What Is the Oldest LEGO Minifigure?
🎯 Intro: The Birth of a Brick Icon
LEGO minifigures are more than just tiny characters—they’re the beating heart of every LEGO world, from bustling cities to galactic battles. But have you ever wondered when these iconic little figures first came to life?
In this post, we explore the fascinating evolution of the LEGO minifigure—from humble, faceless beginnings to the smiling heroes we know today.
1. Early Precursors: The 1975 “Stage Extras”
photo source: NPR.org.
🧱 What They Were
In 1975, LEGO introduced its first small-scale human figures, commonly referred to as "stage extras" or "pre-minifigures." These appeared in early Town and Vehicle sets and were designed at the same scale as today's minifigs—but with far less detail and functionality.
🙃 Key Features
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No printed faces
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Solid, non-moving legs and torsos
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Arms molded as part of the torso—or completely absent
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Interchangeable hats and hairpieces, but minimal character expression
🧩 Legacy
Though primitive by today’s standards, these early figures laid the groundwork for what would soon become a LEGO revolution. While they’re not officially considered "minifigures" in the modern sense, they remain an important stepping stone in LEGO's design evolution.
2. The Game-Changer: 1978 and the First Modern Minifigure
photo source: gameofbricks.edu
🚓 Set 600 Police Officer
The LEGO minifigure as we know it made its grand debut in 1978, and leading the charge was a smiling police officer from Set 600—widely regarded as the first true LEGO minifigure. This was a breakthrough moment for LEGO, adding personality, playability, and storytelling potential to its sets.
🧍♂️ What Changed
The 1978 design brought a host of new features that would define LEGO figures for decades:
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Fully movable arms and legs
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Interchangeable parts including heads, torsos, legs, and hands
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A simple, charming printed face with two black eyes and a smile
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Compatibility with LEGO vehicles, buildings, and accessories
🌌 Other 1978 Releases
The police officer wasn’t alone—LEGO also released doctors, astronauts, and everyday town residents that same year. These early minifigs helped launch LEGO’s classic Town, Castle, and Space themes, marking the start of the minifigure’s central role in the LEGO ecosystem.
3. Key Milestones in Minifigure History
| Year | Figure Type | Key Features | Notable Sets/Characters |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1975 | Stage Extra | No face, no articulation, simple hats or hair | Early Town and Vehicle sets |
| 1978 | Modern Minifigure | Smiling face, movable limbs, fully interchangeable parts | Set 600 Police Officer, Classic Space, Castle, Town |
4. Collectibility and Cultural Impact
🧠 Historical Significance
The 1978 Set 600 Police Officer isn’t just a figure—it’s a turning point in LEGO history. This minifigure marked the moment LEGO evolved from a construction toy to a system of play built around characters, stories, and imaginative worlds.
📈 Collector Appeal
Early minifigures from 1978 are highly sought after by collectors, especially if they’re in good condition. The Police Officer from Set 600 holds a special place due to its status as the very first articulated LEGO figure, making it a centrepiece in many vintage collections.
🌍 Global Impact
With the debut of the modern minifig, LEGO sets gained personality. Figures gave kids and collectors alike a way to populate their creations, tell stories, and build worlds. Today, minifigures span every genre imaginable—from city life and pirates to Star Wars and Marvel—cementing their role as the face of LEGO across generations and continents.
🧱 Conclusion: More Than Just a Figure
The oldest LEGO minifigures aren’t just pieces of plastic—they're cultural icons. While the 1975 “stage extras” laid the groundwork, it was the smiling 1978 Police Officer who truly launched the minifigure as we know and love it today.
That single design changed everything. It sparked decades of creativity, storytelling, and collectibility—and gave rise to an entire LEGO universe filled with characters, emotions, and adventures.
From a tiny smile came a global phenomenon—and that’s why the oldest LEGO minifigures will always be more than just figures. They’re where the story begins.
🔎 Preserve Your LEGO Minifigure History with BrickZoneHub
If you're lucky enough to own early LEGO minifigures—or any you truly treasure—how you display and protect them matters. That’s why collectors across the UK turn to BrickZoneHub.co.uk for premium LEGO display frames and cases.
Why BrickZoneHub is a fan favourite:
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🖼 Minifigure Display Frames – Designed specifically for collectible LEGO figures, including space for CMF series, classic characters, and vintage icons.
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🧼 Dust-Free Protection – Acrylic fronts and magnetic closures keep your minifigs pristine and visible.
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🌱 Eco-Friendly, UK-Based – Carbon-neutral shipping and tree-planting with every order.
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🧱 Collector-Minded Design – Built by LEGO fans, for LEGO fans—with a focus on quality, simplicity, and presentation.
Whether you're showcasing a 1978 Police Officer or a full CMF run, BrickZoneHub helps you honour your collection with the protection and pride it deserves.