WHAT ARE THEY?
Old board and boxed games, such as the Merry Game of Old Maid and Pick-Up Sticks, are popular for their colorful, graphic appeal. The earliest games were produced in the 1820s, but even games from the 1970s are collectible.

HOW MUCH WILL I PAY?
Rarity and condition are key, says dealer Paul Fink. Small games in fair condition from the 1930s start at $5, while the larger, rarer Zippy Zepps game is valued at $900. A complete deck of Old Maid cards from the Victorian era costs $50 to $100; an incomplete set makes great art for a fraction of the cost.

DEALER TIP
A great resource is the Association of Game and Puzzle Collectors. The association’s Web site (agpc.org) offers original catalogs from game manufacturers and full directions for many games.

MORE TO KNOW
Big-name game companies like Parker Brothers and Milton Bradley have been making boxed games since the 1880s, and some of those games have survived all these years. Boxed games are fun to play as well as perfect for decorating. Games in really good condition with all of their pieces or in their original wrappers come with a premium price. “Focus your collection,” says Fink. “Whatever you’re interested in, collect those types of games, and you will enjoy it.”

Need ideas for how to display your favorite collections? We show you lots of fun ways.

Join the discussion about our 2008 Top 10 Collectibles with Collecting Editor Kelly Kunkel.