2010
• Current value: $9.88 USD
• Current CAGR: 12.23%

Analysis: The 8056 Monster Crab Clash has a great CAGR after three years. The set has increased in value by $2.89 USD over the past three years. The set is a great investment. The set is profitable, but for big profits, a lot of sets must be sold.

8057 Wreck Raider

Description:

Capture the blue treasure key from the Shark Warrior!
While exploring the ocean aboard his high-speed scooter sub, the deep-sea diver has found one of the treasure keys leading to the sunken city of Atlantis! But will the Wreck Raider’s twin turbines and flick-launching harpoons be enough to defeat the trident-wielding Shark Warrior and capture the blue key? Includes Shark Warrior with trident and deep-sea diver minifigures.

• Set includes Shark Warrior minifigure and diver minifigure.
• Collectable blue Atlantis treasure key included!
• Measures over 3" (8cm) long!

Statistics:

• Number of pieces: 64
• Number of minifigures: 2
• Retail price: $9.99 USD
• Year released: 2010
• Current value: $9.50 USD
• Current CAGR: -1.66%

Analysis: The 8057 Wreck Raider has a bad CAGR. It is negative. The set has dropped in value by forty-four cents ($0.44 USD) over three years. That is not a lot, but it still contributes to the negative CAGR. The set is not the best investment from all the Atlantis sets.

8058 Guardian of the Deep

Description:

This treasure guardian packs a bite!
In his search for the red Atlantis treasure key, the deep-sea diver has encountered one of the deadliest guardian creatures of all: an enormous black shark covered in Atlantean markings! Will the diver’s harpoon and swimming skills be enough to escape the shark’s snapping jaws and thrashing tail with the precious key, and its clue to the lost city’s location?

• The heroic diver minifigure has an awesome harpoon!
• Red Atlantis treasure key included; collect them all!
• Fearsome shark guardian has biting jaws, moving tail and poseable head!

Statistics:

• Number of pieces: 144
• Number of minifigures: 1
• Retail price: $14.99 USD
• Year released: 2010
• Current value: $21.06 USD
• Current CAGR: 12.00%

Analysis: The 8058 Guardian of the Deep set has a great CAGR. The set has increased $6.07 USD over the past three years. That is a good investment. For big profits, there would have to be many sets sold.

8059 Seabed Scavenger

Description:

Explore the sea floor, but watch out for danger!
Leaving no coral-covered rock unturned, the 3-wheeled Seabed Scavenger rolls along the ocean floor in search of clues to the location of Atlantis. Suddenly, a glint of light – it’s the fabled green treasure key, guarded by a fierce Manta Warrior! Even with the deep-sea vehicle’s grab claw, spinning saw and flick-firing torpedoes, this is going to be one tough battle! Includes Manta Warrior with trident and deep-sea diver minifigures.

• Includes Manta Warrior minifigure and 1 diver minifigure.
• Two flick firing torpedos!
• Spinning saw weapon and grab claw!!
• Collectable green treasure key! Collect each one!
• Measures 10" (25cm) long!

Statistics:

• Number of pieces: 119
• Number of minifigures: 2
• Retail price: $14.99 USD
• Year released: 2010
• Current value: $14.60 USD
• Current CAGR: -0.87%

Analysis: The 8059 Seabed Scavenger has a bad CAGR. Although the set has a bad CAGR, the set has only lost thirty-nine cents ($0.39 USD) over three years. That is very little for three years. The set is a decent investment if the set was purchased on a sale, but not at retail.

8060 Typhoon Turbo Sub

Description:

The Typhoon Turbo Sub dives into action!
Deep at the bottom of the ocean, the yellow Atlantis Treasure Key is guarded by a ferocious Shark Warrior. Send the Typhoon Turbo Sub into battle – when the fight gets tough, its powerful high-speed turbine engines flip around to reveal a key-grabbing claw and hidden torpedo launcher! It’s time to discover the lost secrets of Atlantis!

• Set includes 2 minifigures: 1 heroic diver and 1 Shark Warrior!
• Yellow Atlantis treasure key included; collect them all!
• Flip over the rotating sub propellers!
• Sub is armed with torpedo shooter and flick fire missiles!
• Claw grabs and holds the treasure key!

Statistics:

• Number of pieces: 197
• Number of minifigures: 2
• Retail price: $24.99 USD
• Year released: 2010
• Current value: $15.47 USD
• Current CAGR: -14.77%

Analysis: The 8060 Typhoon Turbo Sub has a really bad value and CAGR after three years. The set has decreased in value by $9.52 USD. For investing, that is a lot of money lost for a single set. This set is not the best investment set from the Atlantis theme.

8061 Gateway of the Squid

Description:

Unlock the Gateway of the Squid…if you dare!
The Deep Salvage Crew divers have found their first big clue to the location of Atlantis: an ancient underwater temple with gates that automatically open at the turn of a treasure key! Inside are traps, treasures and mighty guardians, including an octopus prison cage, a fearsome Squid Warrior, and a monstrous giant squid with flailing tentacles and massive snapping jaws. Can the divers reach the golden treasure chest at the heart of the temple, or will they be captured for daring to trespass in this deep-sea domain? Includes Squid Warrior with trident and 2 deep-sea diver minifigures.

