King Richard (also known as Lion King / King Leo variant)
cas055 · Castle
Knights' Kingdom I · 2000 (part of the Knights' Kingdom wave debut)
Figure ID
cas055
Theme
Castle
Year Released
2000 (part of the Knights' Kingdom wave debut)
Rarity
Uncommon to Rare. While the theme was widely produced, the chrome accessories often get lost or damaged, making complete, mint figures difficult to find.
Head
Yellow classic skin tone. Features a red-haired king with a thick mustache and red facial markings/war paint on the cheeks. A standout head from the early 2000s era.
Torso
Red and White quarters pattern. Features a gold chain necklace with a lion's head medallion. It has white arms and yellow hands. Printing is high-contrast but lacks back printing, which was standard for the era.
Legs
Plain white legs with a black hip piece. No printing is present on the legs or sides, emphasizing the focus on the upper body and accessories.
Accessories
Includes a distinctive Chrome Silver Crown (fits over head), a Chrome Silver Greatsword, and an Ovoid shield with the Lion Knights crest (red/white split with a black lion head wearing a crown).
Color Scheme
Primary colors are Red, White, and Yellow, accented heavily by Chrome Silver metallic finishes on the weaponry and headgear.
Printing Details
Simple pad printing on the torso and head. The shield features crisp graphical printing of the Lion logo. Lacks the complex 360-degree or leg printing seen in modern LEGO sets.
Variants
There are similar versions (cas049) with different facial hair or armor configurations. This specific facial hair/war paint variant is iconic to the 2000-2002 Knights' Kingdom line.
Condition Notes
Chrome parts often flake or scratch over time. The white legs and torso are highly susceptible to UV yellowing. The shield's handle is a common stress point for plastic cracks.
Estimated Value
Used (Complete with Chrome): $25-$45. New/Mint condition can exceed $60. The chrome sword and crown account for a large portion of the value.
Price (New)
Originally available in sets ranging from $10 (small battle packs) to $90 (King Leo's Castle 6098/6091).
Compatible Sets
Set 6098 (King Leo's Castle), 6091 (Castle), 6095 (Royal Joust), and 10176 (Royal King's Castle).
Character Background
King Leo (Richard) is the ruler of the Lion Knights in the Knights' Kingdom universe. He leads his knights against Cedric the Bull and his rogue bandits.
Design Notes
Represents the transition period where LEGO began using more specialized head printing and chrome elements to compete with more detailed action figures of the late 90s.
Similar Minifigures
King Mathias (Knights' Kingdom II), The Royal King (1995), and the Series 13 Classic King.
Collectibility
High. It is a nostalgic cornerstone for 'Millennial' LEGO collectors who grew up during the 2000s era. Value remains stable due to the fragility of chrome parts.
History
Followed the 1990s 'Royal Knights' line. This figure marked a shift toward more 'character-driven' castle themes with named protagonists rather than generic soldiers.
Interesting Facts
The chrome sword included is one of the dual-handed 'Greatsword' molds which are highly prized; the chrome finish was later discontinued due to environmental regulations and durability issues.
Display Suggestions
Best displayed on a dark grey or stone-colored baseplate to make the red/white quarters and chrome elements pop. Keep away from direct sunlight to preserve the white plastic.
Modification Potential
Excellent for 'purist' MOCs. The torso is often used for custom medieval heraldry. Can be upgraded with modern printed legs for a 'Neo-Classic' look.
Overall Assessment
A top-tier classic. The combination of the aggressive head design and the high-shine chrome accessories makes this one of the most visually striking leaders in LEGO Castle history.