A significant, single-owner collection of vintage Dungeons & Dragons books and modules is currently up for auction, with experts predicting the final total could reach hundreds of thousands of dollars. The sale, hosted by the world-renowned collectables auctioneer Heritage Auctions, features some of the rarest and most sought-after items from the dawn of the roleplaying hobby.
The auction, which concludes on October 16th, 2025, comprises 149 lots, predominantly from the first and second editions of Dungeons & Dragons. What makes this collection particularly noteworthy is that many of the items have been professionally graded by CGC, a company best known for its comic book appraisals. These certified items are encapsulated in protective plastic “slabs,” with their condition given a numerical grade. This practice has become a standard for high-value collectables and significantly boosts their market value.
Among the headline items are two printings of the original 1975 Dungeons & Dragons “Wood Grain” boxed set. Only a few thousand copies of these sets were ever produced, and they are considered a holy grail for collectors. Previous sales of similar items have seen prices soar past $20,000. The collection also includes the legendary Blackmoor supplement by D&D co-creator Dave Arneson.
Other iconic pieces expected to draw high bids include a sealed copy of the 1983 Dungeons & Dragons Basic Set, famously known as the “Red Box” for its iconic cover art by Larry Elmore. While the box itself is a common sight in many collections, factory-sealed copies are exceptionally rare. A classic first edition module, Danger at Dunwater, which was later updated for 5e’s Ghosts of Saltmarsh, is also available with a near-perfect CGC grade of 9.8.
While the focus is on D&D, the collection also offers a glimpse into the broader history of the TTRPG hobby. Lots include vintage boxed sets for FASA’s Doctor Who Role Playing Game, the Marvel Super Heroes RPG, and TSR’s game for The Adventures of Indiana Jones.
This auction highlights a growing trend of vintage roleplaying games being treated as high-value investment collectables, following a similar trajectory to classic comic books and video games. For many, it’s a chance to own a piece of gaming history, though the escalating prices may place these artefacts beyond the reach of the average gamer.
