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Identifying Series 1 and Series 3 CMF

BrickbaseBrickbase Member Posts: 100
edited October 2012 in Collecting
Hello, first let me introduce myself. My name is Richard, 33 years old and living in Holland. I've been out of my dark ages for quite some time now. Ever since I first laid eyes on the UCS Imperial Star Destroyer I'm hooked.

But before I wonder off topic, recently I've visited Poland. During my visit I came across some EOL'ed sets, which I have bought. Now I found some decoders online for the C.M.'s, but are these decoders for barcodes, etc. trustworthy? Because I don't really want to open up the bags, before selling, if it is not necessary.

Sorry if my knowledge of the English language is not up to standard,

Comments

  • CCCCCC Member Posts: 20,526
    For S1 and 2 they are an accurate way of identifying.
  • OjikOjik Member Posts: 56
    edited October 2012
    Series 1 and 2 use the barcode system and it's a great and fast way to recognize what's inside and get what you are interested in. Just type in Google "Lego Minifigures Series 1 barcode sheet" or something similar and choose the one you like, then print it. I have one that has the barcodes in the same size as they are on bags. They only vary in America and Europe, so make sure you got the right one.

    Dot codes in Series 3 are trustworthy, too. First four series are easy to identify.
  • BrickbaseBrickbase Member Posts: 100
    Thanks very much for your answers to my questions. I'll be sure to put them to good use.
  • pharmjodpharmjod Member Posts: 2,916
    Also, it never hurts to verify by "feeling" the bags. I've found that to be far more reliable and easier than trying to find the dots. Just look at pictures of the figures and feel for accessories in the bag. Takes a bit of practice, but after I got the hang of it I am pretty fast now with any series.
  • BrickbaseBrickbase Member Posts: 100
    Sometimes with the Series 3 C.M. I have the same problem, is that a dot or is it a irregularity from the packaging? Thanks for the info, I will try it out.
  • Pitfall69Pitfall69 Member Posts: 11,454
    If you have a smartphone you can the app Minifig Collector and use your barcode scanner to scan Series 1 and 2. The dot codes paired with feeling will work well for the other Series, but I stopped using the dot codes after Series 4.
  • BrickbaseBrickbase Member Posts: 100
    Just downloaded this app., thanks for the heads up. This afternoon I will start making a overview of all the C.M.'s I now have. Is it a wise idea to also invest some money in Series 4 & 5? I can buy them for approximately 1,75 Euro each.
  • pharmjodpharmjod Member Posts: 2,916
    Buy em if you want em. Invest is a strong word :) especially series 5, which was by all accounts wildly overproduced. I made the mistake of buying two cases if series 4. Other than series 1 & 2 I don't see them as a good investment. They are however fun.
    Pitfall69
  • BrickbaseBrickbase Member Posts: 100
    Already had such a feeling about Series 4. As I wrote before, I stumbled upon some E.O.L. ed sets. Just wanted to make sure I bought the right ones.:-) Thanks for the info.
  • Pitfall69Pitfall69 Member Posts: 11,454
    As far as investing. Series 1 is really the only way to go. What makes Series 2 a decent "investment" is the Spartan. Take the Spartan away and Series 2 isn't all that great imo. The last month I sold an opened Series 1 set for $127. A sealed set could fetch about $145. I sold 2 Series 2 sets for $70. Take away your initial investment, EBay fees, PayPal fees and shipping, is it really worth the trouble?
  • BrickbaseBrickbase Member Posts: 100
    May I ask which one you have sold for that amount? I also realize that the situation in the United States is slightly different then the situation in Europe. Due to better stock in Europe I don't see myself selling one minifig for that amount. As far as your other comment, you are absolutely right. It's not worth the hassle.
  • Pitfall69Pitfall69 Member Posts: 11,454
    ^Sold a set not an individual minifigure. A Spartan alone will fetch about $20 USD.
  • BrickbaseBrickbase Member Posts: 100
    Haha, I was already wondering. Thanks for clearing that up.
  • Pitfall69Pitfall69 Member Posts: 11,454
    ^ Yeah, I looked through the post and I did say sets, so I don't know where the confusion was, but oh well.

    To sum things up. You can sell Series 1 for $127-145 USD all day. What helps Series 2 is the Spartan and the fact that many people still hadn't gotten into the Minifigures yet. Series 3 was over produced and I think that is why the VIP Minifigures set was all Series 3. After that, people were knee deep into Collectible Minifigures and they were everywhere. If you can get them for "pennies on the dollar" Hold on to them and they may be worth a little more later, but nothing mind blowing. Just remember, the longer you hold onto a set that doesn't keep up with inflation, you are losing money.
  • BrickbaseBrickbase Member Posts: 100
    Sorry for the misunderstanding, I was reading everything a bit to fast. But I would like to thank you for your input. Today I put some extra bags that I have, for sale on the internet. Let's hope everything goes well, so I can finance my expensive hobby a bit better.:-)
  • Pitfall69Pitfall69 Member Posts: 11,454
    Good Luck :-)
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