PANDORA’S BOX OF FORTUNE | Rare Items in Your Home, Sell Them Now for Thousands of Dollars
These Rare Items Could Easily Be in Your Home, Sell Them Now and You’ll Make Thousands of Dollars
Ebay or flea market? Whatever it is, you could find some valuable items. What’s even better, is that you could also find some pretty expensive items in your home. Just look around, ask your parents, look in the attic or in your basement. You’d be surprised in what you can find. .
Read on to learn what could potentially lead you to a big payday and learn what items in your house are worth a lot of money in today’s market.
Vintage Perfume Bottles
It seems like it matters less what is on the inside rather than what is on the outside… at least as far as vintage perfume bottles are concerned. By the 19th century, perfumery bottles had been turned into art by glass-blowers around the world and they are worth quite a lot of money today.
From here we can almost smell the wads of cash. Antique perfume flasks from the 1900s were sold on eBay for almost $4,000 in August 2019. Century-Old bottles are up to 8,500 dollars! Eric Silver, the antique roadshow evaluator, says, too, that outside eBay, real-life auctions are exclusively focused on perfume bottles and people earn quite a lot of money on their sales.
Antique Cookie Jar
Some antique cookie jars can sell for serious dough these days. We don’t mean just a couple of decades by the past — we mean the cookie jars that were made in the 1940s and 1950s. Don’t believe it can be a real moneymaker? Reyne Hirsch will provide the information to prove our claims. She is PBS’ Antiques Roadshow evaluator.
Hirsch claims that a cookie jar said to be from the 1950s sold back in 2018 for about $1,200, according to Uncle Mistletoe Marshall Fields. However, this is not the only one that is going to reap some very nice dough. According to Hirsch people could hit the jackpot with a cookie jar in the style of any famous cartoon character. In fact, as of August 25th, 2019, a Little Audrey cookie jar was sold on eBay at $3,400. Well, well, well!
David Bowie’s “Diamond Dogs” Vinyl
David Bowie’s “Diamond Dogs” vinyl was banned because it was a bit too much for people to handle at that time. However, fans are dying to get their hands on the banned Bowie vinyl, no matter what the cost! Who knows, maybe you have one hidden in the attic and you don’t even know!
The banned cover features a cartoonish figure of Bowie with lower body parts replaced with body parts of a dog. No wonder why the label pulled it back. This controversial limited-edition cover can sell from 2500 dollars to 7500 dollars, which is quite a score if you’re looking to make some extra money on the side.
Pyrex
First introduced in 1915, Pyrex cookware is lauded for its unbreakable strength, able to be both heated and cooled at extreme temperatures without shattering. Also known for its bright colors, the brand is a cult favorite and has even inspired ‘Pyrex Swaps’ across the country. and a Facebook page devoted to it called “Pyrex Passions”.
Pyrex lids alone can fetch up to $50 and above on eBay, with full vintage sets even reaching into the thousands of dollars. For enthusiasts, though, it seems that no amount is too much for a chance to own such a bright and functional piece of cooking history.
Trunks
Really, who is not keeping things in a trunk that is hidden somewhere in the back of a garage or stashed somewhere in the attic? Now, as it turns out that the biggest thing is not the garbage in the trunk, but rather the trunk itself.
For example, Marsha Dixey says that trunks from the 1870s are worth about $700 because it was made strong enough to stand through rough wagon travel. If you have a luxury French fashion house truck, Eric Silver said you’re aiming for a few thousand dollars, like for example a Louis Vuitton.
Boy Scout Badges
Whilst proud parents usually prefer to pay tributes in Boy Scouts in America to the time of their boys, those who are ready to split their memorabilia can get a huge sum.
Some very collectible Boy Scout badges are selling at prices of up to $1,178 in 2018 according to Collectors Weekly. And the more age they have on them, the more you can sell them for, as it happens with most things. A Boy Scout sash was listed on eBay for $4.500 in August 2019 with 18 patches between the 1930s and the 1940s. Even Memorabilia from Air Scout sells for approximately $2,000.
Old CDs
So insane that CDs are ancient fossils in the scene of music now. While this may be sad, luckily for everyone who loves music, these tracks are still worthwhile: lots of cash!
The track of the 1993 signature series by Michael Jackson and the 1998 protection EP by Coldplay are worth approximately $1,500, according to several outlets. Yet even better a cover of the 2006 album by Paris Hilton, “London,” replaced Banksy in September 2006 with a revamped sleeve and an optional mash-up with D.J. Dangermouse, as a street artist. The album, reportedly available in the United States for $3,000 back in 2013, is listed at 9,995 GBP (approximately $12,134.19) on eBay by August 2019.
Old Coins
Is there anyone else who does not pay much attention to the coins in their wallet? If you are something like us, coins might be more irritating than anything else and definitely not worth it–not at least as good as their equivalents in the dollar bill. But as it turns out, you can actually pay a penny for the coins you have stashed off in the pockets of your pants or buried on the bottom of your bag.
Get loaded on this: in 2007, a 200-year-old coins stash worth $200,000 was uncovered by Jeff Bidelman, a former dealer at Rare Collectibles in Pennsylvania. You could even have a special Kansas state quarter in your hands if you don’t stumble upon ancient monuments. In 2005, “In God, We Rust” replaced “In God We Trust” by a lot of these quarters. Today, the error is rumored to be worth approximately $100 a coin!
Costume Jewelry
The only money-makers in gems are actually not just diamonds. Old costume gems actually valued a genius pile of cash, so get them appraised before you stash away the old jewelry because you don’t think you can get any use of them.
An example of this: Elsa Schiaparelli, an Italian Fashion Designer in the 1920s who reportedly sold antique jewelry at auctions for up to $2,000, has recently sold for more than $5,000 to eBay in June 2019.
Tiffany Lamps
Great news: those lamps from a deceased ancestor that are not exactly following your home’s modern aesthetic may in-fact be a huge moneymaker. Tiffany lamps are, as it appears, more than just colored glass, and are an emblem of beauty, worth a pile of money.
Do not shade the old item in this room as invaluable. It is part of one of the largest online markets in the world, professedly for Antiques, collectability, and fine art, and could be worth from $4,000 to over $1 million. According to the company, those with vibrant colored and floral motifs are the most popular Tiffany lamps in today’s market. The light fittings are in fact so good that they are even worth a lot for just their foundations.
Vintage Advertising Signs
Do you recall the time when signs hanging from pubs, restaurants as well as shops were advertising what was available instead of Internet announcements? This antique token is now worth quite a lot of money it turns out.
Don’t trust us? A Coca-Cola vintage sign sold by seller rare necessities on eBay for $5,700 on August 1, 2019. And that’s not the biggest price out there. Some signs go up to four digits! Excuse us now as we stroll across our garage looking for one of these dollar signs, or hopefully more.
Old Stamps
In ancient times, collecting stamps was a bit like collecting modern magnets, and it makes sense to have inherited the practice from our ancestors. There are people out there who are lucky to have such an amazing collection, and you should know that there are people who are more than interested in the purchase of these seemingly insignificant objects.
As of August 2019, the sets of vintage eBay stamps sold nearly $90,000 and up to hundreds of thousands! Certainly, for some people, they are simply a piece of paper, but for some of them, they are ancient artifacts that provide a great view of the past.
China Sets
The fancy dinner sets that gather dust in the back of your kitchen cabinets might actually amount to hundreds or thousands of dollars online. What are we talking about? Nothing but fine china that dates back decades.
Such antiques were made from porcelain and became popular at the end of the 18th century. At that time the English artists drew inspiration from China’s hand-painted white and blue ceramics. Although today’s market is full of fake items, early 1900s antique sets sold on eBay for up to $5,000. Is there anyone else who plans to clean out their cupboard now?
Cuckoo Clocks
Is there a better way to find out the time than to be sung a sweet melody with a small bird emerging out of a wooden hole? We think not. Cuckoo clocks are amongst the most nostalgic household items from Germany in the 1730s and they usually make us relive memories of our grandmother. Some of us can find such rarities only on a local garage sale or flea market, while others are lucky enough to have some uncommon versions in their possession.
