In January 2017, Hasbro’s Monopoly made news with its Token Madness Vote, which allowed fans to select the next generation of the eight game pieces. Voted off the board were the blue-collar thimble, wheelbarrow and boot, replaced with a trendy rubber ducky, penguin and T-Rex. And did you know that in 2013 the tiny iron was ditched in favor of a cute cat? That’s understandable.
This iconic board game reflected the times. In the early 20th century, Monopoly appeared as The Landlord’s Game designed by Elizabeth Magie as a political economic statement. By 1933, a series of land buying/selling games morphed into the Parker Brothers’ Monopoly version we know.
Now, in the early 21st century, there are hundreds of editions:
From Angry Birds to Jurassic World to Zombie-opoly.
Not only has the game’s editions and playing pieces changed. Look closely at these two orange Chance cards. Left, is the 1936 version. Right – An additional 1998 copyright.
In 1936, Rich Uncle Pennybags put up his feet and relaxed puffing on a big, fat cigar. However, by 1998, Mr. Monopoly had given up his unhealthy habit. Notice too, the image is just a tad smaller, saving money on ink over millions of printings. So, Hasbro stays politically correct and penny-wise. Good Business!
When buying a Monopoly game for resale, I rarely consider the condition of the box. It’s what’s inside that counts. Break down the elements: tokens, houses/hotels, deeds, money, Community Chest/Chance cards, dice, instructions and the game board.
Sure, people need replacement pieces. Crafters want the pewter tokens and other objects for jewelry, too.
Educators use the plastic buildings and paper money as math manipulatives.
Even the colorful boards sell to become tabletops or wall hangings.
A one-dollar investment can open up a big profit in a game box.
