Monopoly pieces retired over the years have created a fascinating secondary market, with some vintage tokens selling for hundreds of dollars at auction. Hasbro, the game's publisher, has removed and replaced multiple iconic tokens since the game's debut in 1935, and collectors now track these retired pieces with serious dedication.
The problem is that most players don't know which monopoly pieces retired, when it happened, or whether their old game box holds hidden value. This guide covers the complete history of retired Monopoly tokens, which pieces are worth money, how to identify authentic vintage pieces, and what the future holds for token changes.
The Complete History of Retired Monopoly Tokens
The original 1935 Monopoly game included six metal tokens: the thimble, top hat, iron, boot, battleship, and cannon. According to Hasbro's official Monopoly history page, the cannon was among the first monopoly pieces retired, disappearing from standard sets after the 1940s. The iron followed decades later, voted out by fans in 2013.
The thimble and boot met their end in 2017 when Hasbro ran a global "Save Your Token" vote. Hasbro's official announcement confirmed that over 4 million votes were cast worldwide across more than 100 countries, making it one of the largest fan-driven product changes in board game history.
The thimble received the fewest votes and was retired, replaced by a T-Rex. The boot was also removed during this same vote, making way for a penguin. Understanding which monopoly pieces retired in each era helps collectors date their sets accurately.
A common scenario involves someone finding an old Monopoly set in an attic and wondering if the tokens inside are valuable. Most post-1950 sets contain common tokens worth only a few dollars. The real value lies in pre-war pieces and specific production variations.
How to apply this: Check your Monopoly box for a copyright date — sets printed before 1950 with the original six tokens are the ones collectors actively seek.
Which Retired Monopoly Pieces Are Worth Real Money?
Not all monopoly pieces retired from circulation carry equal value. The original cannon token, produced only from 1935 to the early 1940s, commands the highest prices among retired standard tokens. Auction records from major collectibles platforms show individual vintage cannon tokens selling between $50 and $150 depending on condition.
The iron, retired in 2013, has a more modest market. Because millions of irons were produced over nearly 80 years, most sell for $5 to $15. However, irons from the earliest production runs with specific manufacturing marks can fetch more from serious collectors.
The thimble and boot retired in 2017 have not yet developed significant collector value. Supply remains abundant, and most sell for under $10. Value accrues slowly for mass-produced game pieces.
| Token | Years in Production | Typical Resale Value | Action to Take |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cannon | 1935–1940s | $50–$150 | Check for original set box |
| Iron | 1935–2013 | $5–$15 | Verify pre-1950 production |
| Thimble | 1935–2017 | $3–$10 | Hold for long-term value |
| Boot | 1935–2017 | $3–$10 | Hold for long-term value |
| Lantern (prototype) | Never mass-produced | $500+ | Verify authenticity carefully |
The lantern token is a special case. It appeared in early promotional materials but was never included in standard production sets. Hasbro's archives reference this prototype, and surviving examples are exceptionally rare — making it the holy grail among monopoly pieces retired before mass production even began.
How to apply this: Photograph your tokens next to a ruler and compare them against collector reference guides on sites like WorthPoint before listing anything for sale.
How to Identify Authentic Vintage Retired Tokens
Counterfeit and reproduction tokens have flooded online marketplaces, making authentication essential for anyone buying or selling monopoly pieces retired from production. The most reliable method is examining the metal composition and manufacturing marks.
Pre-war tokens were die-cast from a zinc alloy and have a distinctive weight and feel. Post-war tokens used different alloys that are lighter and have a slightly different color.
According to Mary Couzin, founder of the Chicago Toy and Game Group, "The original 1935 tokens have a heft and patina that modern reproductions simply cannot replicate — collectors learn to identify them by touch as much as by sight."
The cannon is the most frequently counterfeited of the monopoly pieces retired due to its high value. Authentic cannons have a visible mold seam running along the barrel and a specific base thickness. Reproductions often lack these details or have them in the wrong position.
Google Lens can help you quickly compare your token against verified images from collector databases. Take a clear photo and run a visual search to spot obvious mismatches.
How to apply this: Weigh your token on a kitchen scale — authentic pre-war tokens typically weigh between 8 and 12 grams, while most reproductions fall outside this range.
The Fan Votes That Changed Monopoly Forever
Hasbro's decision to let fans vote on monopoly pieces retired from the game transformed how the company approaches product changes. The 2013 vote that retired the iron was the first time Hasbro opened token selection to public voting. The cat token won that vote and replaced the iron.
