Board games don't come much more iconic than Monopoly, which is has just reached its 90th anniversary. 

The game, which was launched in 1935, has sold more than 275million copies worldwide and has been translated into 47 languages.

First published by US firm Parker Brothers, it was then licensed to Leeds-based Waddingtons, which created the Monopoly set featuring London locations that is commonplace on this side of the Atlantic.

It has become an indelible part of so many family gatherings, Christmases and rainy weekends in Britain.

British intelligence services even created a set containing hidden escape tools to be sent to wartime prisoners in the Second World War.

While very few are likely to have their hands on one of these wartime Monopoly sets, but you might own a set that could net you hundreds, if not thousands, of pounds, hiding at the back of a cupboard.

Equally unlikely, is a set as unique as a complete Monopoly set handmade by its creator Charles Darrow in 1933, that sold at auction in 2010 for an eye-watering $146,000 to the New York-based Museum of Play.

While that game was one-of-a-kind, there are other rare and valuable monopoly sets which could be gathering dust in Britain's attics. 

Antiques specialist Kayleigh Davies of auction website, Auctionet, said: 'Monopoly isn't just a game, it's part of popular culture, and remains largely unchanged in its 90 year history. 

'This positively affects its status as a collectible, and luxury editions of the game can fetch a high price.'

A Franklin Mint Collector's Edition set will routinely sell for well over £100. Davies says these sets can sell for between £300 and £400.

The set includes a mahogany box with the board built in, as well as gold-coloured playing pieces.

For versions that include the original game table specifically built for the collector's edition set, the price is much higher.

In 2023, a set with one of these game tables and a certificate of authenticity, sold for £1,841.

Earlier this month, the glass protector for these collector's editions alone sold on Ebay for more than $100.

Meanwhile, Davies says some limited-edition sets can also fetch a high price.

An East Grinstead edition that included gold playing pieces, of which just seven were produced, sold for a rumoured £2,000 in 2020, Davies said.

Likewise, editions produced during the Second World War, often sell for more than £40, due to the fact that they come with a spinner instead of a die, and wooden playing pieces due to wartime shortages.

One of these wartime sets sold for around £70 on Ebay earlier this year.

Davies said: 'With board games, collectability is related to originality, unique components, cult followings or links to media franchises.

To find out if a set you own could be worth more than you think, Davies says you should 'check the age, the originality and condition of the item.

She added: 'If you can verify its origin this will make it particularly valuable, sales receipts and dated packaging can help in this regard.'

Beyond Monopoly, there are a number of other board games that might fetch a handsome price at resale, with 1960s James Bond themed game 007 Underwater Battle, for example, selling for between £200 and £800 at auction.

Do you have a rare board game that might be worth a tidy sum? Email [email protected] 

The Royal Mint reveals Monopoly 50p coin

The Royal Mint has launched a commemorative 50 pence coin celebrating the 90th anniversary of Monopoly.

The coin, which shows Mr Monopoly, playing pieces and property cards, can be purchased from the Royal Mint for £15, and is available in colour, silver and gold options.

The coin also has a lenticular feature on the 'GO' symbol, that transitions to the M money symbol when the coin is titled, The Royal Mint said.

Rebecca Morgan, director of commemorative coin at the Royal Mint, said: 'For nearly 90 years, families have been trading millions in Monopoly currency around kitchen tables, and now we're celebrating that beloved tradition with this collectible coin.

'We anticipate collectors, whether passionate about Monopoly or coins, will treasure this as a unique addition to their collections.'