Are Old Games Worth Anything? A Guide for Finding Hidden Treasures

As an avid board game collector myself, I‘m often asked if those dusty old games gathering dust in basements and attics are worth holding onto or tossing out. My answer? It depends! While most mass-produced games have little value, some rare gems could be worth a small fortune to the right buyer.

In this in-depth guide, I‘ll show you how to assess an old board game‘s value, spotlight some potentially pricey picks, and give you insider tips to maximize returns on your vintage game investments. Ready to find out if your old games are worthless – or perhaps worth thousands? Let‘s play!

A Brief History of Board Games

Before we dive into valuations, it helps to understand how board games evolved over time. Tracing back 5,000+ years, some of the earliest games originated in Ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia. The Royal Game of Ur dates back to 2,600 BCE!

Board games continued to thrive for centuries, with chess emerging in India by the 6th century. By the Victorian era, games emphasizing morality and education were popular for children. In the early 1900s, games evolved from simple pastimes to competitive tabletop recreations involving skill and strategy.

Iconic games like Monopoly and Clue launched in the 1930s, produced by major companies like Parker Brothers. Mass manufacturing led to the "Golden Age" of board games in America, making them affordable and accessible to all. Let‘s fast forward to today – with tabletop games still going strong!

Why You Shouldn‘t Toss Old Games Just Yet!

When you stumble on a 60‘s era Monopoly set at a garage sale, it can be tempting to dismiss it as worthless junk. But don‘t be so quick to turn up your nose! While it‘s true most common household games have little resale value, it‘s possible you could have a rare gem worth hundreds or even thousands in your possession!

For instance, a first edition 1963 Monopoly set sold for over $146,000 in 2011 thanks to its pristine condition and desirable vintage status! So unless you‘re absolutely sure it‘s a recent remake, don‘t toss an old board game until you‘ve had it appraised. Let‘s look at the key factors that impact value:

Key Factors That Make Old Board Games Valuable

If you think you may have stumbled upon a potentially precious board game during spring cleaning, here are the top factors that add value:

Age

In general, the older the game the more valuable to collectors. Games made in the 1800s and early 1900s tend to fetch premium prices. For example, this 1887 Bulls and Bears finance game sold for $3,450! Condition is especially important for ultra-rare antique games.

Era	Typical Value Range
Pre-1900	$100 – $10,000+
1900s – 1920s	$20 – $5,000+
1930s – 1950s	$5 – $2,000+
1960s – 1970s	$2 – $500+
Modern (1980s+)	$1 – $100

Rarity

Common games mass-produced by the thousands, such as 1960s Monopoly sets, have little worth. But limited edition games or those with small print runs sell for a premium. Unique one-of-a-kind prototypes can also skyrocket values.

Condition

Games in perfect shape are far more valuable. Boxes and boards should have minimal wear, with all pieces present. Even a missing pawn can tank value, so make sure your old games are complete! Grading the condition is key.

Desirability

Certain themes like early war simulation, Old West, or steamship games are popular with collectors and boost appeal. Offensive content we may frown upon today, like colonial themes, can also make them more valuable and intriguing.

Branding

Major companies like Parker Brothers, Selchow & Righter, and Milton Bradley add brand recognition. Lesser known publishers typically decrease value unless the game was extremely limited.

Sentimental Factors

Beyond monetary worth, many collectors seek old games they have fond childhood memories of or that represent important cultural icons. This nostalgia can increase desirability.

Spotlight: Some of the Most Valuable Vintage Board Games

Now let‘s spotlight some of the old games that can be worth a treasure trove to the right buyers. I‘ll highlight why these are coveted by collectors and provide estimated values:

Pre-1900 Games

Extremely early board games from the Victorian era or earlier can sell for jaw-dropping sums. Here are some of the most noteworthy:

• Traveller‘s Tour Through the United States (1822) – This American travel game sold for $15,500 in 2013. Less than 10 copies are known to exist.

• A Journey Through Europe (1897) – A nearly pristine copy of this 19th century game sold for $12,000 in 2009. The very first edition remains elusive.

• The Mansion of Happiness (1843) – This early American moral game can sell for $5,000 or more for early editions in excellent condition.

First Edition Classics

First printings of mass-produced 1930s-1960s games sell for a premium over modern versions:

• Monopoly (1935) – First editions in good shape can easily fetch $2,000-$4,000. Near-mint sells for $10,000+.