There is a resale market for these unique time-tellers for all those fortunate holders. As of 25 August 2019, eBay cuckoo clocks sold up to $2,000. Almost everybody is going to go over that price now! What do you think?
VHS Tapes
VCR days have passed. However, old VHS tapes continue to have great worth at present times. Less popular movies that did not manage to leap to a DVD version can be worth a lot like certain horror movies. Controversial movies that have been banned like Disney’s Song of the South can be worth a huge amount.
Worth: Up to $50,000
Rocking Chair
It seems that rocking chairs have more meaning than just as a tool to help babies sleep. Such pieces of furnishings were produced in the 1700s and are still standing today in various living rooms and porches. And boy, for those of you who still own one, we have good news.
E-bay records show for example, that even the little rocking chairs of children from anywhere from the 1950s to the 1970s sell for almost $5 000. It sounds like a little lovely money, right? For the people with an antique chair, you know that some really big bucks lie ahead.
Game Boys
Perhaps those old games, which children from all over the world were once asking their families to buy, weren’t a waste of money after all. The Game Boy was first published in 1989 and quickly became a toy that every single child just had to have. However, their influence did not stop there.
Since we can no longer go to the store to buy one of those handheld consoles, the resale market has significantly increased the value and now is selling between $750 and up to $2,000 everywhere. On August 18, 2019, an unopened, and thus new game boy sold on eBay for just a bit over $4,000. And all the little kids of the nineties now yell “I told you it was worth it!” To their family. And possibly to their friends.
Signed Yearbooks
Your seemingly usual old annuals are less likely to be considered as household items that are a moneymaker. We now know exactly what you have on your mind right now. What can an old yearbook filled with awkward school photos have? Okay, let us explain it to you.
If you, your parents, or your grandparents are “lucky” enough, you could be sitting on a big cash prize, if there is somebody in that yearbook who has been in the spotlight since then. A yearbook with a photo of James Dean seems to sell for more than $10,500 online. Also, if the now-famous person signs the yearbook, you see the price at the end with even higher nulls.
Vintage Comics
Opportunities include some retro comic books, out of all the collections you may have had as a kid. The comic book heroes are here to stay as we can acknowledge from the blockbuster movies still dominating Hollywood and producing sequels after sequel. However, what about the old comics you stashed off to collect dust? The best way to know if they are worth something is to get them appraised as soon as possible.
The prices depend on the date and number of copies, but for example, The Incredible Hulk’s first comic book introduced a stirred $320,000 at the 2014 auction. If the superhero in your comic book has a superhero movie, your odds are even higher.
Weathervanes
Another household item worth a lot is the weathervanes – or the metal ornaments sitting on the top of barns and homes to find out in which direction the wind blows.
It doesn’t mean that it’s any less valuable in terms of money just because they aren’t so useful today because now we can use our phones to collect weather metrics in minutes. Today, weathervanes from the 19th century are sold for $5,000-$7,000 at eBay. What is even greater: a Native American weathervane sold at the 2006 Sotheby auction for an astounding $5.84 million.
Vintage Lunch Boxes
In actual fact, their value is now directly related to any decoration on them-from the rock bands and up to cartoon characters. It seems that the vintage tin accessories used for schools do more than just carriers.
The collectors pay today up to ten thousand times more than what the original cost was for the priciest boxes, according to Thad Reece, the lunch box collector. What are the most profitable ones, however? The 1963 Jetsons lunch box was estimated at $1,000 to $1,650 whereas the 1962 Dudley do-right lunchbox was sold at more than $2,200. Allen Woodall, the founder of one of the world’s largest lunchbox galleries, says that the Superman luncheon box is without a doubt the most popular lunchbox ever, selling up to $13 000, dated in 1954. Go figure!
Vintage Band T-Shirts
Vintage group t-shirts are worth a large stack of cash as examples of the biggest moments of music history. For example, the Nirvana Tour Tee in Utero that was only reserved for members of the crew supposedly sold for nearly $7,000 according to the adventure-packed Red Bull website. But this is not the price we found most shocking.
Have you ever heard of the album cover “Yesterday and Today” banned by The Beatles in 1966? Thanks to the gorges of musicians wearing butchers with dust pieces, it was immediately recalled. Back in 2011, koshercollectibles appeared to post an original shirt from the 1970s with the cover of the album on it and it’s the kicker: the price was $20,000. I guess it’s time to walk over to your wardrobe and see what might be lurking in the back.
Original Star Wars Toys
Grab on tight to those prequel toys; as far as it hurts us to say that, indeed, they will probably be worth a fortune one day too. For now, it’s all about the toys that were first created to come out with the original Star Wars trilogy. When A New Hope was released in 1977, very few knew it was going to go so well or how large it was going to become, so there weren’t even toys to support its publication.
In the following years, as Star Wars strengthened its role in the popular spirit, products were dizzying. Today you can earn $25,000 if you own an original toy from Luke Skywalker. Check out an original Falcon Millennium ship and you could get up to $3,000!
Pokémon Cards
Here is a fair warning to all those Pokémon card traders of the past: take a tissue box before reading on. It is very possible to miss an enormous opportunity for past card retailers who threw away all of their old cards or perhaps even traded their ultra-rare cards with friends.
On eBay, the full standard collection of Pokémon Mill cards are selling for a lot of dollars, while rare, individual cards are sold at prices of thousands. The first edition of Charizard 1999, for example, was sold by vendor dh25253 at $12,499.99 on 5 June 2019. But that is not everything. A PSA 9 Mint card from the 2001 Tropical Wind Trophy was advertised on eBay for $500,000.
Air Jordans
Air Jordans are certainly an item that you will remember with a bit of nostalgia. If you had them then you had the coolest shoes on the schoolyard. If you just stashed the old Air Jordans into the shelves, it is time to go and pick those bad boys up. One on-line customer forked over $18,257 for a pair of Jordan 11 shoes with Derek Jeter’s styling. That’s not everything: other models sell for over $20,000. So clean those sneaks and measure your worth and make sure you thank Michael Jordan for being there, while you are making money.
Christmas Ornaments
When people receive Christmas ornaments as presents one of two things can happen: throw it into a storage box, or put it on their Christmas tree and have it on there for many years afterward. Yet many people do not know that there’s a third option: online and lucky people, strikingly rich at large sales, can check their value.
The evaluator, Eric Silver, says antique sleds are priced at up to $100 but at the same time blown glass ornaments will cost an astounding 1,700 dollars. Yet those who have Kugel ornaments from Germany between 1840 and the start of the 1940s, are the true jackpot winners, as these ornaments sell for a stunning $18,000! Is there anyone else who now regrets giving Christmas decorations away all those times in the past?
American Girl Dolls
Girls who grew up in the 1980s and 1990s, this one is for you! Go back to when, after the American Girls show, you read and adored the book and explored different historical periods through girls’ eyes. Maybe you can remove yourself from it because she is now worth a gold mine- That is if you loved her enough to buy the doll along with all her accessories.
The Samantha doll was sold on eBay for $4,200. The others, however, still get you quite the dollar pile and you could market them for decades, even if they’re out without the original packaging.
Boom Boxes
Very few children know what a boom box was. Not only customized music consumption but also compact tape and CD players have been put on stage for these portable 1980s music players. And the price of boom boxes increased exponentially due to the demand for retro items from today’s hipsters.
Let us glance at the prices on eBay: in August 2019, seller a.redchenko70 sold a SharpGF-999 Stereo Boombox for $3,000 while seller astronette-8 sold a 1988 VTG 2 LasonicTRC-975 Ghetto Blaster Boombox at $8,250. Therefore, it may be worth placing it on sale for those of you who still have one of these stashed somewhere.
Polly Pocket Toys
The Polly Pocket euphoria emerged in the 1990s, among other remarkable things. These high-end toys have become an essential element in many playrooms for children and you can auction them online for a good deal of change. Over the years, you can only stick miraculously to all of their small pieces.
Polly Pocket toys have crossed to eBay, where they’re viewed as an expensive collector’s item, like most things on this list. Since August 2019, bigger packages cost approximately $1,900. However, it’s not just the figures of Polly Pocket who deserve the big dollars; All of Polly Pocket’s accessories are also quite valuable. One example is a Polly Pocket pencil case which sold for an incredible amount of $810 on eBay on 16 July 2019.
