Board games have evolved from family pastimes to ultra-luxury status symbols, where $2 million chess sets and gold-plated Monopoly editions redefine entertainment for the elite. These aren’t just games—they’re handcrafted masterpieces, historical artifacts, and even appreciating investments for collectors with deep pockets.
What makes a board game worth more than a sports car? From diamond-encrusted backgammon sets to one-of-a-kind Monopoly boards, we reveal the most expensive board games ever created—and why they’re coveted by billionaires and royalty.
1. The Jewel Royale Chess Set – $2.3 Million
History & Significance
Crafted by Boucheron, this 18k gold and platinum chess set features 242 black and white diamonds (total 186.09 carats). Each piece is a miniature work of art, with the kings standing 4.5 inches tall.
Price & Rarity
- Cost: $2.3 million
- Why So Expensive?
- Took 4,500 hours to create
- Pawns set with 2-carat diamonds
- Only 1 exists (commissioned by a Dubai sheikh)
Where to Find Similar
- Boucheron’s High Jewelry Collections (Paris)
- Sotheby’s “Magnificent Jewels” auctions
2. The Gold-Plated Monopoly Set – $2 Million
History & Significance
Created by San Francisco jeweler Sidney Mobell, this 18k gold Monopoly set includes:
- Diamond-studded dice
- Emerald hotels and ruby houses
- Solid gold playing tokens
Price & Rarity
- Cost: $2 million
- Why So Expensive?
- Weighs 103 lbs (47 kg)
- Featured in the Forbes Collection
- Most expensive Monopoly set ever made
Where to Find Similar
- Mobell’s Golden Gallery (San Francisco)
- The Strong Museum of Play (displayed occasionally)
3. The Charles Hollander Backgammon Set – $1.2 Million
History & Significance
This walnut and mother-of-pearl backgammon board is inlaid with 167 carats of sapphires and rubies. Commissioned by a Saudi prince in the 1980s.
Price & Rarity
- Cost: $1.2 million
- Why So Expensive?
- Hand-carved by a single artisan over 3 years
- Doubles as a jewelry box (hidden compartments)
- Only 2 exist
Where to Find Similar
- Christie’s “Exceptional Luxury” auctions
- Private Middle Eastern collectors
4. The Louis Vuitton Trunk Checkers Set – $500K
History & Significance
Part of LV’s “Les Petits Nomades” collection, this custom leather and palladium checkers set comes in a handmade travel trunk.
Price & Rarity
- Cost: $500,000
- Why So Expensive?
- Checkerboard made of stingray leather
- Pieces cast from meteorite metal
- Takes 6 months to produce
Where to Find Similar
- Louis Vuitton Haute Maroquinerie (by appointment)
- Rare trunk auctions at Bonhams
5. The Titanic Memorial Chess Set – $250K
History & Significance
Created from actual coal and wood salvaged from the Titanic, this 1912-themed chess set has pieces modeled after passengers and crew.
Price & Rarity
- Cost: $250,000
- Why So Expensive?
- Contains authenticated Titanic artifacts
- King piece modeled after Captain Smith
- Only 5 sets exist
Where to Find Similar
- Titanic Museum auctions
- Maritime artifact collectors
Conclusion: Board Games as Priceless Art
These multi-million-dollar games prove that playtime can be priceless. For collectors, they represent history, craftsmanship, and ultimate bragging rights.
