Collector Amasses World’s Largest Monopoly Collection,Boasting Over 4,300 Sets
A dedicated collector has cemented thier place in record books with a staggering collection of over 4,300 different editions of the classic board game Monopoly.The collection, a decades-long pursuit, has earned the enthusiast four Guinness World Records and a devoted following within the collecting community.
The journey began modestly,with the purchase of a classic Monopoly set as a souvenir during a holiday in the collector’s 30s. “It was the one everyone had – the classic edition with Mr. Monopoly on the box,” the collector recalled. Little did they know that initial purchase would blossom into an obsession spanning 25 years.
Last year,Guinness World Records officials spent an entire day meticulously counting the collection housed in a rented warehouse. The final tally: 4,379 unique Monopoly sets, marking the fourth time the collector has broken the record.
The most valuable set currently owned is a limited-edition silver Monopoly from London, originally valued at £2,500, which was acquired for a substantially lower price on eBay.
Interestingly, the collector’s passion isn’t fueled by a love of playing the game.”To me,the fun in Monopoly isn’t really in playing it. Once you open the box, you lose about 90% of its value.” As an inevitable result, nearly all sets remain sealed, treated more like valuable artifacts then entertainment. “if I had a flashy Rolls-Royce, I wouldn’t drive it through the mud – that’s how I see my collection,” they explained.
The unusual hobby has drawn its share of skepticism. “People think its mad – my girlfriend especially. She gets wound up becuase the sets take up space and cost money,” the collector admitted. Despite the concerns, the collector remains undeterred, citing the game’s widespread recognition as a key factor in its appeal. “People often ask me: why Monopoly? Why not postcards or stamps? I think it’s because Monopoly is so recognisable.”
The early days of collecting involved scouring car-boot sales and secondhand shops. The advent of the internet dramatically expanded the scope of the search, leading to acquisitions from Japan, Brazil, and the United States. the collector acknowledges the logistical challenges, jokingly wondering if they are single-handedly supporting the postal service, Evri, and Amazon. Storage, naturally, is a significant undertaking, requiring a rented warehouse in Ashford, Middlesex, despite residing in London.
Contrary to popular assumption, the collector does enjoy playing Monopoly occasionally. “People assume I never play Monopoly, but I’m always up for a game. It doesn’t take away from the collecting. In fact, it reminds me why I started in the first place.” The hobby has also fostered a vibrant community, connecting the collector with fellow enthusiasts, online auction rivals, and even the operator of World of Monopoly, an online archive dedicated to the game. The collector has even hosted visitors from abroad, offering tours of the collection and photo opportunities with the Guinness World Records certificate.
The collector’s passion has extended beyond personal collecting, leading to appearances on television shows like Bargain Hunt and radio interviews worldwide, as well as a visit to the Monopoly factory. The record-breaking achievement has opened doors to unexpected opportunities and lasting friendships.
Currently, the collector is actively seeking the Twycross Zoo edition and a limited-run 90th-anniversary edition from the US, of which only 600 copies were produced.The ultimate goal is to reach 4,500 or even 5,000 sets, with a notably ambitious vision for Monopoly’s 100th anniversary in 2035. “Maybe someone will give me a big space in the city to show off the collection. That would be something.”
Until that day arrives, the hunt continues. “There’s always another set out there – a zoo edition, a special anniversary, another release that hardly anyone knows about.” Reflecting on the journey, the collector affirmed, “If I could go back to my very first set, would I start collecting all over again? I absolutely would.”