Video Games
You were once smacking the dust off your hands, knowing the right angle to blow it out, was always able to make it work somehow, but now it has been retired to a corner of your videogame stash. It is time to remove all these obsolete PlayStation and Nintendo cartridges as people are prepared to pay huge money for them.
For example, you might carry hundreds of dollars from an old Mario Kart 64 cartridge. On the market for upwards of $1,000 can be found additional consoles such as games for Super Nintendo and PlayStation 4. Don’t just throw them out-sell them!
Cell Phones
You’ll need to be a bit of a detail freak for this household gem. Considering that cell phone companies are looking to update and improve their services quickly, there are so many obsolete and outdated cellular telephone brands that only a few will pay a nice price.
You would have to hide a very old cellular product from back in time when it was first developed to really attract buyers. In 2014, a DynaTAC 8000X from 1983 was sold at an auction at $550 and most new phones could be purchased for the same amount unused. That is one way to get your hands on a new iPhone.
Antique Guitars
Is your dad a passionate music lover or is it maybe your grandmother? If that is the case, and if older generations are prepared to divide up their arms of choice, they can all benefit.
The older the guitar the better, of course, the guitars from the sixties are certainly available at the auction at an excellent price, models from the previous decade are where the money is at. In 2014, a case and everything of Gibson ES-175, valued at $5,500, and before then, it was estimated that a 1953 Fender telecasting company was worth up to $10,000.
Happy Meal Toys
What about the little McDonald’s Happy Meal toys that have awakened our desire to be miniaturists? Whatever it is, if you have forgotten about getting rid of your childhood of these Happy Meal toys, run and look for them.
Such common household items are sold by large Internet communities. It could look like complete nonsense, but believe it or not, Happy Meal toys are uncommon enough to sell for $500 online. A gadget from 1995 could be $350, while a group of children from Potato Head can be sold for $100.
Flip Clock Radios
You have seen this kind of clock before, no matter whether you saw them in real life or any amount of classic movies from the 1980s. As time changes, the numbers flip. The burning question is, do you still own one? If so, collectors are dying to get their hands on one of these vintage clocks.
The flip clock radio brand Panasonic was reported to be selling on eBay at an auction for approximately $300. When you see how impossible it is to be using this clock to show you the time today, why don’t you sell it and make a nice penny?
White Furby
Furbies may be seen as a toy that should be left in the past, however, collectors are keen on purchasing these toys now more than ever before. In the late 1990s, Furbies were all the rage and it would not be possible to escape their distracting noises, no matter if you were a kid or was a parent at that particular time.
Here is the deal: the first Furbies set had an extremely rare and white Furby. In fact, it can be so difficult to find that the collectors are selling a white Furby for up to $800. So get rid of the digital gremlins that you have not been using for a long time, and make a couple of bucks!
Apple iPod 1st Generation
Although the original Apple items are relatively new, they are still quite popular. And even though they’re not considered to be antiquities yet, they might be worth some money if, say, Steve Jobs built them. So take a glance at what they are selling for today before you decide to throw out any old Apple electronics.
On the 19th of July 2019, videoaudiostudios sold an Apple iPod for almost $2,200 for eBay customers. This is only the dust on the cover, though. As of August 2019, other new or successful first-generation versions for up to $15,999 are listed, indicating that their price increases over time. Think again before throwing obsolete electronics out.
Vintage Soda Crates
Have you ever found old soda crates in your garage or basement? If you were lucky enough to find these, we hope you didn’t throw them away! Wooden soda crates are actually more valuable than you know, especially if they come from a reputable brand or company.
If you find wooden soda crates with a popular brand’s name on them, you might be looking at a profit of a couple of hundreds of dollars on eBay. For example, Coca Cola crates are quite popular and tend to sell for higher amounts of money. We saw a yellow wooden crate from 1948 sell for $199 on eBay. Crazy, isn’t it?!
Retro Lunch Boxes
With so many fast food options available these days, not even kids like carrying lunch boxes with them. However, even though they are still in use, lunchboxes were quite a big deal back in the day, which gives them a higher resale value nowadays. Plain old lunchboxes aren’t worth a penny but if you have a lunch box with cartoon characters or celebrities on them, you might be looking at a valuable item.
Lunchboxes with popular faces and images can be worth quite a lot of money. We cannot forget the vintage Bonanza lunchbox by Aladdin Industries IN. that sold for $130. What’s even crazier is the Beatles lunchbox that was worth $400 even in poor condition. People who idolize celebrities and bands will pay a lot of money for these items so don’t hesitate to put them up for sale if you find any!
Polaroid Cameras
Cameras seem to be dying out these days. No one wants to spend a couple of thousands of dollars on a camera when they can take spotless photos with their smartphone. Well, that might make sense to some people but those who are interested in photography love spending a lot of money on gadgets, accessories, and even vintage cameras.
Old polaroids are a big trend these days. They don’t only print out your photo immediately but they also make it look like you snapped an Instagram filter on it. The older your vintage Polaroid is, the more money you can make. Some even sell for a lot of money even if they’re not functional. We know that one Polaroid 120 manufactured in 1960 sold for $430. If you find any vintage cameras, keep in mind that these collectibles are worth quite a lot of cash!
Beer Cans
Whether you believe it or not, beer cans can be worth up to a thousand dollars or even more, depending on their condition and origin. Next time you have a few drinks with your friends, don’t forget to pay attention to the kind of beer cans you’re drinking from. Some of them might be worth fortune years from now.
A great example of how much beer cans can actually be worth is Jeff Lebo’s vacation house in York Haven, Penn. Lebo collected beer cans for years and stored them in his vacation home, which he is going to convert into an eco-resort. Today, his home has over 87 000 cans of retro beer cans that are worth roughly 1.6 million dollars. Any beer manufactured in America between 1935 and 1941 can be worth a ton of money so watch out!
Vintage Christmas Ornaments
Christmas is truly a wonderful time, not only because of the family getting together but also because of beautiful ornaments and decorations that come alive in December. You might be one of those people who receive Christmas ornaments as gifts or buys them in bulk only to store them in a box or throw them out later. We suggest you take a better look at those ornaments because they might be worth some money.
If you have plenty of ornaments stuffed in a box somewhere, go through them and check if you have any unique or in any way special pieces. You can check the value of your ornaments online and even sell the ones that are considered collectibles. Who knows, you might come across something worth hundreds of dollars. For example, an 1880s blown glass ornament shaped like a cluster of grapes is worth a staggering 1000 dollars.
Mason Jars
Mason jars are widely used across thousands of households and restaurants as a stylish replacement for cups. While Mason jars are extremely common and very cheap nowadays, things were different back in the day. Back in the late 19th and the beginning of the 20th century, mason jars were used to store fruits and other perishables because, well, refrigerators weren’t invented yet.
If you come across any old jars, don’t throw them away because they might just be worth some money. Some of the most valuable mason jars are those made by popular brands between the 1840s and the 1920s, including Cork-Top Jar, the Upside Down, and Lightning Jar by Ball, E-Z Seal by Atlas, as well as the Self-Sealing Jar by Kerr, and Beaver Jar made in Canada. Maybe you have some of these in your cupboard.
Cereal Boxes
Okay, we can understand how Mason jars can be worth some money, but cereal boxes? This was certainly a surprise. However, there are indeed cereal boxes that can be worth up to 1000 dollars if in good condition. By good condition, we mean preferably unopened boxes – who would want an opened one?
What’s interesting is that it’s not only the older boxes that sell well. Even the Kellog’s Sugar Pops box from 2009 can sell for 1604. However, if you’re lucky enough to have an old box of Nabisco Shredded Wheat from 1966 in your pantry, you can sell it for an impressive $1002. What are you waiting for? Go check your food supplies!
Vintage Handbags
We’re used to seeing branded handbags sell for over 2000$ when new but did you know that they can be worth a ton of money even if they’re years old? Collecting vintage handbags is a very common hobby. You’d be surprised to see how many people actually want to spend so much money on an old bag.
