It’s common for companies to show appreciation to their employees, especially those who’ve stuck around for the long haul. But most businesses don’t quite match Lego’s level of gratitude. Between 1979 and 1981, those who spent 25 years contributing to Lego’s success received a reward with a $15,000 price tag. This reward is a piece of Lego history, a one-of-a-kind keepsake that has become a collector’s dream.
View this post on Instagram
An Expensive Lego Brick?
Yes, for employees who hit the impressive 25-year mark, Lego used to give away a rare 14-karat gold Lego brick worth $15,000. These 2x4 bricks, made of solid gold, are engraved with the name and years of service of the employee receiving the award. The firsts of these golden rewards were given out in the late 1970s and early 1980s, a time when Lego was expanding rapidly while transitioning from a modest Danish company to a global phenomenon.
For employees who had been there for 25 years, this golden token was a memorable way for Lego to say “thank you.” While the practice ceased after the 1980s, the bricks continue to surface in the world of Lego collectors.
Why $15,000?
Images via iStockphoto/RollingCamera
You might be wondering how a small Lego brick ends up with such a hefty price tag. Well, the value doesn’t just come from the 14-karat gold.
It’s the brick's rarity and significance that make it so valuable. Only a handful were ever made, and they weren’t available for sale. They were strictly earned, reserved for employees who dedicated decades to the company.
Because these bricks are so rare, they have become the stuff of legend in the Lego community and are highly sought after by collectors. They rarely see the light of day outside private collections or company archives, which adds to their mystique. If one pops up for sale, it can fetch around $15,000. That’s not pocket change by any means, but for a true Lego fan or collector, owning one of these bricks is the ultimate treasure.