LEGO switches to 5-digit numbering scheme

 

  • LEGO switches to 5-digit numbering scheme

    Posted by Huw, 29 Aug 2012 08:06. Filed under Miscellaneous.

    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:

    Let's hope it continues: it should make the job of maintaining the database much easier!


    10 comments, latest one posted 9 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)
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Comments

Posted by CapnRex101 in United Kingdom, 29 Aug 2012 08:36

I cannot find one on the database, but is there such a set with the number 0001?

Posted by Huw in United Kingdom, 29 Aug 2012 08:37

1 and 001 but not 0001, AFAIK.

Posted by shaase in Canada, 29 Aug 2012 09:02

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.

Posted by paul_merton in United Kingdom, 29 Aug 2012 09:07

I wonder if this will increase the perceived value of existing 4-digit sets.

Posted by DarthZared in United Kingdom, 29 Aug 2012 09:10

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)

Posted by gonknoggin in United States, 29 Aug 2012 09:17

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.

Posted by Alemas in Germany, 29 Aug 2012 11:52

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

Posted by Dennis in United States, 29 Aug 2012 21:11

"21xxx - Architecture"

Includes Cuusoo sets too, which start with 211xx.

Posted by AddictedToStyrene in Australia, 29 Aug 2012 21:41

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 ;)

Posted by legoyt in Australia, 31 Aug 2012 02:49

Where can you find images of sets?

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