You probably have a bunch of old bags stuffed in the back of your closet and you have no idea what to do with them. Luckily, you can sell them online at a very good price, especially if they’re in good condition and come from a known brand, of course. For example, a vintage Chanel bag in good condition can be worth around 3000$. The ones in poor condition aren’t worthless either, as you can get up to 400$ for them!
Postcards
If you’ve ever seen boxes of postcards on sale at auctions or garage sales, this is why. Some of these old postcards, especially the Christmas ones, are very valuable these days. Perhaps you have some unique postcards in your drawer that could be worth something. The older the postcard, the more value it has.
A single vintage postcard can be worth anywhere from 10 to 50 dollars, while some special postcards signed by influential figures can sell for thousands. For example, Christmas cards personally signed by Prince Charles and Princess Diana were sold for 4400$ at an auction. If you have a signed postcard, you’re certainly very lucky!
Typewriters
While the typewriters are not around that much today, people are probably sitting on gold that has passed them from their ancestors. They are amongst the most recognized relics of the not so ancient past, which some buyers consider as worth a lot of money.
A special Hooven Automatic Typewriter, Branford House Antiques announced that in 2018 it sold for an amazing $7,500. Nevertheless, this is not anywhere near the value of some other versions from afar. The Malling-Hansen Writing Ball claims to be worth about US$100,000, considered to be the Rolls Royce of the typewriters. Yeah. Amazing!
Yeezys
If a shirt can be worth as much as 1000 dollars, shoes can go for far more money, especially if they’re Yeezys. Sneakerheads will know that Kanye West partnered with Nike between 2009 and 2014 when they produced the legendary Nike Air Yeezy shoes. Then they moved to Adidas and stopped producing the Nike ones, which gives them a great resale value.
There is no doubt that any kind of Yeezy shoe is going to be tremendously valuable in the future. Some of them already have great resale values, especially the retro Nike Yeezys. These originally cost 245$ but their resale value today is 7500 dollars! What a score!
Vintage Levi’s Jeans
Levi’s clothing items are considered to be a valued collectible. Many people love Levi’s so much that they want to own as many of the vintage pairs as possible. Any type of Levi’s jeans manufactured before the 1980s are considered vintage. Of course, the older the pair is, the more money you can get.
The Denim collectors are especially excited to see the vintage Levi’s 501s for sale, as these are the popular Levi’s jeans ever released. In fact, one pair of 1950 Anniversary Levi’s Jeans sold on eBay for 8000 dollars. If you have the rare pair of Levi’s jeans that feature a big letter E, you can get about 899$ for them. Rush to the closet and check if you have any vintage pants waiting to be sold for big money!
Old Microphones
Just like old cameras, old microphones have some value as well. In fact, the vintage ones can be sold for up to ten thousand dollars! While these mics are not good enough to be used again, they are considered to be valuable items to collect because they are a part of the music industry’s history.
We know that old microphones are perhaps not the most common item to find in an ordinary household but, who knows, you might have one or two up in the attic. Some of the most valuable vintage microphones are the Neumann U-47 microphones from the 1940s. These gems can be worth tens of thousands of dollars. Even though you probably won’t find these mics lying around your home, you might get 50 to 100 dollars for any old mics you can find!
Retro Boogie Boards
Let’s get something clear, we’re not talking about the small boogie boards that kids play with at the beach. We’re talking about retro professional boogie boards that were used by professional surfers. These boards were popular all around the world, especially in Australia. Nowadays, they can be sold for quite a lot of money.
Not all boogie boards are worth money but the vintage ones can get you a couple of thousands of dollars. An anonymous boogie board collector from Australia recently put up his entire vintage collection for sale for 7 400$. It might sound like a lot of money but it’s actually a pretty good deal considering that there are 37 boards in the collection and their value will continue to grow.
Original Cracker Jack Baseball Poster
You won’t believe how much money people would give for an old Cracker Jack Baseball poster! When a Wisconsin police officer randomly found this poster in his barn, he didn’t think much of it. Later he found out that the poster was printed in 1915 and it was worth some serious money.
Little did the officer know that the amount of money the poster was worth went over 50 000$. In fact, it was sold by the Mile High Card Company for 61 000$! Who knew a piece of paper could be worth that much money. The officer is lucky he didn’t throw it away when he found it!
Barbie Dolls
To be honest, Barbie dolls don’t sound like some serious collectible items but they’re actually worth a lot of money. Some special edition Barbie dolls can be sold for tens of thousands of dollars. A plain Midnight Tuxedo Barbie is worth around 1000$, whereas the Blonde Barbie released in 1959 can be sold for a staggering amount of 23 999$.
The picture portrays Bettina Dorfman, the biggest fan of Barbie dolls in the world. She lives in Germany and currently owns over 17 000 Barbie dolls, which is a collection that won her the Guinness World Record. The entire collection is worth 220 000$, which means she can purchase a house with nothing but Barbie dolls.
Rare Edition of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone
Millions of people have owned this particular book, which is now known as “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.” Perhaps you have one on your bookshelf right now. Some copies of this book are actually worth a fortune if you’re lucky enough to have one nearby.
Harry Potter collectors are dying for the first edition printings of the 1997 book. These copies can be sold at the price of 40 000 dollars to 55 000 dollars. If you do have a copy of this book at home, check the print line. If it reads ” 1 0 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1,” congratulations, you’ve got a winner! In this book, the credit goes to Joanne Rowling and not JK.
Vintage Advertising Signs
Way before Google ads existed, people called advertisements “signs,” which were put up alongside roads and buildings, much like today’s billboards. There were many types of signs back in the day, each designed to encourage a customer to make a purchase. People could come across advertising signs in bars, restaurants, and even gas stations. Today, these signs are considered vintage collectibles and can be worth over 100 000 dollars!
Recently, an old advertisement for AAA Root Beer was sold for 1200$ on eBay. A vintage Coca Cola advertisement is worth far more, as it was sold for 117 000 dollars. Many retro signs and vintage ads are worth quite a lot of money. If you happen to have a retro ad, make sure to get it appraised before you get rid of it!
Antique Christmas Decorations
The very first commercial Christmas ornaments were made in Germany in the early 19th century. These old ornaments are heavy and glass-blown. These “kugels” can be worth between $50 to over $1,000. Spot them through their bright colors and fruit shapes similar to apples and berries.
Artwork
One time, a truck driver bought a random $5 painting from a yard sale. He had no idea it was a near-priceless painting by Jackson Pollock until later. This does not happen every day, but it is possible!
Toys
Toys that are no longer produced like the old school Lite-Brites are now worth $300. The very first Barbie came out in 1959 and now worth $8,000. Vintage toys grow in value over time. The first-edition Barbie can be seen with a zebra-striped bathing suit, along with holes in the bottom of her feet.
Books
In reality, you cannot really spot the Gutenberg Bible worth $35 million at your local garage sale. After all, only 49 copies are around. However, do not stop looking as you may just find the first editions of highly popular books. When resold, they can be worth tons. J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone was resold for a massive $80,000.
Sneakers
Did you know that the global resale market for athletic shoes has now reached $2 billion? The top one in the market is Nike’s iconic line of Air Jordans. The worth varies depending on the model. Another top player is the Jordan 1 Retro Legends of Summer Red Glitter. The model was created for Justin Timberlake/Jay-Z tour in 2013 and resold for $7,000.
Pottery
Pyrex is one of the vintage wares in the kitchen that can easily be resold for over a thousand. If you spot older pottery in the corner, grab it as it can be worth millions. A 1,000-year-old Chinese bowl was bought for only $3 at a garage sale. That man later made $2 million.
Jewelry
Diamonds are a girl’s best friend. This is particularly true if it was bought cheap at a yard sale and later knowing it was actually worth $850,000. The ring had about 27 carats making it so big like a piece of simple costume jewelry. It was only decades later that the owner found out when he had it appraised.
Comic Books
The Man of Steel remains one of the top vintage comic books out there. If you bump into a pile of comic books at yard sales, take your spectacles out and have look. Superman had his first appearance in this book and got resold for $3.2 million. Other comic books can be worth as highs hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Clothing
True, you could get easy big money from designer clothing when sold on platforms like eBay. When you go for garage sales, sellers sometimes forgot to unload pockets and bags with certain precious items. In 2013, a California woman forgot to check the jacket she sold for $20. She left her $18,000 worth pair of earrings with it.