• Includes Squid Warrior minifigure and 2 diver minifigures!
• Collectable blue treasure key included; collect them all!
• Trap door opens to capture the divers!
• Open the temple gates with blue treasure key!
• Measures 15" (38cm) long!

Statistics:

• Number of pieces: 354
• Number of minifigures: 3
• Retail price: $39.99 USD
• Year released: 2010
• Current value: $20.49 USD
• Current CAGR: -19.98%

Analysis: The 8061 Gateway of the Squid is one of the worst investing sets from the Atlantis theme. The set has lost $19.50 USD in value. That is about half the retail price. With this, the CAGR for the set is -19.98%, which is not good for investing. The set might be profitable if it was purchased at a heavy discount like 60% off or higher.

8072 Sea Jet

Description:

Hunt for undersea treasure!
Search out Atlantis treasure keys, guardian sea creatures and sunken treasure with the sleek and speedy Sea Jet! Includes deep-sea diver minifigure.

• Includes Sea Jet and deep-sea diver minifigure!
• Jet features control flaps for quick evasive tactics!

Statistics:

• Number of pieces: 23
• Number of minifigures: 1
• Retail price: $3.99 USD
• Year released: 2010
• Current value: $4.71 USD
• Current CAGR: 5.69%

Analysis: The 8072 Sea Jet is a great investment. The set has a good CAGR. The set has gained seventy-two cents ($0.72 USD) in value over the past three years. Some might think that it is not a lot money wise, but it is a lot percentage wise. The set has almost gained 25% over its retail price.

8073 Manta Warrior

Description:

Beware this undersea warrior of Atlantis!
Treasure-seekers beware – lurking behind this seaweed-covered rock is a fearsome Manta Warrior, prepared to battle anyone who dares to search for the long-lost sunken city of Atlantis! Includes Manta Warrior with trident.

• Set includes Manta Warrior minifigure and seaweed-covered rock!
• Manta Warrior is armed with a fierce trident!

Statistics:

• Number of pieces: 13
• Number of minifigures: 1
• Retail price: $3.99 USD
• Year released: 2010
• Current value: $4.71 USD
• Current CAGR: 5.69%

Analysis: The 8073 Manta Warrior is a great mini set investment. The set has a CAGR of 5.69%. That is a good CAGR. The set has increased in value by seventy-two cents ($0.72 USD). That is almost 25% of its retail price. It is a good set to invest in.

8075 Neptune Carrier

Description:

Search for Atlantis aboard the ultimate battle submarine!
The Deep Salvage Crew divers have discovered the green Atlantis treasure key, but when the fierce Manta Warrior and its trained battle stingray attack, will they be able to keep it in their search for the sunken city? Launch your defense with the armored Neptune Carrier submarine, with quad flick-launching torpedoes, a scout mini-sub and a quick-deploying seabed rover to even the odds on the ocean floor! Includes Manta Warrior with trident and 3 deep-sea diver minifigures.

• Set includes Carrier sub, scout mini-sub and seabed rover!
• Includes Manta warrior minifigure plus 3 diver minifigures!
• Collectable green Atlantis treasure key included! Collect them all!
• Fire the four flick-launching torpedoes!
• Mini sub scouts the ocean floor!
• Roving vehicle scours the seabed!
• Measures 12" (30cm) long!

Statistics:

• Number of pieces: 476
• Number of minifigures: 4
• Retail price: $59.99 USD
• Year released: 2010
• Current value: $42.17 USD
• Current CAGR: -11.09%

Analysis: The 8075 Neptune Carrier is a bad investment. The set has a CAGR of -11.09%. That is not good. The set has lost $17.82 USD in value over the past three years. That is almost 33% of its value lost. From an investment standpoint that is one of the worst investments from the Atlantis theme.

8076 Deep Sea Striker

Description:

Divers beware of the scorpion’s stinging tail!
On a mission to recover a precious green Atlantis treasure key, The Deep Sea Salvage Crew diver rides the speedy Sea Scooter along the bottom of the ocean! When he encounters the key’s powerful scorpion guardian, can he avoid the scorpion’s vicious tail, snapping claws and biting jaws and recover the key?

• Includes 1 diver minifigure with sea scooter
• Features collectable green Atlantis treasure key
• Sea scooter equipped with dual harpoons and treasure key grab claw
• Guardian scorpion measures over 9” (23cm) long

Statistics:

• Number of pieces: 260
• Number of minifigures: 1
• Retail price: $19.99 USD
• Year released: 2010
• Current value: $14.61 USD
• Current CAGR: -9.92%

Analysis: The 8076 Deep Sea Striker is not one of the best investment choices from the Atlantis theme. The set has a value of $14.61. That means the set has decreased by $5.38 USD in value. This means the set has a CAGR of -9.92%. This is one of the worst investments from the Atlantis theme.

