Monopoly pieces, also known as tokens, are used on the board game as identifiers for the different players in the game. They are supplied with the set and differ depending on the year of release and the Monopoly edition.
Did you know that there was a time when Monopoly pieces were not part of the set or that there was a time when there was such a shortage of metal that the pieces were made of a mix of sawdust and paper? You may be aware that Hasbro has, on a few occasions, allowed fans to vote for their favorite pieces, with the less popular ones ultimately being retired.
But did you also know that the thimble has made a comeback? More about that later, as we look at the standard Monopoly pieces that have been available for the last 86 years.
Versions of Monopoly Pieces
Before Parker Brothers bought the rights to the game in 1935, monopoly pieces were made of simple tokens that players would collect from around their houses, such as buttons.
When Parker Brothers took over, they brought Dowst Manufacturing Company, the makers of Tootsie toys, to produce their pieces.
The first pieces were made of a zinc alloy known as die-cast zinc. However, impurities in the manufacturing process made this material oxidize quickly, with the pieces turning black. Because of this, the manufacturer turned to a “better” material, so lead and tin mix pieces replaced the first sets in the 1930s.
The next big change in materials was occasioned by the war. With metals used to make the pieces needed by the armed forces and other more pressing necessities, Parker Brothers began supplying sets with wooden pieces. These wartime pieces looked like chess pieces, with the distinguishing feature being the different colors. Around this time, some versions of the unpopular tokens made from a mix of sawdust and paper appeared.
After the war, Parker Brothers and Dowst Manufacturing Company parted ways, and Parker Brothers started making Monopoly pieces in-house.
Over time, the company, which was to be bought by Hasbro in 1991, has made Monopoly pieces using rubber, plastic, and pewter. Most of the pieces that are currently available are made of pewter.
Special Monopoly pieces
While standard Monopoly sets worldwide use conventional pewter tokens, specially made and commemorative sets use various materials for playing pieces.
For instance, the “Franklin Mint” set has 24-karat gold-plated Monopoly pieces. The Sidney Mobell “Monopoly” set is made of 18-karat solid yellow gold and costs over $1.5 million.
Hasbro has also made it a tradition to keep its anniversary tokens interesting. For example, the 75th Anniversary “Revolution” edition used plastic tokens portraying the outlines of the original Dowst pieces. The brass 80th Anniversary edition was made, while the gold 85th Anniversary edition was made.
Monopoly pieces over time
Original pieces
- Top Hat
The token was based on Rich Uncle Pennybags’ hat and is the most iconic Monopoly piece of all time.
- Thimble
The thimble appeared in almost every version of the game until it was retired in 2017 due to poor ratings and replaced by the more modern T-Rex. However, the humble thimble made a surprise comeback in 2022.
- Iron
The iron was retired after being voted the second-least popular token in 1998. A true classic that died out in 2013 to be replaced by the cat.
- Boot
A true statement of its era, the boot was shaped after the work shoe of the 1930s. Together with the thimble and the wheelbarrow, the boot was replaced by a T-Rex, rubber ducky, and penguin in 2017.
- Battleship
This piece is somewhat of a Parker Brothers favorite. Before it moved to Monopoly, it was in their conflict game. After being dismissed from Monopoly, it has moved on to diplomacy. I won’t be surprised if it makes a comeback.
- Cannon
The cannon, a contemporary of the battleship in both the Conflict and Monopoly games, is now retired. Unlike most pieces, it went out quietly.
Late 1935 and 1936 pieces
- Racecar
The racecar, which looks like a 1930s roadster, has undergone several changes and at one time sported the number “3” on its side. A car with a driver has been used in its place on some versions over time.
- Purse
The purse, the eighth piece in the Monopoly family, has an odd history. In the early years, whenever Parker Brothers increased the number of players, they put the purse back, only to remove it when that decision was rescinded. This occasionally happened until it was finally retired in the early 1950s.
- Rocking Horse
A truly rare piece, the rocking horse was only around from the 1930s to the 1950s, and even then, only in a few editions of the game. A prized collector’s item for sure!
- Lantern
Also, as rare as the rocking horse, both were added and retired at the same time in the 1950s, when the wheelbarrow, the Scottie dog, and the horse and rider replaced them.
1950’s pieces
- Scottie Dog
One of the three new pieces to be added in the 1950s, it is also one of the most beloved Monopoly pieces of all time. Scottie Dog was fashioned to be Mr. Monopoly’s pup and has remained his trusty companion.
- Wheelbarrow
The wheelbarrow is said to have been included as a symbol of hard work and a tool for building properties, such as those around the board. It was retired in 2017, along with the thimble and boot.
- Horse and Rider
The horse and rider were retired before the Iron Man came out in 2013, and it was one of six pieces that Hasbro asked fans to vote on for a return in 2022. Ultimately, the thimble won.
Monopoly piece from 1999
- Sack of Money
In 1999, the sack of money was introduced as the first new piece added in over 40 years. However, it was phased out less than ten years after its introduction.
- Cat
The cat, also known as Hazel the Cat, defeated the diamond ring, a toy robot, a guitar, and the helicopter to become one of the favorite pieces on the board.
- T-Rex
In the January 2017 poll for new pieces, the Tyrannosaurus rex piece received more votes than any other potential game piece. In a twist of events that saw the comeback of the thimble, Hasbro announced in May 2022 that it would soon be extinct.
- Rubber Ducky
Since its debut in 2017, Monopoly fans have allowed the rubber ducky to roam the terrain where T-Rex has been shown the door.
- Penguin
Penguin was elected alongside T-Rex and the rubber duck in 2017 and is still popular among Monopoly players.
Summary of Monopoly Pieces, Past and Present
The table includes pieces that have made it to the standard Monopoly board game out of the hundreds proposed over time.
Conclusion
Whereas the themes of capitalism, work, and war seem to have influenced Monopoly pieces from the last century, animate objects seem to be more favored by Monopoly fans in the 21st century. In addition to introducing variants to the game since taking over in 1991, Hasbro has done a commendable job of moving the game forward by involving its fans in determining the kind of pieces they would like to see on set.
FAQs
What are the oldest Monopoly pieces?
The oldest Monopoly pieces are the top hat, thimble, boot, iron cannon, and battleship.
What are the most popular Monopoly pieces?
The most popular monopoly pieces of all time are the race car, top hat, Scottie dog, and thimble.
Which new Monopoly piece was retired in the shortest time?
The T-Rex, launched in 2017, was retired in 2022 after being on the board for about 5 years, which is the shortest time in recent history.
Jeff Griffin
Hi, my name is Jeff Griffin and I am 28 years old. I am passionate about everything Monopoly and have been playing for as long as I can remember. Monocity blog is my way of putting what I know to good use. In it, you will find a wide variety of Monopoly topics that are useful to both beginners and expert-level players. My love for the game and writing about it has made me a better player, and I can confidently say that I know it like the back of my hand.