Model Trains
Vintage model trains are highly sought by collectors. Get the right train, and you get big money. A 1908-14 Lionel 8 Trolley is being sold for $7,500 on eBay.
Vinyl Records
For frequent flyers in garage sales, one can tell that old records are among the frequently sold items. One person made this typical find into an extraordinary find. He bought a rare Velvet Underground record for 75 cents and sold it for $25,000 on eBay. Finding super rare records may be tricky, but there will still be good finds around.
Mason Jars
John Landis Mason invited the handy glass jars with airtight seals in the year 1858. Originally used for canning, these jars have come a long way. The rarest one with an upside-down logo stamped can be sold for $1,000.
Walkmans
People who have been part of the 1980s had a good chance of acquiring a Walkman. Highly portable, this audio cassette player was so visible than in everyone’s hand or hips. The nostalgia it brings makes it worth as high as $500 particularly the blue TPS-L2.
Sterling Silver Flatware
Rumors about millennial’s low regard for material goods may have lowered their interest as well in sterling silver flatware. However, do not disregard the fact that antique silver will still be worth thousands on eBay. These items remain one of the top treasures in garage sales.
Guitars
You may not have the skill or the desire to play an instrument, however, do not disregard the potential of that old guitar for sale outside. It can be worth a lot particularly those from great brands like Martin, Taylor, and Gibson. You can sell them online through Reverb and get thousands back.
Tools
You may spot a few old tools in garage sales. They may appear less like a treasure, but try to look closely. Vintage and rare tools have big prices on them. A wrench for the John Deere Drain all-wheel-drive, four-cylinder, three-wheel tractor was sold for $15,000 in 2009.
Cuckoo Clocks
Greats cake is not the only thing that German’s the Black Forest is proud of. Their cuckoo clocks are highly sought after by many collectors. Not limiting to vintage ones, the newer ones in good condition can get you hundreds of dollars. The older ones like Johann Baptist Beha clock were sold for $8,000 at an auction.
Bone China
You can get as much as $100 per piece of bone china you plan to resell. Considered the finest china made, it is crucial to ensure that what you have is the real deal. Try holding it up to the light. If it is nearly see-through, what you have is legit. The most valuable type came from England. Check for a crown or similar logo to the back to see if the item is of British origin.
Carpets
Old, beautiful, and handmade Persian rugs can be resold for a few hundred dollars to millions. A 17th-century carpet was considered to be the most expensive one ever sold $33 million back in 2013.
Baseball Cards
For baseball lovers, the passion for baseball cards extends from childhood until adulthood. Buying, collecting, trading, and selling is a lifelong process for many baseball card collectors. The T206 Honus Wagner card from 1909-1911 was sold for $3.12 million in 2016. It marked a world record for the highest-paid baseball card.
Fishing Equipment
In many auctions, vintage rods, reels, and similar equipment can surely get you good money. It can get you as high as $100,000.
Papers
Garage sales are not limited to the actual item that you bought. Sometimes you get unintended and left-behind items too. A 1917 stock certificate for 1,625 shares of an oil company worth $130 million at present times was tucked away for ages in a pile of box papers. It was later known that this group merged with Coca-Cola hence the value.
Trunks
You will get a good few hundred dollars for your antique American trunk in good condition. If you aim to go higher, spot a trunk from the French luxury brand, Louis Vuitton. Its brass type from 1888 was sold in an auction last 2019 for $159,200.
Pocket Watches
If you are one of the lucky ones to spot a watch as awesome as the photo above, we advise you to buy it. This kind of watch spells out big money for you. In 2014, a 1920 Patek Philippe Supercomplication was named as the world’s fanciest watch after being sold for $24 million.
Computers
If you happen to pass through old computers in your garage escapades, you might want to stop and check them out as they can be worth a lot. Steve Job’s 1976 Apple 1 computer was listed for $1,750,000 on eBay along with other brands of old computers.
Stamps
Most U.S. postage stamps from the last seventy years, unfortunately, are worthless. On the other hand, you can still retire comfortably if you own the older types like the British Guiana One-Cent Magenta which sold for $9.4 million in 2014.
Photographs
True, buying old photos of other people feels odd. However, you can get lucky and get big money like the person who bought the image of Billy the Kid in a theist store. It was later appraised as worth $5 million.
Furniture
Fans of Antiques Roadshow definitely had this fancy dream of being a lucky garage sale buyer. In 1998, this happened to a New Jersey teacher. She bought a $25 table which was later appraised at $300,000. In an auction, it later got sold for $541,000.
Kitchen Appliance
Do not turn your heads away if you see a vintage stove or fridge in good condition. Some people still fancy the mid-century looks in their homes. Vintage kitchen appliances like those from O’Keefe & Merritt still get you thousands when sold on eBay.
Typewriters
Typewriters may be outdated but these items still have that unique charisma in them which many find romantic. This probably is one main reason why many still collect it. Antique typewriters from Underwood can get you a hundred or two. Remington No. 1 got sold for $27,000 on eBay.
Duck Decoys
A simple glance will not make you appreciate this item that much. Yet, these handmade antique duck decoys can give you six figures in an auction. Less-prized decoys can go for hundreds or thousands of dollars on Chairish.
Perfume Bottles
These old items have their dedicated auction sites. As you go check garage sales, see if it is still in mint condition. Having the original packaging can get you in the higher range. An example of a sought-after bottle is Lalique’s “Les Sirenes” Flacon Collection Perfume bottle. It can be sold for $500.
Video Games
Games can last a lifetime. Old school games like Mario Kart 64 are worth hundreds now. The much rarer type like the Nintendo’s Stadium Events can make your pockets $35,000 heavier.
Signs
Good old days will always be a pleasure to remember. Nostalgia makes vintage signs and ads still a great catch for collectors. Anything from Coca-Cola ads to Chevrolet can get you thousands on eBay. Again, the bigger the signage, the more worth it gets.
Movie Memorabilia
Americans have always loved going to the movies since the beginning. This made film memorabilia a catch for passionate movie fans/collectors. The 1932 poster from The Mummy went for about $500,000 in an auction. Posters from more recent classics also get some value. The original spaceship version of the poster for 1982’s E.T. even landed at $4,000.
T-shirts
To get the best money in shirts, go for vintage concert tees. Those with advertising logos or slogans across them can be worth hundreds too. A t-shirt was listed on Etsy worth $14,000. This came from the 1990 Reading music festival in England.
Cookie Jars
Decorative cookie jars originated in the 1930s. Since then they were used in households to hold treats. Makers like American Bisque, McCoy Pottery, and McKee Glass Company boast of the most vintage types and can be sold for more than $600.
Microphones
This next item is one of those you would think are not exactly sellable in a garage sale. However, great musicians and producers may offer you thousands for a vintage microphone. The handmade Neumann M49 Tube Condenser Microphone was listed online for $12,500.
Automotive Parts
Buying vintage auto parts does not necessarily mean putting them in a new car. They can be valuable decorations, hubcaps, and hood ornaments which many designers tinkle with. A 30-piece collection of Lalique hood ornaments was sold for $805,000 in 2012.
Old Magazines
Those who were smart enough to keep their magazines in storage can now makeover 150 000 dollars selling them. We usually consider hoarding to be a bad thing but in cases like these, people who collected items such as magazines are the real winners.
Ordinary copies of old magazines are worth only 20 to 30 dollars. However, the rare versions are the ones that are worth a fortune. For example, a copy of Beeton’s Christmas Annual 1887 was sold for 156 000$ back in 2007. Old fashion magazines usually sell the best, especially to designers who like to use them as inspiration.
Steiff Teddy Bears
We’ve all had teddy bears as kids. Some people still have their teddy bears stored as valuable memories of their childhood. However, the lucky ones kept the rare teddy bears that are worth thousands of dollars these days. If you have old teddy bears somewhere in the storage, go get them and check their market value ASAP.
Steiff teddy bears are considered to be a valuable collectible, which means people will give a lot of money to own one. Limited edition Steiff bears can be worth a life-changing amount of money. For example, a Louis Vuitton-clad Steiff Bear was sold for 182 550$ at a charity auction once.
