MALCOLM’S MONOPOLY

Malcolm Forbes flew hot-air balloons, rode Harleys—and spent decades collecting toy soldiers, miniature boats and board games. In 2010, 20 years after his death, his 214-lot treasure trove hit the auction block. Among the gems was a perfectly staged replica of the Sack of Troy (which sold for $21,250), a threefoot model of the Lusitania ocean liner ($194,500) and four vintage Monopoly sets, including one of the earliest known.

That circular oilcloth version (above), handmade in 1933 by Charles Darrow, fetched what’s believed to be the highest price ever paid at auction for a board game: $146,500.