Zombie Pigman (Zombified Piglin)
min043 · Minecraft
The Nether · 2014 (Debuted in set 21115 and 21113 context)
Figure ID
min043
Theme
Minecraft
Year Released
2014 (Debuted in set 21115 and 21113 context)
Rarity
Uncommon. While not ultra-rare, they were primary mob figures in specific Nether-themed sets that have since been retired, making them more sought after than standard Steve or Alex figures.
Head
Bright pink 2x2x2 cube head with pixelated printing. It features a split design: one side showing a standard pig snout/eyes and the other showing exposed green 'rotting' flesh and a single hollow black eye socket.
Torso
Bright pink torso with pixelated green and dark orange 'rotting' patterns on the right side. The arms are pink with black hands (representing the dark hoof-like hands of the game character). Back printing continues the pixelated decay pattern.
Legs
Dark brown unprinted legs. They represent the loincloth or simple trousers worn by the mob in the Minecraft game.
Accessories
Gold Sword (Flat Gold). This is the signature weapon for this character, reflecting the 'Golden Sword' item the mob drops upon death in the video game.
Color Scheme
A mix of Bright Pink (body), Dark Brown (legs), and Flat Gold (accessory), with pixelated accents in Green, Dark Orange, and Black.
Printing Details
High-quality pixel-accurate pad printing. The head features printing on five sides to maintain the blocky Minecraft aesthetic. Torso printing involves multiple colors to simulate the game's low-resolution textures.
Variants
There is a slight variant in later years featuring a different 'Zombified Piglin' head mold with protruding ears/tusks (released approx. 2020), but this specific figure is the classic 2014-era Zombie Pigman version.
Condition Notes
The cube head is prone to edge wear or 'chipping' on the corners. Check for 'play wear' on the gold sword, as the flat gold finish can scratch or lose its luster.
Estimated Value
Used: $5 - $9; New: $12 - $17. Total value is heavily dependent on the condition of the head print and the presence of the original gold sword.
Price (New)
Originally available in sets ranging from $19.99 (The Cave) to $79.99 (The Mine). The per-figure value was low at retail but has tripled in the secondary market.
Compatible Sets
21115 The First Night, 21122 The Nether Fortress, 21130 The Nether Railway, 21139 The Nether Fight.
Character Background
Originally known as the 'Zombie Pigman' in Minecraft lore, these are neutral mobs found in the Nether dimension. They were later rebranded/redesigned as Zombified Piglins in the 1.16 game update.
Design Notes
LEGO used a specialized 2x2x2 head mold specifically for Minecraft to ensure the 'blocky' look. This was a departure from standard minifigure head shapes to cater to the game's aesthetic.
Similar Minifigures
Pig (Minecraft), Zombified Piglin (Newer version), Zombie, Wither Skeleton.
Collectibility
High for Minecraft fans. This 'classic' style Zombie Pigman is preferred by many older fans over the newer Piglin molds due to its nostalgia for the early days of the game.
History
Launched as part of the first wave of non-MicroWorld Minecraft sets. It represented LEGO's successful transition from the 'Ideas' micro-scale sets to standard minifigure-scale play sets.
Interesting Facts
The design of the Zombie Pigman in LEGO form predated the game's total visual overhaul of the character, making this a 'Legacy' version of the mob.
Display Suggestions
Best displayed on a Nether-themed baseplate (red/orange) alongside a Ghast or Blazes to recreate the hellish landscape of the game's second dimension.
Modification Potential
Excellent for army building. Collectors often buy multiples to create large 'swarms' for Nether dioramas.
Overall Assessment
A quintessential Minecraft minifigure. It captures the charm of the game perfectly and remains a stable investment for collectors of the theme. Rating: 8/10 for accuracy and theme significance.