• Clue (1949) – First editions in the rare round box sell for around $1,000. The standard rectangular box goes for $500+.

• Risk (1959) – Near-mint copies of the first edition can sell for $800-$1,500.

• Twister (1966) – A first edition Twister in the iconic big box sold for $16,000 in 2012!

Rare War & Economic Games

Early 20th century war and economic simulation games are sought after by history buff collectors:

• War of Destruction (1938) – This extremely scarce WWII game focusing on Hitler sold for $2,400 in 2021. Less than 10 copies are known to exist.

• Raid on Iran (1980) – Simulating a US operation in Iran, this controversial game now sells for $1,000-$2,000.

• War of the Ring (1977) – Based on Lord of the Rings, this epic fantasy war game sells for $300-$800.

• Bulls and Bears (1883) – Rare 19th century economic games like this can fetch $1,000-$3,000 based on condition.

Vintage 3M Bookshelf Games

3M‘s line of creative 1960s and 70s "bookshelf games" have surged in value in recent years:

• Acquire (1962) – This business-themed game regularly sells for $60-$100+. Near-mint copies with wooden tiles can fetch $300+.

• Twixt (1962) – First editions of this abstract strategy game sell for $100-$300.

• Feudal (1967) – Based on medieval fiefdoms, this super rare 3M game sells for $400-$800.

• Executive Decision (1970) – This corporate ladder climbing game now sells for $50-$100.

Pop Culture Games

Old games with licensed themes from movies, TV, and celebrities have nostalgic appeal:

• James Bond 007 (1983) – This spy game based on Connery‘s films sells for $100-$300.

• The Dukes of Hazzard (1984) – Games featuring pop culture icons like the Duke boys can get $100+.

• Captain Kirk‘s Guide to the Universe (1978) – This rare Star Trek game sells for up to $500.

• Grease (1978) – The Grease game cashing in on the hit film sells for $50-$150+.

Where to Buy & Sell Valuable Vintage Games

Once you‘ve determined an old game has legitimate collector‘s value, where can you sell it for top dollar? Here are some top options:

• eBay – This massive online auction is ideal for connecting with collectors worldwide and driving up bidding wars. Do price research to start auctions at an attractive opening price.

• BoardGameGeek – This hub for tabletop enthusiasts has an extensive buy/sell marketplace perfect for showcasing rare games to diehard hobbyists.

• Noble Knight Games – This specialty retailer focuses exclusively on buying and selling new and used rare games.

• LiveAuctioneers – Top results can come from premier auction sites like LiveAuctioneers, which recently featured a $14,000 antique game auction!

• Local Game Stores – Ask local game shops if they buy used inventory – some do and can be quick and convenient.

• Collector Conventions – Displaying games at collector‘s conventions or flea markets allows exposure to passionate buyers who may pay top dollar on the spot for items on their wishlist!

Cleaning, Storing & Repairing to Preserve Value

Before selling vintage board games, make sure they are cleaned, organized, and complete to maximize collectibility. Here are some tips:

• Carefully wipe game boards and pieces with a microfiber cloth to remove dust and debris that can detract from condition and value.

• Organize all pieces in small ziploc bags so buyers can inspect completeness. Rummaging to find all parts can turn off potential bidders.

• Store games in a cool, dry place away from sunlight and humidity which can warp boards and wear down components.

• Use archival plastic bags and acid-free boxes designed for comics and cards to protect valuable games in storage or shipping.

• Utilize specialty hobby shops to help repair or replace damaged, yellowed, or missing game pieces. Restoration is preferable to deducting value for defects.

Trust Your Gut – You Might Be Sitting on a Goldmine!

As an experienced game collector, my advice when you stumble upon an old board game is to trust your instincts. Even if a game looks like a typical 1970s Monopoly set, the off chance it could be a rare first edition or prototype makes it worth investigating further.

The bottom line – don‘t prematurely toss old board games until you‘ve done some homework to make sure you aren‘t throwing away a potential jackpot! With the right rarity, age, condition, and bit of luck, that dusty box forgotten in your basement may just be worth remembering after all.

So go grab those vintage games gathering cobwebs and let‘s uncover their true value together! I hope this guide gives you tips to confidently assess if your old board games are worthless or perhaps worth a small fortune. Here‘s to uncovering hidden gaming treasures!