Are old Monopoly games worth money?
In short – vintage Monopoly prices typically fall between $50-200 regardless of age. But very early boards or special editions with luxury materials have sold for thousands. As a passionate gamer myself, let‘s delve into what impacts an old set‘s value.
Nostalgic But Usually Not Valuable
I have fond childhood memories of long Monopoly games with my siblings. That nostalgia makes vintage sets treasured family heirlooms. However, with over 1 billion printed since 1935, most old Monopoly boards sell for modest prices. Unless you own an exceptionally rare early or limited edition, expect to get $50-200 based on age and condition – regardless if it‘s from 1950 or 1990.
Why Common Games Have Low Value
After inventor Charles Darrow launched Monopoly in the 1930s, Parker Brothers began mass producing over 20,000 games per week. Huge supply = low resale prices. But what about editions from Monopoly‘s early decades? Let‘s explore what impacts value for the board game many grew up with.
Key Factors That Increase An Old Monopoly‘s Value
Age/Year – Sets made closer to Monopoly‘s 1933 origins acquire higher valuations from collectors and historians. The majority of boards from the 1940-70s sell for under $100.
| Era | Typical Resale Price |
|---|---|
| Pre-1940 Sets | $100-$300 |
| 1940s/50s Sets | $50-$150 |
| 1960/70s Sets | $25-$100 |
Condition – Complete games in pristine shape with all cards, tokens, and cash can double a set‘s worth. Missing pieces dramatically decrease desirability. Mint condition 1935-1940 games reach $300+.
Rarity – Exclusive early test editions, variants, or those with luxury materials like gold fetch astronomical prices from wealthy collectors.
Sentimentality – Some fans assign extra value to sets with beloved tokens like the thimble or top hat retired later on.
Next let‘s showcase the crème de la crème – the most valuable Monopoly games ever sold.
The Priciest Vintage Monopolies
The 1933 Handmade Set – This one-of-a-kind board was designed by Charles Darrow with street names from Atlantic City and handwritten cards. At a 2011 auction, an avid collector paid $146,500 for this Holy Grail Monopoly game.
| Game Edition | Sale Price | Year | Buyer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Darrow‘s Handmade Set | $146,500 | 2011 | Richard Myers |
Early Patent Sets – Before Parker Brothers mass production, some test games exist marked "Patent Pending" from 1933-1935 when Darrow was still securing intellectual property rights…
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