15 Vintage Board Games That Are Surprisingly Valuable
Family game nights may have come and gone, but those vintage board games you have stored in your attic may still be worth dusting off. Like well-worn cassette tapes and VHS tapes, old board games could be worth a small fortune today. From “The Wonderful Game of Oz” to “Fireball Island,” these games have become highly sought-after collectibles.
Here are some of the most valuable vintage board games, along with their recent sale or listed prices.
1. ‘Star Wars: Escape From Death Star’
“Star Wars” fans will remember this one. Released at the height of “Star Wars” mania, this game invites players to relive the excitement of the movie as they attempt to escape the Death Star and make their way to the Rebel base. Sealed versions of this game are listed for as much as $175 to $300 on eBay, with used versions listing for over $100 (depending on their condition).
2. ‘The Adventures of Superman’ and ‘Calling Superman’
Superman fanatics will often pay top dollar for anything Superman branded, and these board games are no exception. The pair sold for $225 at auction, and you can find single Superman games listed for more than $1,000 on eBay.
3. ‘The Game of Life’ (First Edition)
The modern version of Milton Bradley’s “The Game of Life” debuted in 1960 and quickly became a favorite in many households. The game mimics a person’s journey through life with notable milestones along the way (babies! promotions! graduation!). If you stumble across a first edition in excellent condition, especially with all their original pieces and instructions, you can expect to see it listed for $500. Even used editions can bring in $100 to $200, depending on their condition.
4. ‘Le Mans’
Believe it or not, someone paid $200 for this somewhat tattered version of Le Mans at auction. It just goes to show that there’s a market for items dedicated to the famous car race.
5. ‘Monopoly’ (White Box and Black Box Editions)
If you have one of the earliest versions of “Monopoly,” known as the White Box and Black Box editions, you’re in luck. These pre-date the more common versions of the game and were produced by Parker Brothers in the mid-1930s. Authentic White Box or Black Box editions are listed for as much as $6,000 if in good condition, while incomplete sets can bring in several hundred dollars.
6. ‘The Wonderful Game of Oz’
Made by Parker Brothers Inc. in 1921, this illustrated board game depicts a winding trail through the world of Oz. It sold for a whopping $2,200 at auction, though you can find one for a more “reasonable” $550 on eBay
7. ‘Dark Tower’
“Dark Tower” was a groundbreaking electronic board game in the early 1980s. Players embark on a quest to defeat the dark tower while interacting with a central electronic tower that controls the game. Complete sets of “Dark Tower” have become incredibly valuable, with some listing for around $600.
8. ‘Mystery Date’
Cue the squeals! This classic ’60s game was a favorite among teenagers. Players would prepare for a date with the goal of opening the door to reveal their “mystery date” — a handsome or less-desirable suitor. You’ll find vintage editions of “Mystery Date” in good condition listed for $100 to $200.
9. ‘King Oil’
“King Oil” was a strategy game in which players drilled for oil and built pipelines. The game’s innovative mechanics and 3D board made it unique for its time (though it’s anti-eco-friendly messaging is left to be desired). Complete sets of “King Oil” have been known to list for $100 to $400, with higher prices for those in excellent condition or still sealed.
10. ‘Masterpiece’
In this art auction game, players buy, sell, and auction off famous paintings, many of which could be forgeries. The game combines strategy and bluffing, making it a hit with collectors. Well-preserved editions of “Masterpiece” have been known to fetch between $100 and $200.
11. ‘Fireball Island’
Known for its unique 3D board and interactive play, “Fireball Island” is a collector’s favorite. Players race around an island, avoiding careening “fireballs” and trying to steal a jewel. Complete versions of this board game in good condition often list for $300 to $600; vintage versions remain highly sought after.
12. ‘Seance’
This eerie game allows players to communicate with the spirit of a recently departed rich uncle to try and inherit his fortune (scandalous!). It’s become a cult classic among board game collectors, with rare and complete sets of “Seance” listed for $200 to $500, depending on their condition.
13. ‘Clue’ (First Edition)
The original version of the popular murder-mystery game “Clue” is highly sought after, especially early editions with the original art and game pieces. First edition “Clue” games from the 1950s can sell for over $300 — bonus points if they’re in good condition. Even well-used sets can list for around $150.
14. ‘HeroQuest’
“HeroQuest” was a fantasy-themed dungeon crawler game, combining the best aspects of board games and role-playing games. If yours is in good condition and you don’t mind parting ways, consider selling it: You can find complete sets of “HeroQuest” for $300 to $1,000.
15. ‘Barbie Queen of the Prom’
Attention all Barbie collectors! In this classic game, players compete to become Barbie’s prom queen, completing a series of tasks like finding the perfect dress and the ideal date. “Barbie Queen of the Prom” games in excellent condition can be found for around $125 on eBay, especially if all the pieces are intact.