How to Date a Monopoly Game: Copyright, Components & Editions

Monopoly has been reprinted 1000+ times since 1935. Dating yours requires cross-referencing multiple clues:

1. Copyright Date (Primary)

Board: Bottom center, under "MONOPOLY" — e.g., "© 1935 Parker Brothers Inc."
Box bottom/back: Often same or later (reprint year).
Rulebook: Inside cover — "Copyright 19XX / Revised 19XX."

"The Classic Edition" / "Standard Edition" / "Collector's Edition" — printed on box lid.
Token set: Pre-1990s = metal (iron, thimble, cannon); 1990s–2000s = pewter; 2013+ = "Golden Token" vote winners (cat, helicopter, etc.).
Money: Pre-2008 = colored paper ($1 white, $5 pink...); 2008+ = "Monopoly Money" design (uniform color per denom).
Board art: Property illustrations changed 1990s (photos), 2008 (graphic redesign), 2021 (community chest updates).

Box construction: Telescoping (pre-1990s) vs. tuck-box (modern).
Insert: Molded plastic (1980s–2000s) vs. cardboard platform (recent).
Patent numbers: "Pat. Pend." or "2,026,082" (original 1935 patent) on early boards.

Mint 1990s set can look newer than played 1970s set. Use **copyright + components** together.

Era	Tokens	Money	Box
1935–1940s	Metal (iron, lantern, purse...)	White/orange/yellow/blue/pink	Black long box, gold text
1950s–60s	Metal (cannon, horse, car...)	Same colors	Graphic board on lid
1970s–80s	Pewter versions appear	Standard colors	Telescoping, photo lid
1990s–2007	Pewter standard	Standard colors	Telescoping, "Classic Edition"
2008–2013	Pewter	New uniform design	Square, "Monopoly" banner
2013+	Voted tokens (cat, T-rex...)	New design	Various (anniversary, etc.)

Combine 2+ clues for confident dating.

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