NEW YORK, NY.- On Friday, October 15, the The Museum of American Finance will unveil the display of an 18-karat solid gold Monopoly set covered with hundreds of precious gemstones, on loan from the Smithsonian Institution National Museum of Natural History. The Smithsonian received the game as one of 20 jeweled art objects from the personal collection of world-renowned artist and jeweler Sidney Mobell. A long-time resident of San Francisco, Mobell is known for his fanciful and innovative employment of everyday household items as works of art.

“We are thrilled to have this one-of-a-kind item and its creator here,” said Cowen. “The game is symbolic to America and was popularized during the difficult economic times of the depression. We again face difficult economic times, and this incredibly valuable item will bring joy to our many visitors. We thank the Smithsonian for the object loan and Sidney Mobell for his inspiration.”

A press conference will be followed by Monopoly tournaments for children and adults. The first tournament, scheduled to run from 10:15 am - 12 pm, is open to students under the age of 18. The second tournament, to be held from 1 - 3 pm, will be open to adults 18 years and up. Both tournaments are free and open to the public and will be available on a first come, first served basis. Prizes will be awarded to one winner at each table.

The Museum of American Finance, an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, is the nation’s only public museum dedicated to finance, entrepreneurship and the open market system. With its extensive collection of financial documents and objects, its seminars and educational programming, its publication and oral history program, the Museum portrays the breadth and richness of American financial history, achievement and practices. The Museum is located at 48 Wall Street, on the corner of William Street, and is open Tues–Sat, 10 am – 4 pm.