Toys don't typically cost a fortune, but over time through the power of nostalgia these children's playthings can increase in value. In fact, some of the rarest and most sought after toys can sell for thousands, and in some very special cases, millions. Read on to find out some of the most expensive toys, from boats to board games, ever sold at auction.

As one of the most popular and glamorous children's toys throughout the latter half of the 20th century, you can understand why Barbie is so collectable. The original models from the first production line in 1959 came with either blonde or brunette hair in a distinctive black and white bathing suit. This example (pictured) may have sold at Christie's for $3,669 (£2.9k), but some have managed to raise as much as $27,450 (£21.1k) at auction.

Star Wars toys have always commanded respectable prices at auction, provided they're in good condition, rare, or best-case scenario pristinely kept in their box. Given the films' cult following, completists will always look for the weird and wonderful to supplement their collection. This Hungarian version of bounty hunter Boba Fett from 1989 definitely fits this criteria, and sold for $15,000 (£11k) in 2015. 

This elaborately decorated Japanese battleship was made in 1905 to celebrate the country's victory in the Russo-Japanese war. With hand-painted flowers and US flags decorating from the stern to bow, it's a good example of the level of craftsmanship that went into producing it. For such a special item, it's not surprising that it sold for $16,250 (£12k) at auction.

Bing were a tin toy manufacturer that began in in the early 1860s and were based in Nuremberg, Germany. Its prowess really began in earnest in 1895, but stalled because of the Wall Street Crash in 1929. Also known for model railways, ships and trams, vehicles such as this four-seat Tourer are classic examples that are always sought after at auction. Perhaps the only factor that stopped it achieving a higher price was a faulty clockwork mechanism.

This impressive display of one of history's key battles shows the tinplated wall of Troy and Trojan horse to the right of a slew of Heyde figures comprised of the Greek and Trojan forces. Dated from between 1920-1930, the toy itself has become a historical item in its own right, and it would be a brave parent who would let their child play with this antique. Especially when it cost $21,250 (£16,311).

Another Star Wars item bringing in the big bucks, this Luke Skywalker figurine was sold as part of the famed 'Nigo' lot in 2015, a collection of items curated and sold by Nigo, a Japanese designer and the founder of the Bathing Ape clothing line. The toy even comes with a rare two-piece double telescoping lightsaber action. What bolstered its value was its great condition and the fact there were only 20 confirmed examples. 

Born out of the same makers of Meccano, Dinky toys are synonymous with auction houses and respectable prices around the world. This pre-war delivery van was sold at Vectis auctions in 1994 for more than $25,454 (£19k) in excellent to near mint condition. Over 10 years later another Dinky Van sold for a similar price at the same auction house, brining in $21,500 (17k).

This prototype resin figure used in the manufacture of production Star Wars figures was sent by Kenner to Roger Morrison, a tooling manager of the toys in the early 1980s. While it is a relatively unknown character, the fact it was a prototype model, meant its UK auction price soared from an expected $15.000 (£12,000) to a healthy $47,000 (£36k) from an unknown bidder in the US.

Who'd have thought that these cards from the cult Japanese role-playing games and cartoons would have developed into such collectible pieces? While up to 39 of them were released, only 10 of them are now graded in top condition. Their enduring popularity saw this mint example realize an awesome sum of $54,970 (£42.5k) at Heritage Auctions in 2016.

The thirst for authentic Star Wars merch is never ending. The reason why this particular item was in high demand was because Kenner, the toy's producer, abandoned production of the double-telescoping lightsaber on safety grounds. Not only that, but it was one of only a few left in the box, with a hole unpunched at the top, when it sold at Hake's auctions in 2017.

Valuable movie posters you might have stashed away

While it may be more renowned for railway models these days, time was that Märklin also produced motorised boats, many of which now consistently achieve high prices at auction. This vessel, Posen, was sold for $116,500 (£91k) as part of publishing billionaire Malcolm Forbes' extensive toy collection, which raised a hefty total of $2.4 million (£1.4m) in 2010.

Tin toys always do well on the auction circuit and this example by Bergmann, a renowned US toy producer in the late 19th century is no exception. As part of James D Julia’s Toy, Doll & Advertising auction, it is thought to be the rarest tin toy in existence, and the most expensive American tin toy to be sold in the last 15 years.

When they first began production, the first Monopoly sets were often produced by its inventor Charles B Darrow during the Great Depression. Dating from 1933, but sold at Sotheby's in 2010 for a whopping $189,842 (£146k), this item contained more than 200 pieces, including the playing surface, carbon typescript rules and playing cards.

Another ship from the Malcolm Forbes collection, this intricate and highly detailed vessel was the real outlier of the whole auction. Bearing the name of the famous passenger ship sunk by a German submarine in 1915, it achieved the stand-out price of a whopping $194,500 (£149,314).

This doll, designed specifically in mind for boys, is a classic example where provenance and popularity collide to produce one highly collectable artefact. This particular example was hand painted by G.I. Joe creator Don Levine, and achieved the price of $200,000 (£151k) at Heritage Auctions in 2003.

Another day, another doll auction which saw this superb example sell for an astonishing six-figure sum. As one of the finest doll producers in his own right, French sculptor Albert Marque collaborated with fashion designer Margaine-LaCroix in a bid to give 100 dolls a slice of sartorial flair. As one of only 20 left, this example managed the sky-high figure of $263,000 (£201k) at Theriault’s in Atlanta in 2009.

It stands to reason that the item which (almost) tops our list is a rather blinged-up Barbie. The reason why it commanded $302,500 (£231k) in 2010 was not through rarity, but because Australian jewellery designer Stefano Canturi (pictured) decided to adorn the choker with a one-carat, square-cut pink diamond.

Just like Star Wars, Star Trek caught on to the world's thirst for space-related entertainment formats and retains a cult following to this day. This model of the iconic Starship Enterprise was a fully working example with internal neon lighting and was sold at Christie's auction in 2006 for $576,000 (£452k).

Mechanized money banks have always been among the most coveted of toys for collectors. This particular item was part of a record-breaking auction and was the key piece that saw it realize a price of $414,000 (£317k). A similar item (pictured) would go on to sell for
$119,925 (£92k), proving its enduring popularity and capability to achieve high prices. 

Korean Jessie Kim paid $2.1 million (£1.6 million) for a bear kitted out in bespoke Louis Vuitton clothing. As only one of 50 in the world and eyes are made from real diamond and sapphire, it can be seen at the Teddy Bear Museum in Jeju, South Korea (pictured).

Now read: Surprisingly valuable things from the year you were born