BrickIndex Spotlight: Imperial AT-ST #10174

In this entry of our BrickIndex Spotlight section we will be analyzing yet another set from the Ultimate Collector's Series, even if this one is a model that is not particularly talked about much in the forums.

In the latest data update, the Imperial AT-ST place in the Top 5 of best performing sets over the past 6 months. First of all, the model included a little more than 1,000 pieces making it one of the smallest sets released under the UCS. This in and on itself is not necessarily a bad thing, as the really small Naboo Starfighter would gladly remind us. The MSRP for the set was $ 80 since its release in 2006, so it was also pretty affordable.

I was not really paying too much attention at LEGO investing or collecting at that point in time, so I really can't comment on what kind of reception the model got from the community. Having said that, we are here not so much to recount the past but rather to analyze the present trends to determine the future prospects of the set, so let's get to the numbers from the past two years and then focus a little more into more recent data.

As one would expect, the trend of this set since 2011 has been a very positive one, especially significant when you consider that the set retired sometime in 2009. From 2011 to now, the set has increased almost 114%, while in the past year it has gone up a very respectable 49%. Let's close in the more recent data, and along with the information above try to determine where the set may be going in the near future.

Over the past 12 months, this set has been the second best selling of the entire UCS when you consider only retired sets with almost 400 copies (new and used). The only model that tops that figure is the recently retired Imperial Shuttle, that considering it was widely available at retail over the past year is no surprise that it is in the top spot. This information tells us that the Imperial AT-ST is a very popular and really good seller in the secondary market, be it for the vehicle it is based in or just because it currently is one of the most affordable UCS sets that have been retired.

On the second graph you will see the changes in market value of the set over the last year. The AT-ST has been going up in value for most of the past 12 months, with the notable exception in the month of December when you can clearly see the December Effect once again hitting a big set pretty hard as far as value is concerned. Other than that, the set is now closing in to being worth $ 250, and with a 8% increase over the past month I would not be surprised if it reached that amount this month.

So, what can we do all this information? I can tell you that a lot of investors could take advantage of the relative affordable price of this set even in MISB condition. I see a lot of room for growth, and if you pay attention you will notice that the pace seems to be picking up, with the set increasing 50% over the past year but 31% over the past six months AND 8% over the past month alone! This model is still a great investment for those with the capital and storage space, but you better act fast!

Recommendation: Strong Buy