The 2017 vote expanded this approach. Hasbro's official news release stated that the campaign generated over 4 million votes from 146 countries. The T-Rex, penguin, and rubber duck were the three new tokens introduced, replacing the thimble, boot, and wheelbarrow. For fans tracking monopoly pieces retired over time, these votes mark the clearest turning points in the game's token history.
This democratic approach has not been without controversy. Long-time players have criticized the removal of classic tokens, arguing that nostalgia should outweigh novelty. Hasbro has responded by occasionally releasing special edition sets that include retired tokens alongside new ones.
How to apply this: Search for "Monopoly Token Madness" special edition sets, which include both current and retired tokens in a single box — an easy way to own the full history without paying auction prices.
Where to Buy and Sell Retired Monopoly Pieces Safely
The secondary market for monopoly pieces retired from production operates across several platforms, each with different risk profiles. eBay remains the largest marketplace, but buyers should filter for authenticated listings and check seller feedback carefully.
Specialty board game marketplaces like BoardGameGeek maintain active trading forums where collectors buy and sell individual tokens. The community there provides price history and authenticity discussions that help new collectors avoid overpaying. Because monopoly pieces retired decades ago lack official certification, community expertise is often your best protection.
Etsy has become a surprising source for vintage game pieces, with many sellers offering individual retired tokens. Prices there tend to run slightly higher than eBay but with better condition documentation in many listings.
Local antique shops and estate sales offer the best opportunity to find undervalued tokens. Sellers at these venues often don't know the collector value of individual pieces, especially when selling complete vintage sets.
How to apply this: Before buying any token online, check completed listings on eBay to see actual sale prices — not asking prices — for comparable pieces in similar condition.
Frequently Asked Questions About monopoly pieces retired
Why did Hasbro retire the thimble token?
Hasbro retired the thimble after it received the fewest votes in the 2017 Save Your Token campaign. The company wanted to refresh the game's appeal for younger players while giving fans a voice in the decision. If you own a thimble from a pre-2017 set, it remains playable and has not lost functionality — only its production status changed.
Hasbro chose monopoly pieces retired by fan vote, and the thimble simply lost the 2017 Save Your Token campaign. Understanding why certain monopoly pieces retired helps collectors appreciate how the game evolved to appeal to younger players.
Checking the mold seam, barrel texture, and weight will confirm whether your cannon is among the original monopoly pieces retired from the 1935 set.
Can I still buy a Monopoly set with retired pieces?
Yes, Hasbro occasionally releases special edition and anniversary sets that include monopoly pieces retired from standard production. These sets typically bundle classic tokens like the thimble and boot alongside current tokens. Availability is limited to specific retail windows, so checking Hasbro's official store or major retailers during holiday seasons is your best bet.
Are retired Monopoly pieces made of real silver or gold?
No standard Monopoly token was ever made from precious metals. The monopoly pieces retired over the decades were die-cast from zinc alloy, then plated or painted. The Franklin Mint produced a luxury Monopoly set with sterling silver tokens in the 1990s, but these were licensed collectibles, not standard game pieces.
How do I know if my cannon token is from the original 1935 set?
Original cannon tokens have a specific mold seam location, a slightly rough texture on the barrel, and weigh approximately 10 grams. Reproductions often have smoother finishes and different weight. Cross-reference your piece against authenticated photos from collector databases before paying for professional appraisal.
Many collectors ask how to identify original cannon tokens from before monopoly pieces retired in later editions.
Will Hasbro retire more tokens in the future?
Hasbro has not announced plans to retire additional tokens, but the company's pattern of periodic fan votes suggests future changes are possible. The monopoly pieces retired in 2013 and 2017 were both determined by public voting, and Hasbro has indicated this engagement model will continue for major product decisions.
Key Takeaways
- The cannon is the most valuable retired token, selling for $50 to $150 in good condition
- The iron, thimble, and boot were retired through fan votes in 2013 and 2017
- Authentication matters — weigh tokens and check mold seams before buying
- Special edition sets offer an affordable way to own retired pieces
- Knowing which monopoly pieces retired and when they left production helps you spot undervalued finds at estate sales and antique shops
Your next step is simple: pull out any old Monopoly sets you own, photograph the tokens, and compare them against the values and identification tips in this guide. You might be sitting on a small collector's treasure without knowing it.
