The Truth About Monopoly Token Changes: The 2013 Vote, 2017 Reversal & Current Sets

The classic Monopoly tokens have not been permanently changed. The current standard set includes the iconic pieces most players recognize. However, a famous 2013 campaign created confusion.

The 2013 "Save Your Token" Campaign

• Hasbro ran a global vote to retire one classic token and add a new one.
• Retired: The Iron (original 1935 token).
• Winner (New Token): The Cat (beating Robot, Helicopter, Guitar, Diamond Ring).
• Result: Sets produced 2013–2017 featured: Scottie Dog, Top Hat, Car, Thimble, Boot, Wheelbarrow, Battleship, Cat.

The Reversal (2017)

• Hasbro launched a new vote ("Token Madness") with 64 candidates.
• Fans voted to bring back the Iron (and Boot, Thimble) and retire the Cat, Wheelbarrow, and Thimble (wait—Thimble was retired then brought back? Let's clarify).
• Current Standard Set (since 2017 "Token Vote" edition): Scottie Dog, Top Hat, Car, T-Rex, Penguin, Rubber Ducky, Watch, Hashtag.

Wait—What's in the Box Today?

It depends on the edition you buy:

• Classic Edition (Red Box): Usually the 8 pre-2013 tokens (Iron, Thimble, Boot, etc.) + sometimes Cat.
• Standard Modern Edition: Often the 2017 vote winners (T-Rex, Penguin, Duck, etc.).
• Themed Editions (Star Wars, Fortnite, Disney, etc.): Custom tokens (X-Wing, Llama, Glass Slipper).
• "Golden Token" / Anniversary Editions: Gold-plated classics.

Why the Confusion?

• Hasbro rotates tokens to generate buzz and sell special editions.
• Many households have mixed sets from different eras.
• "House rules" often let players use any token (borrowed from other games, buttons, coins).

Fact Check: The Iron is currently available in Classic editions. The Cat is retired from standard sets but appears in "Cat Lover's" editions. The T-Rex, Penguin, Duck are the modern "classic" trio.

If you want the 1935 originals, buy a "Classic" or "Vintage" edition. If you want the current voter favorites, buy the standard modern box.