Vintage Apple Computers
Any vintage Apple product is definitely going to be worth a fortune. We recommend you to keep your old Apple phones and chargers because they might be worth hundreds in the future. Old Apple computers are quite a legendary collectible to own. No wonder why so many people would give thousands of dollars to own one.
As one of the first successful computers built by Apple, Apple II was sold between 1977 and 1993. This is not only a cool collectible but also a historical artifact. Believe it or not, one woman donated a rare Apple 1 computer to a Silicon Valley recycling firm. Little did she know that the computer was worth 200 000$.
Auto Parts
Vintage cars have always been a popular collectible. However, you don’t need a complete car to make a lot of money. Even separate car parts can be worth tons of money if they’re in decent condition. If you have a rusty old car in your garage, you should look up its value because some of the parts can be sold for thousands of dollars.
Many companies and individuals love vehicle restoration, which is why they love to spend a lot of money on old car parts. Even a common hood ornament can be worth up to 20$. However, if you’re lucky enough to have some rare parts, you’re in for a treat. Here’s an interesting detail: the most expensive hood ornament in the entire world is the diamond-encrusted Rolls-Royce Spirit of Ecstasy. Even though it was never sold at auction, it has an estimated value of 200 000 dollars!
Action Comics No. 1
If you like collecting comic books, stick to your collection because some of those pieces can be worth millions in the future. That’s right, we went from 200 000$ to over a million in resale value. Of course, for a comic book to be worth that much money it needs to be rare and quite old. Interestingly, building contractor David Gonzales found one of the most valuable comic books ever – completely by accident!
He found the comic book while renovating a house in Elbow Lake, Minn. He accidentally found a copy of Action Comics No. 1 – featuring Superman’s debut. It was stacked among newspapers used as insulation in the walls of the copy. It had a detached book cover, which is why it was worth 175 000$, whereas a near-mint copy sold for 2.16 million in 2011!
Fender & Gibson Guitars
Last but not least, the most valuable collectibles for today are the Fender & Gibson guitars. If you had one of these guitars while growing up, we surely hope you kept it because these are worth some serious money today. Fender and Gibson are two of the most popular brands when it comes to electric guitars, which is why their old models are worth so much money.
Vintage guitars are very popular collectibles these days and they tend to sell for way more money than you would expect. These nostalgic guitars made in the 50s can really bring you a fortune. We’re talking about millions here! The John Lennon’s Gibson J-160 Acoustic-Electric guitar sold back in 2014 was worth over two million dollars or 2 266 970$ to be precise!
Mechanical Piggy Banks
Up until today, we are still using piggy banks to save some money for the near future, however, are you aware of the fact that your grandma’s coin banks might actually give you an actual fortune? Since coin banks are still present now, you must remember that what you will find in your attic must hold some special features. Once you see this, you are absolutely in for some serious money.
If your coin bank has a certain mechanical feature, you can expect that the Mechanical Bank Collectors of America will truly exert an effort to accommodate your inquiry. Since 1958, they are in a thorough search for these exceptional appliances in exchange for a large amount of money. Guess how much? $2,500. That’s some good money for an old piggy bank!
Lunch Boxes
Old lunch boxes come with great value too. If it featured Roy Rogers, The Beatles, The Jetsons, and even the action star Rambo, then expect some great cash ahead.
Worth: Up to $3,100.
American Girl Samantha Doll
Samantha is one of the original American Girl dolls ever released. If it is still in awesome condition, it can get you a couple of thousand dollars.
Worth: $600-$3,300
Lamps
If you find a lamp too vintage for your modern home, better look at them closely as you may sell them for great prices. Handel, Pairpoint, Fulper, and Tiffany are brands that are well sought after.
Worth: Up to $45,000
Equestrian Paintings
Equestrian and hunting paintings became huge in 19th-century England. However, the influence left by riders and their horses remained prominent in galleries for hundreds of years now. Concepts like formal jockey portraits to action-packed depictions of traditional fox-hunting exercises remained a favorite by many horse lovers and experts alike. Large oil paintings placed in original ornate frames have high values. Smaller ones in simpler frames are priced less.
Worth: $200-$10,000
Ozark Tourist Pottery
These tiny vases can be just four inches tall, yet they bring beauty to the house. These items made by Morton Pottery in the 1920s and 1930s show the earthy swirled pottery made famous by Noloak and Nemadji. Also called tourist pottery, they were often sold as roadside souvenirs. The larger ones can be as tall as 12 inches. Its price can go up to $300.
Worth: $15-$350
Christmas Decors
Christmas is a well-loved celebration of the year by families. Decorations are kept even for many generations. If you find anything old and handmade, that could be worth a lot nowadays.
Worth: Up to $500
Milton Bradley Board Games
When a friend introduced him to the world of English board games, lithographer Milton Bradley did not waste time incorporating them into his Massachusetts-based printing business and make its American version. The Checkered Game of Life was created in 1860. The bold move paid off as it paved way for more than 1,000 new games. Themes included those of traditional and parlor games, cultural, and even pop. That meant anywhere from war patriotism to Superman and even Charlie’s Angels. Those unopened and sealed get sold at twice the price.
Worth: $10 to $800
Violet-Colored Mason Jars
The creation of a purple tint in jars upon the mixture of manganese started as an error. It was not long when they realized its beauty and became a famous shade in 1905.
Worth: $400
Beatles Sgt. Pepper’s ‘Lonely Hearts Club’ Vinyl Record
Another The Beatle’s collectible, this famous 1967 record is a big catch for collectors. Its copies can go as high as $290,500 at an auction. Private selling can go for a couple of hundred dollars.
Worth: Up to $290,500
Art Deco Clocks
Art deco style became a huge trend in the 1930s and 1940s and are reflected in small wall and desk clocks. The design reflects the prosperity of times. Think of gold accents and geometric designs symbolizing the city’s skyscrapers. Many clocks can be valued at $50. Westclox and Telechron can go as high as $1,000. Spotting these clocks is so easy. Its maker’s name is well-written on its front.
Worth: $25-$1,000
Julia Child’s Mastering the Art of French Cooking
Julia Child became America’s well-loved chef when she released her first cookbook in 1961. If you are lucky and have kept a copy of its very first edition in great condition, then you are in for a treat. It can be sold at various auction sites like eBay.
Worth: $2,000 and up
Women’s Suffrage Mementos
Last August 2020, a hundred years have passed since the 19th Amendment’s ratification emphasizing women’s suffrage. All collectibles from the event dating from 1890-1917 are hailed as priced items for museums. Many later items like buttons and pins though can be cheaper.
Worth: $50 to priceless
Midcentury Barware
The end of WWII became a time of frequent celebration for the Americans. Cocktail parties at home utilizing exquisite barware like those from Libbey, Federal Glass, Hazel-Atlas, and Culver became a trend. Whether you decide to keep them or not, these items can be great for your home.
Worth: $15-$1,500
Concert Posters
Great memories will always be treasured. The nostalgia bright by a simple yet original concert poster and its featured big stars can bring the owner big bucks. Appraiser Helaine Fendelman commented that framed posters are better and can go as high as $1,000. Auctions can be a great place to sell it. The 1966 Shea Stadium Beatles concert poster managed to be sold at $137,000 early last year.
Worth: up to $25,000
Lionel Train Sets
Joshua Lionel Cowen used the standard gauge electric locomotive for his New York City-based Lionel Manufacturing company. When World War II ended, he extended his O-gauge steam locomotive offerings. The creation of O27 gauge train sets became a hit. Then priced at $19.95, it had several tempting add-on cars and features that you could get year after year.
Worth: Up to $500
Federal Style Bull’s Eye Mirrors
Patriotism in the post-war world became a huge concept even to mirror designs. The eagle logo sits on top of the mirror symbolizing bravery. The 13 balls on their edges stand for the 13 original colonies. These types of mirrors dating from 1780 to 1830 are well-priced today. The 19th to early 20th century ones sell a little less though.
