8 Board Games We Used To Own (That Are Worth A Fortune Now)
People have been playing board games for centuries. Even though technology has become a big part of our lives, there are still some old-fashioned pastimes, such as playing table-top games, that are hard to give up. They're just a lot of fun to play with friends and family.
Many board games also make you feel quite nostalgic. Some classic, vintage, and special editions are becoming harder to find and have increased in value over the years. Keep reading to learn more.
Dark Tower Was Pulled From Shelves Following A Lawsuit
The Dark Tower fantasy game (pictured on the bottom left) was released in 1981 by Milton Bradley. It's intended for one to four players, and the goal is to create an army, collect the three keys to unlock the tower, and defeat the evil forces inside of it. The game is not to be confused with Stephen King's novel of the same name.
The game is rare because Milton Bradley stole the idea from two inventors, who sued the company and won $700,000. As a result, the game was pulled from store shelves. You can find a copy for between $270 and $800.
A Handmade1933 Version Of Monopoly Is Worth Big Bucks
Engineer Charles Darrow created the famous Monopoly game that we all know and love today. He designed the pieces, typography, and icons. But before the well-known board game was launched in 1934, he created a handmade version made of oil cloth. Since the game is one of the most popular in the world, this particular version is worth a lot of money.
The 1933 original sold in 2011 for a whopping $146,500. The set is special because Darrow hand drew and typed all the components of the board. He also cut and built the hotels and houses.
Trivial Pursuit By Geoffrey Parker Features Gold Leaf Accents
Similar to Clue/Cluendo, Trivial Pursuit by Geoffrey Parker features an inlaid calfskin leather board that is embossed with gold. The questions in the game are also edged in gold leaf, which is a decadent detail. The boxes that hold the questions are also made of leather.
This deluxe version of the game has playing pieces that are inlaid with silver. It costs $10,831, which is much more than the $15 you would drop on a classic (yet decidedly common) version of the game.
The Risk 40th Anniversary Edition Came Out In 1999
In 1957, French filmmaker Albert Lamorisse created a board game called La Conquete du Monde, which loosely translated means "Conquest of the World." Two years later, Parker Brothers published the game Risk. There are nearly a dozen different Risk-themed games on the market, such as Star Wars and The Chronicles of Narnia.
The Risk: 40th Anniversary Collector's Edition was launched in 1999, and these days it's become quite popular among fans. Currently, you can buy a copy of the game for about $400 on Amazon, but some mint-condition versions cost as much as $500.
Clue/Cluedo by Geoffrey Parker Features Sterling Silver Playing Pieces
Geoffrey Parker is the leading manufacturer of luxury games. The British game aficionado has been in the business for over 60 years, creating high-end games for people who love to play them. He updated the murder-mystery game Clue with calfskin leather and playing pieces made of enamel and sterling silver.
The billiard room in the game is made of genuine billiard cloth. The game costs about $4,445, which is significantly more than the basic version of the game, which you can purchase on Amazon for about $15.
Star Wars: The Queen's Gambit Was Based On Phantom Menace
This game is largely popular with Star Wars enthusiasts. Hasbro released Star Wars: The Queen's Gambit in 2000, and it's based on the film Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace, which hit theaters in 1999. It cost $100 to buy, but expect to pay significantly more if you want a copy today.
The game lets players control four different battles on three different game boards. The game includes 180 cards, 55 individual pieces, 16 dice, as well as a 3D Theed Palace. It costs as much as $1,000, so start saving now. (Pictured above is a different Star Wars board game.)
Swarovski Scrabble Features 30,000 Crystals
Hasbro celebrated the 60th diamond anniversary of Scrabble in 2008 by designing a Swarovski board encrusted with crystals. There are actually 30,000 crystals on the glittering board, but no matter how much you love this version of the game, you're unlikely to get your hands on it.
This particular game was sold on eBay for about $20,000 over 10 years ago. The money was donated to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn. It's unclear whether more than one copy was made of the crystal Scrabble board, but we believe it's the only one in existence.
The FAO Schwarz One-of-a-Kind Monopoly Comes With Real Money & A Board Made Of Gemstones
Only the really wealthy would pony up this much cash for a game of Monopoly. The FAO Schwarz One-of-a-Kind Monopoly game was designed by the famous New York toy store in 2000. It sold for a staggering $100,000. But once you know the details, you'll understand a little better why it cost so much.
The game has a rosewood board with a Napolino leather case. The playing pieces, houses, and hotels are all made with 18-carat gold, and the board is inlaid with rubies, emeralds, and sapphires. The best part? The game comes with ACTUAL MONEY ($15,140 to be exact).
