LEGO switches to 5-digit numbering scheme
Posted by Huw,As you may have read elsewhere, retailers have been viewing 2013 sets recently, and probably have catalogues. However they have signed NDAs so don't expect to find much information out there just yet.
Having said that, some has leaked already and if you know where to look, you can find it. We won't be revealing any of it here, because we respect LEGO's wishes to keep it confidential, but a piece of 'generic' information has come to light that I will reveal: It appears that LEGO has started to use 5 digit numbers for all sets, not just 'special' ones.
The first evidence to appear that suggested this might be the case was the Hobbit sets that will be numbered 790xx. Now, other 2013 sets that have been mentioned elsewhere also have 5 digit numbers, for example 420xx will be Technic.
Personally I think it's great, particularly because we should see some logic applied to the numbering system, something that we haven't had since the 1990s when the system was clearly defined. Since then, they've just allocated any free numbers they could find and it's all become a bit of a mess.
5-digit numbers have been in use since 2001, but unlike the 4-digit series, they have been applied with a system in mind:
- 10xxx - LEGO exclusives
- 20xxx - Brickmaster/MBA
- 21xxx - Architecture
- 30xxx - Promotional polybags
- 40xxx - LEGO brand retail polybags/small seasonal sets
- 55xxx - Universe
- 65xxx - Super-packs
Let's hope it continues: it should make the job of maintaining the database much easier!
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I cannot find one on the database, but is there such a set with the number 0001?
1 and 001 but not 0001, AFAIK.
Its about time they brought back structure to their numbering system. I guess the fact that they have to go to five numbers is testament to just how many sets they've released since Lego's inception; particularly in the past two decades.
I wonder if this will increase the perceived value of existing 4-digit sets.
Now I can buy a battle pack and think that it's an exclusive! Any idea which other themes have been allocated a set of 5-digit numbers other than the Hobbit, Technic and Architecture? (Which I guess will stay the same)
I hope there will still be way to clearly distinguish between the 'regular' and the more exclusive sets. Yet, overall I welcome this overdue move and hope that LEGO will bring some more structure again in their numbering system.
Oh great, I bet set numbers will be even harder to remember, then. :/ I barely remember any 4-digit ones, let alone 5-digits! :P
"21xxx - Architecture"
Includes Cuusoo sets too, which start with 211xx.
I have a lot of Lego, but I only remember one set number: 918
http://www.brickset.com/detail/?Set=918-1
The best Lego set ever released. And there could be no possible argument with that ;)
Where can you find images of sets?