Board Games Value & Price Guide
The world of collectible board games spans from pre-war classics to the iconic plastic-molded favorites of the 1960s and 70s. Whether you are hunting for rare early editions of Monopoly or nostalgic 1990s movie tie-ins, these items represent a unique blend of social history and tabletop art.
History of Board Games
Board games have evolved from simple folk pastimes into a massive global industry, with the early 20th century marking a golden age of mass production. The Great Depression saw the meteoric rise of Monopoly, which offered players a sense of financial control during economic hardship, while the post-war era introduced vibrant, character-driven games like Hungry Hungry Hippos and Jumanji that utilized new plastic manufacturing techniques. Over the decades, these games have transitioned from disposable toys to highly sought-after cultural artifacts. Collectors often focus on specific eras, such as the lithographed tin games of the 19th century or the pop-culture themed 'bookshelf' editions of the late 20th century, each reflecting the social values and entertainment trends of its time.
Value Factors for Board Games
- Completeness: The presence of all original wooden, metal, or plastic playing pieces.
- Box Art Integrity: The lack of fading, water damage, or tape marks on the cover illustration.
- Rarity and Edition: Limited production runs, anniversary editions, or early patent-pending versions.
- Nostalgia Demand: Current market trends favoring specific decades, such as the high demand for 1980s and 1990s childhood classics.
Tips for Buying Board Games
- Verify that all original components, including tokens, cards, and rulebooks, are present as missing pieces significantly reduce value.
- Check the condition of the box corners for splitting or 'shelf wear' which can impact the premium price of vintage titles.
- Look for first-edition markings or unique patent dates, especially on early 20th-century Parker Brothers and Milton Bradley releases.
- Prioritize games with unpunched cardboard components or sealed internal card decks for the highest investment potential.
Items in This Collection
- Monopoly Board Game Pieces
- Po-Ke-No
- Dominoes Set
- Marble Chess Board
- Wooden Backgammon Set
- Parker Brothers Monopoly
- Tudor Tru-Action Electric Football Game Model 500
- Milton Bradley Operation Board Game
- Jumanji Board Game
- Milton Bradley The Game of Life
- Star Wars Monopoly Limited Collector's Edition
- Vintage Wahoo Board Game
- San Loo Chinese Checkers
- The Mansion of Happiness Game
- Trivial Pursuit All-Star Sports Edition
- Lakeside Toys Barrel of Monkeys
- Milton Bradley Stratego Board Game
- Monopoly Nostalgia Edition
- Milton Bradley Chutes and Ladders Board Game
- Parker Brothers Monopoly Game
Have one in hand?
Snap it. Relic tells you what it is and what it's likely worth.
Scan yours with Relic →