For board game enthusiasts and collectors, Monopoly is a beloved classic that has stood the test of time. Its iconic board, pieces, and gameplay have been adapted into countless versions, each with its own unique twist. But for those who are serious about collecting Monopoly games, there are some rare and valuable editions out there that are worth seeking out. In this blog post, we'll explore some of the rarest and most valuable Monopoly games ever produced, and explain why having a custom designed game is priceless.
The oldest Monopoly version in the world was produced by the monopoly game’s inventor Charles Darrow. He hand-produced five thousand copies of the game. It’s a circular piece of oilcloth with drawn-on squares, cards, and wooden pieces. He produced these shortly after Parker Brothers originally declined to buy the concept, and after the tabletop game sold several copies and proved popular Parker Brothers made an offer. One of the original 5,000 games was purchased for $146,500 by the Strong National Museum of Play on Rochester, New York
Monopoly wouldn’t exist without Elizabeth Magie’s The Landlord’s Game. Magie’s game, which was based on the economic principles of Georgism, directly inspired Charles Darrow’s version of Monopoly. Between 1902 to 1903, Magie designed The Landlord’s Game and filed a patent in 1904. Around 1906, Magie and fellow Georgists formed Economic Game Company to produce and sell The Landlord’s Game. Magie tried to sell the game to Parker Brothers, but it was rejected for being too complicated. Despite this, The Landlord’s Game grew in popularity through word of mouth. Eventually, Parker Brothers did buy The Landlord’s Game in 1939, but it was quickly discontinued due to poor sales since Monopoly had exploded in popularity a few years earlier.
Another rare and valuable version of monopoly is the 1947 Black Box edition, which featured a black cardboard box and gold lettering, and was only produced for a limited time.
In addition to these rare editions, there are also some special editions that are highly sought after by collectors. For example, the 1985 Atlantic City edition is a rare version that was only produced in limited quantities, and features artwork inspired by the city. The 2008 Beijing Olympics edition, which was only available in China, is also highly sought after by collectors.
While these rare and valuable editions are certainly impressive, having a custom designed Monopoly game is truly priceless. Whether it's a game that is tailored to your business or a special edition for your family, a custom designed game is a one-of-a-kind treasure that is sure to be cherished for years to come. It allows you to create a game that reflects your unique vision and personality, and makes for a special gift that will stand out from the rest.
Dani Kates Designs offers the ability to create a fully customized Monopoly game that is tailored to your needs. Our experienced design team will work with you to create a game that is uniquely yours, from the board to the cards, box and money. The possibilities are endless, and you can create a game that is as personalized and special as you are.
Collecting Monopoly games can be a fascinating hobby, with some rare and valuable editions out there that are highly sought after by collectors. But for those who want something truly special and unique, creating a one of a kind personalized custom monopoly game is the ultimate gift. Learn more here!