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6856 LEGO Exploriens Planetary Decoder thumbnail image

6856 LEGO Exploriens Planetary Decoder
Images 6
6856 LEGO Exploriens Planetary Decoder
  • Planetary Decoder thumbnail
  • Planetary Decoder thumbnail
  • Planetary Decoder thumbnail
  • Planetary Decoder thumbnail
  • Planetary Decoder thumbnail
  • Planetary Decoder thumbnail

LEGO 6856 Planetary Decoder is a vintage Space set from 1996 valued at $102 for new and sealed sets, up 1183% from an original retail price of $7.99. Annual appreciation has averaged 6.52% since release. On the used market, values range from $22 to $28 based on condition. Secondary market prices for new and sealed sets typically fall between $78 and $135.

Set Value (New/Sealed)

This chart represents the current new/sealed value of the set Planetary Decoder since June 2016. Very high accuracy
LEGO 6856 Planetary Decoder is a Space Exploriens set released in 1996, containing 80 pieces and 1 minifigure. The set builds a small Exploriens spacecraft with a large fore-mounted cannon/antenna and adjustable rear thrusters, and it carries two printed alien fossil tiles. It features the Exploriens “decoder” play gimmick, using transparent red and blue elements to reveal alternate graphics on the fossil tiles (alien face vs. skeletal fossil). Also known as “Exploriens ‘Crusader,’” the set’s instruction booklet includes two additional alternate builds on the back page.

A new and sealed Planetary Decoder is currently valued at around $102, with annual growth of approximately 4%. The average used price is $23 for those in good overall condition. The 1 included minifig account for approximately 10% of the set's total value. New and sealed listings currently range from $81 to $120.
All regions

For Sale (New/Sealed)

 (US) Box is in good condition but has been crushed. $72.95
-28.8%
(US) This set is in good condition. Single owner set, was purchased NEW OFF THE SHELF and ... $76.50
-25.4%
(US) Space: Exploriens Planetary Decoder (6856)
BrickEconomy Choice
$80.00
-21.9%
(DE) Shelfwear - Pictures available on request. $82.91
-19.1%
(US) Vtg Lego System 6856 Planetary Decoder New In Factory Sealed Box $95.00
-7.3%
(US) NISB LEGO Space: Exploriens Planetary Decoder (6856) $99.99
-2.4%
(NO) -price sticker on top, small dent on backside. Ask for pictures if condition is impor... $100.79
-1.6%
(US) This set is Brand New and Sealed. We are the original owner and bought it new off the... $102.00
-0.5%
(US) Amazon listing for Planetary Decoder $107.60
+5.0%
(GR) the box has some damage on the bottom side,a small dent pushed inward. not visible fr... $110.27
+7.6%
(US) Vintage Lego System Building Toy 1996 NEW Sealed #6856 $119.99
+17.1%
(US) Space Exploriens 6856 Planetary Decoder NEW Astronaut Spaceship $119.99
+17.1%
(JP) Mint, sealed condition above a 9.5/10 if graded. No price tag. Very good condition. I... $143.50
+40.0%

Sales Distribution (Last 90 Days)

This chart shows the distribution of sales for the past three months of new/sealed 6856 Planetary Decoder.

Minifigs

Planetary Decoder contains 1 minifig. The minifig is also included in 5 other sets.
sp008
Explorien
Minifigure with Exploriens theme, wearing a dark gray helmet and a torso with a built-in radio - sp008
6 sets
Value $10.09

Sets in Space / Exploriens

6982 Explorien Starship

Theme / Subtheme Space / Exploriens
Year 1996
Pieces / Minifigs 662 / 4
Availability Retired
6982 LEGO Explorien Starship
Retail $79.99
Value $425.00
Growth  +431.3%
Annual growth 4.5%

6958 Android Base

Theme / Subtheme Space / Exploriens
Year 1996
Pieces / Minifigs 267 / 3
Availability Retired
6958 LEGO Exploriens Android Base
Retail $39.99
Value $191.25
Growth  +378.2%
Annual growth 3.8%

1737 Scorpion Detector

Theme / Subtheme Space / Exploriens
Year 1996
Pieces / Minifigs 196 / 2
Availability Retired
1737 LEGO Exploriens Scorpion Detector
Retail $19.99
Value $184.33
Growth  +822.1%
Annual growth 7.6%

6938 Scorpion Detector

Theme / Subtheme Space / Exploriens
Year 1996
Pieces / Minifigs 196 / 2
Availability Retired
6938 LEGO Exploriens Scorpion Detector
Retail $23.99
Value $234.20
Growth  +876.2%
Annual growth 5.6%

6899 Nebula Outpost

Theme / Subtheme Space / Exploriens
Year 1996
Pieces / Minifigs 158 / 2
Availability Retired
6899 LEGO Exploriens Nebula Outpost
Retail $14.99
Value $116.49
Growth  +677.1%
Annual growth 4.9%

6854 Alien Fossilizer

Theme / Subtheme Space / Exploriens
Year 1996
Pieces / Minifigs 53 / 1
Availability Retired
6854 LEGO Exploriens Alien Fossilizer
Retail $5.99
Value $75.00
Growth  +1152.1%
Annual growth 4.7%

6815 Hovertron

Theme / Subtheme Space / Exploriens
Year 1996
Pieces / Minifigs 29 / 1
Availability Retired
6815 LEGO Exploriens Hovertron
Retail $2.99
Value $60.00
Growth  +1906.7%
Annual growth 7.8%

1858 Droid Scout

Theme / Subtheme Space / Exploriens
Year 1996
Pieces / Minifigs 23 / 1
Availability Retired
1858 LEGO Exploriens Droid Scout
Retail $2.99
Value $94.08
Growth  +3046.5%
Annual growth 9.0%

My Collection

Planetary Decoder Reviews

3 reviews
4.7
Collectors
Investors
Brickipedia
“The Planetary Decoder is an Exploriens spaceship. Its main features are its huge laser cannon and its large thrusters. The thrusters can be angled up and down. Overall, it is mostly white with a few hints of black. The fossil, when put under a transparent red brick, shows... More an alien face, and when put under a transparent blue brick shows a fossil.”
Full review at brickipedia.fandom.com
Brickset
Built for Exploration — “An above-average set. If you're looking for 80's and 90's space parts and building experience, this set is for you. A huge collection of versatile black, white and transparent "space" parts, which are useful for any space builds. Its main feature is a huge telescope-like... More instrument which can be folded and tucked away between the craft's tail fins when not in use.”
Full review at brickset.com

About Space Exploriens

The Exploriens Space subtheme introduced in 1996. The story was based on the eponymous Exploriens, a group of civilian space explorers searching for fossils. A total of 9 sets were created and the subtheme was discontinued that same year.

Exploriens was introduced in 1996 and currently consists of 9 sets. As of today, 6982 Explorien Starship is the most valuable Exploriens set with an estimated new/factory sealed value of $425.
Summary
Space Exploriens Planetary Decoder set 6856 was released in March 1996, retailing for $8, but has since been retired. New, unopened Planetary Decoder sets are valued at $102, while used sets can be found for $23.
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