8077 Atlantis Exploration HQ

Description:

Launch the search for Atlantis from the diver’s headquarters!
From the safety of the exploration HQ, the divers launch missions in search of Atlantis and search for the yellow Atlantis treasure key. Transform the base into the mobile command sub to take on the Manta Warrior!

• Includes 3 minifigures: 2 divers and 1 Manta Warrior
• Transforms into command submarine with flick-firing torpedos, map room, laboratory and repair bay
• Includes collectable yellow Atlantis treasure key
• Measures 13” (34cm) wide , over 6” (15cm) tall

Statistcis:

• Number of pieces: 473
• Number of minifigures: 3
• Retail price: $49.99 USD
• Year released: 2010
• Current value: $40.47 USD
• Current CAGR: -6.80%

Analysis: The 8077 Atlantis Exploration HQ is a bad investment. The set has a current value of $40.47 USD. That means that the set has lost $9.52 USD. This means the CAGR for the set is -6.8%. That is a bad CAGR. The set is a bad investment from the Atlantis theme, but there are other sets that are worse.

8078 Portal of Atlantis

Description:

The portal to the lost city of Atlantis has been discovered!
Getting through it will be the diver’s greatest challenge yet! The divers must get past hidden traps, shark guardian statues that come alive, Squid and Shark Warriors, and the Portal Emperor before unlocking the portal with the five Atlantis treasure keys.

• Includes 7 minifigures: 3 divers, 1 Portal Emperor, 1 Squid Warrior, 1 Shark Warrior, 1 skeleton
• Features all 5 Atlantis treasure keys -- green, blue, yellow, red and orange
• Divers must beware of the hidden traps!
• Turn a treasure key into the keystone to open the portal to Atlantis!
• Shark castle measures 18" (46cm) wide and over 12” (32cm) tall

Statistics:

• Number of pieces: 1,007
• Number of minifigures: 7
• Retail price $99.99 USD
• Year released: 2010
• Current value: $65.61 USD
• Current CAGR: -13.10%

Analysis: The 8078 Portal of Atlantis is a great set to have but it is a horrible investment. The set has a current value of $65.61 USD. This means the set has lost $34.38 USD in value over three years. This means the set has a CAGR of -13.10%. Even if the set was on sale, it would not be a good investment. There would have to be a good sale for this set to be profitable and even then there would not be much profit.

8079 Shadow Snapper

Description:

Keep an eye on the shadows when this Atlantis guardian is around!
Covered in armored spikes and bristling with razor-sharp claws and teeth, the ferocious, amphibious Shadow Snapper is a deep-sea diver’s worst nightmare! A super-fast combat sub with dual flick-launching torpedoes is the Deep Salvage Crew diver’s only chance to get past this lurking leviathan and retrieve the yellow Atlantis treasure key…but will even this high-speed sub be quick enough for him to escape with the prize? Includes deep-sea diver minifigure.

• Includes Shadow Snapper, combat sub and diver minifigure!
• Yellow Atlantis treasure key included! Collect them all!
• Fire the sub's dual flick-launching torpedoes!
• Super-fast sub's propeller really spins!
• Snapper measures 8" (20cm) long! Sub measures 5" (12cm) long!

Statistics:

• Number of pieces: 246
• Number of minifigures: 1
• Retail price: $29.99 USD
• Year released: 2010
• Current value: $23.70 USD
• Current CAGR: -7.55%

Analysis: The 8079 Shadow Snapper is another Atlantis set that has a negative CAGR. Although it is not as bad as some of the other sets, it is still bad for investing. The set has lost $6.29 USD in value over three years, making the CAGR -7.55%. The set would have been profitable if the set was on sale, but the profit from the set would be very low.

8080 Undersea Explorer

Description:

Battle the guardian serpent with the transforming undersea explorer!

• Searching the darkest depths of the ocean floor for the red Atlantis treasure key, the undersea explorer engages the huge guardian sea serpent! While in rover configuration, the undersea explorer doesn't stand a chance...but transforming into a giant robot, with torpedo launcher and grappling arm, the undersea explorer is more than ready to defend itself!
• Includes 1 heroic diver minifigure
• Features red Atlantis treasure key
• Undersea explorer transforms from seabed rover into robot equipped with torpedo launcher and grapple arm
• Sea serpent measures 13" (33cm) long
• Explorer measures over 5" (14cm) long in rover configuration, over 7" (19cm) tall in robot configuration

Statistics:

• Number of pieces: 364
• Number of minifigures: 1
• Retail price: $39.99 USD
• Year released: 2010
• Current value: $33.27 USD
• Current CAGR: -5.95%

Analysis: The 8080 Undersea Explorer is yet another set that has a negative CAGR. Although the set has lost $6.72 USD in value, it is still an unworthy investment. The set would only be profitable if the set was on sale.

There are many investment winners and losers from the Atlantis theme. While most sets have lost value over time, some sets have gained value. Those sets are the investment winners. Althougth some of the sets did not grow much, I still consider them a good investment. Other sets grew a lot, some of which having high CAGR. If you are investing in the Atlantis theme, pick your sets wisely and they will become deep sea treasure. If not, they will become a sinking investment.

Thanks for reading!