Worth: $100- $10,000
Duck Decoys
Once simple items from the mid-20th century, these duck decoys became great collectibles at present. The more pristine it is, the higher the value. You might get up to hundreds of thousands of dollars at auction sites.
Worth: Up to $650,000
Baseball Cards
When it comes to baseball cards, the older they are the higher their value. Keep in mind though that factors such as its condition, player, and year can affect its final price. It is best to get them appraised first.
Worth: Up to $3.2 million
Beanie Babies
eBay is a great place to sell these plush toys once a trend in the 1990s. If the tag is still intact and in great condition, you are in for a great price. Many of them can only go little in the price range, but the rare ones can get you half a million dollars. One of its original sets named Pinchers got sold for $35,000.
Worth: Up to $500,000
Video Game Consoles
Old video game consoles can be worth high today especially the unused and rare ones from the 1980s. In March 2020, the Nintendo Playstation prototype in the above photo was sold at an auction for a massive $360K. Individual video games may also be worth more than $20,000.
Worth: $20-$360,000
RCA Victor Radios
In 1919, the pioneer in the radio business, the Radio Corporation of America (RCA) became a subsidiary of General Electric. A decade later, they purchased the Victor Talking Machine Company which lead to the creation of RCA Victor and into consumerism. It is seen with Art Deco style console and wooden radios in the 1930s and 1940s. It played the plastic craze after WWII and popularised the sleek colorful tube radios made of Bakelite.
Worth: up to $4,000
RCA Victor Record Players
This particular player is a rare find according to eBay’s Jim Griffith. It dated back to the 1950s which allowed listening to a stack of 45s only. It allows you to listen to one song at a time and insert another to listen to another song. Its portable and later versions are more in demand as they combined record player and AM radio in one device.
Worth: up to $800
Super Bowl Mementos
The simple act of buying a Super Bowl ticket in the early days can offer you big bucks if you kept that ticket. These have either a blue or yellow stripe on top. Sports Collectors Daily commented these can be sold between $200-$1,000. The white stripes ones can even get you to $4,000. Do know it still depends on the game’s popularity. Super Bowls II and XII are rare finds.
Worth: Up to $4,000
Two-Color Pieced Quilts
The retro-style proved to be timeless when Country Living’s style editors shone a light on monochromatic vintage coverlets like the above image. This simple pattern was a hit in the 1930s and 1940s and showed the early designs of man where resources were fairly limited.
Worth: $150-$450
Fashion Accessories
There is always worth in vintage fashion accessories. Scarves, handbags, belts can be of great worth especially the branded ones from Hermes, Louis Vuitton, and Chanel. Less popular ones can give you smaller amounts too. The condition of the item is key. No moth holes or damage should be seen before looking for a dry cleaner.
Worth: Up to $20,000
Perfume Bottles
Perfume bottles in the past are intricately designed. More like an art, glassblowers did a great job in creating them in the 19th century. If you have one in great condition especially one from New England Glass Company or the Boston & Sandwich Glass Company, hang on to it and get it professionally appraised.
Worth: Up to $1,000
Hubley Cast-Iron Doorstops
John Hubley founded the Hubley Manufacturing Co. in 1984. Based in Lancaster, LA, they first focused on wooden toys and later evolved to cast iron and decorative pieces like banks, door knockers, and figural doorstops. Their intricate designs and structure for their doorstops became a trend. If you have doorstops with original paint, you can get about $400. The rare shaped ones can cost more. Recently, a Hubley giraffe doorstop was sold for about $11,000. To know if it is genuine, look at the back for the word “HUBLEY” or a three-digit number.
Worth: $50-$10,000
Royal Typewriters
1926 became the year when the portable typewriter was released by the Brooklyn-based Royal Typewriter company. Its Quiet De Luxe serial number dates it exactly to 1957. Competitors from Remington, Underwood, and Smith Corona also released their own. However, the Royal Typewriter emerged on top. It aimed to reduce the noise of the keys and was considered top of its kind at that time according to expert Helaine Fendelman. Its visual did great as it steered away from the usual black. It released turquoise and rare bubblegum pink colors. Since it had massive production, many of its still exist today. Any defects on the item can lower its worth significantly.
Worth: $375
Persian Rugs
Beautiful handwoven Persian rugs grow in value over a significant number of years. The ones owned by your great grandmother can be of great worth now. Those over 100 years are now classified as antiques. Depending on its size, material, knot-density, condition, and design, the price can fluctuate.
Worth: $1,000-$1 million
Comic Books
Same rule as most antiques, old and rare comic books are worth higher. It could even be worth millions. The commons could give you even a couple of hundred dollars. Keep up to date with new superhero movies as you may have a vintage copy of its comic book. Marvel’s new offering Eternals is becoming popular and you can get $1,000 for a pristine issue of it.
Worth: Up to several million
Mechanical Banks
Old mechanical banks can give you more than your old loose coins. It can be worth a lot more. Its mechanical feature is sought after than the Mechanical Banks Collectors of America were on the search since 1958.
Worth: Up to $2,500
First Edition Books
Being a book addict can make you richer in more ways than one. If you were lucky to own the first edition of a book of any kind, you might be receiving thousands of dollars for it. Websites like Biblio can assist you to check a book’s potential worth.
Worth: $15,000 plus (depending on age and popularity)
Upside-Down Ball Mason Jars
This creation from 1900 to 1910 could do many things for you. It can also serve as a dispenser for a coffee grinder. Its overall short production makes it a desired item.
Worth: $1,000
Cereal Boxes
Vintage cereal boxes (minus any old cereal inside) is a great collector’s item. Special edition ones are very limited hence the bigger bucks. It might be worthwhile to check out that old E.T. cereal box in your attic.
Worth: $100 plus (depends on rarity)
Jadeite Ball Jug
These pitchers are limited edition items sold in the 1940s by Anchor Hocking. Highly coveted pieces, collectors are even happy to buy damaged items for about $150. Its neck and handle are known to be prone to cracks.
Worth: $400
Advertising Signs
Retro Advertising signs are great for home decorating purposes. Collectors in particular like anything vintage. Ads from soft drinks to even gasoline can give you great money. Coca-Cola ads in particular are big hit items.
Worth: Up to $15,000
Boy Scout Collectibles
Many old boy scout pieces have a great market online. Uniforms, equipment, commemorative pieces, and even badges can spell out cash, Badges can be sold for up to $30 on eBay. You can even get $2,200 for the first edition of the boy scout handbook like the one recently sold online.
Worth: Up to $2,200
Guitars
If you have an old-school guitar hiding in your attic, better take them out as they can be worth a fortune. Good condition is a must. If you own any from Gibson, Fender, or Martin from the 1960s era or earlier, expect great returns in auctions. Some Gibson Les Paul Standards got sold at $100,000.
Worth: Up to $33,000
Postcards
The same rule applies to postcards. The older, rarer, and better condition it is, the better value you get. True, many old cards cannot be worth more than two dollars. However, the most vintage ones like the one from 1840 can land you up to $50,000 at an auction.
Worth: Up to $340
Silver Flatware
Another common item at home that can be worth a lot is your grandmother’s old dinnerware. Set of sterling silver flatware can give you hundreds to thousands of bucks. If it is from a great brand like Tiffany, prepared to received big money.
Worth: Up to $1,100 per piece
Tools
Old tools can be worth a lot. Check out your shed and look at your saws, planes, and hand drills. Antique collectors love them for their vintage offering and continued functionality. Do some research for price guides.
Worth: Up to $3,000
Football Programs
Early football programs between Harvard and Yale proved to be a great collector’s item today. The 1897 program is the rarest find, yet it came in rather a poor condition. Marsha Dixey, an expert from Heritage Auctions, commented that the 1899 and 1909 programs are easier to come by and well preserved. These old treasures will give you great value.
Worth: $700
Soda Crates
The soda industry had a creative boom in the early 1900s. Local drugstores were able to mix and bottle small batch recipes and deliver the items n hand-stenciled crates. Unique and rare, it can sell up to $200. The newer ones from the 1950s and 1960s like the above photos can sell at $20.
Worth: $20-$200
Dollhouses
The British toymaker Lines Bros created the largest dollhouse, the circa 1924 Tudor, at nearly six feet wide. Creatively done, carpenters and engineers worked together to create shrunken floral wallpaper, stucco walls, and mullioned glass windows. Smaller houses were also created, but can be sold at cheaper prices nowadays.
Worth: up to $2,000
Belly Board
Ugg boots creator did not only settle with boot-making. In the 1960s, belly boards were created. It was named “Paipo”, originating from a Hawaiian word meaning headfirst. Expert Marsha Dixey said that Stedman’s name has become a reference in much of her research. This only added to the board’s value.
Worth: $500
Cast-Iron Mailboxes
In the early 20th century, Griswold created unique cast-iron mailboxes. His group was active in the business from 1865 to 1957 and initially focused on cookwares. Their products later evolved to mailboxes. The image above is an example. The unpainted version is worth more though.
Worth: up to $350
Sheet Music Cabinets
You may have seen this somewhere and wondered about its functionality. Classical Revival-style cabinets became a trend in late 19th century England. Its purpose though was not to hold records. Its upper shelves and vertical separations were used to hold sheet music based on category, size, or type.
Worth: $2,500
Mid Century Chairs
The 1900s was called a classical era for a reason. Designs emphasized the material’s beauty and clean lines. This feature makes them timeless pieces. Production continues up to this day, yet the vintage ones remain well-liked. Expect great money from pieces created by Milo Baughman, Thonet, Eames, Saaranin, and Hans Werner.
Worth: $15-$3,000 (complete sets)
Stetson Hats
John Patterson Stetson started the cowboy hat trend in 1865. Designed with a wide brim for shading the neck and eyes, it can also hold water when turned upside down, particularly useful for a horse or any rider. This was explained by antique appraiser Helaine Fendelman. If it comes with the original box dating in the 1960s, you can get a great amount despite possible small stains.
Worth: $100-$1,000
Outdated Technology
These days, having the most advanced technology is the thing for many. However, do not let go of your older ones as there is still a big market for them. Old phones, computers, video game systems, radios, and toasters can still have great value for collectors. An Apple I computer was thrown by a woman in 2015 which was supposed to still have a value of $200,000 if sold.
Worth: Up to $10,000
Yo-Yo Quilts
A very popular style in the 1930s, the yo-yo quilts are made up of hundreds of cotton circles that were cut and hand-sewn together. A true colorful American trend, it is now worth a lot.
Worth: $275
Loving Cups
The above image is an 1890 example of silver-loving cups made by Shrive, Crump, and Low. It was intended for sharing happy drinks at events like weddings or banquets. Well-designed horn handles can be observed which tells you their interest in hunting in the past.
Worth: up to $2,700
Milk Glass Easter Eggs
A delicate piece, this handblown milk glass egg was originally left bare so Victorian women can design them with greetings and the like. As time flew, these were often damaged by washing or plain handling.
Worth: $775 for set
Saratoga Trunks
The rich people of the 1870s often go to Saratoga Springs in New York during summer for camping. These dome-topped style trunks serve as storage compartments and are intricately designed with lithographed paper.
Worth: Up to $700
Books From the Start of Time
If your family happened to be bookworms and it just runs in the blood, you are in luck. You might want to kiss your grandparents once you find even just one of their old collections of a book from the start of time. They might not be really aware but your shelves are worth thousands of dollars.
A popular first edition book can give you an amount of $15,000 or even more than that if it’s really famous, old, and in its best condition. You might be really curious if what you find in your great-grandparents’ shelf has value, and for this, you can try and consult Biblio to know how much cash you can earn!
Artful Costume Jewelry
If you think diamonds, gold and silver are the only things that will bring you prosperity in terms of jewelry, you should definitely think again. Costume jewelry from the 1920s is also considered a treasure. Their prices can range from a thousand dollars up to over $2,000.
If you happened to find costume design jewelry from the early 20th century designers such as Elsa Schiaparelli, Jean Clément, Jean Schlumberger, Coppola e Toppo, Salvadore Dali, and Roger Jean-Pierre, you can surely look forward to earning a lot of money. Some auctions are specially held for this specific type of jewelry. If your grandma’s old jewelry is still in shape and without any damage, it is only right to include them in an auction.
Vintage Guitars and Other Musical Instruments
If you are part of a family of musically inclined people, it’s impossible for you not to find any vintage musical instruments such as ukuleles or guitars in your attic. If you are lucky enough to find your great-great granddad’s Gibson guitar from over 116 years ago, you are in for great luck. $33,000 is waiting for you.
However, if you do not plan on displaying your family’s Martin guitar that has been passed over for generations since the 1800s, you should definitely try to check how much it is worth. You might be shocked by how it could totally change your life.
Undying Silverware
The women of the family just normally love to collect silverware like spoons, knives, and forks. No matter how the men find it a little absurd, no one can stop them. And now, who says it was just a waste of time? They just proved again that mothers know best!
A complete set of Sterling silverware can provide you with hundreds to thousands of bucks nowadays. You should be really thankful for your great-grandma’s instincts. Who would expect that this old dinnerware can be sold up to more than thousands of dollars?
Eternal Home Tools
If you think that your Papa’s old and rusty home tools all deserved to be in the trash bins, well, you are apparently wrong. You might want to visit your old guy’s shed and look for other tools because they are worth several amounts of dollars you never expected.
If you are still not convinced that they have value there are several online applications and price guides you can find on the internet. They will also let you know which of the tools really have great value. Your mouth might drop in shock once you see that their prices can reach up to $3,000.
All-Time Favorite Advertisements
There are just things from history that are worth keeping. Several companies from all sorts of industries did not fail on creating an impact and really leave a mark in the public’s heart through their amazing and heartfelt advertisements.
From a soda brand to a bakeshop and even up to gasoline companies, they just stirred up the world with their vintage and unique ads. And of course, if you happen to keep one from your childhood expect that you can get paid up to $15,000 (especially if it’s an ad from Coca-Cola.).
Unforgettable Football Programs
Sports have always been part of our history and there are just some that cannot be forgotten. Some football memorabilia just like these can surely bring back in time when these spectacular events had happened.
Surely, these collectibles are all sports and non-sports fan must-haves. The first Harvard vs. Yale item was actually very hard to find. However, since its condition was not that good it did not reach the price it has to be. “Of your three programs, the 1897 item is the rarest but also in poor condition,” Marsha Dixey explained from the Heritage Auctions. But since 1909 and 1899 were at their best the three were sold for $700.
The Amaranthine Beauty of Dollhouses
Of course, your grandmother had also loved playing with dollhouses. And if she was lucky to have one of these Tudor dollhouses, you are very lucky to inherit it too. This toy was worth $2,000, just so you know.
This 1924 Tudor was almost a 6-feet wide dollhouse created by Line Bros., a British toymaker company. Believe it or not, this doll was built with the effort of engineers and carpenters. They exert all of their effort to make it look like a real house. From its glass windows, floral wallpapers, and stucco walls, everything was done meticulously.
The Ever Useful Record Players
It was from the mouth of eBay’s Jim Griffith came from that this piece of the record player was a real treasure. “This RCA Vitor Slide-O-Matic record player is somewhat rare. This particular model dates back to the 1950s and made listening to a stack of 45s—the only kind of record it plays—pretty labor-intensive.”
Many collectors still look for this item, but because a later version was found wherein the AM radio and the record player came in one, the popularity went a little lesser. However, if you found one in your attic, do not worry because it can still be sold for $130.
The Unfading Classiness of Vintage Luggage Set
Traveling all over different countries started to become a trend in the 1950s. People get to choose if they want to cruise a ship, enjoy a long train ride or fly in the air with planes. Thus, it also resulted in great sales in luggage sets.
“Made by Towncraft, a J.C. Penney house brand, this set copies a Samsonite design, which was then one of the leaders of the industry,” explained Helaine Fendelman as he examined every single feature of this green marbled hard-sided cases. The set was eventually sold for about $175.
Striking Red and Sporty Belly Board
Did you know? Belly boarding is recognized as one of the very first watersports existed, and also the very first form of surfing which originated in the Polynesian Islands and Hawaii? And this sporting red belly board was dated back to the 1960s.
This was an invention of the same man who introduced Ugg boots to us. As records show that Shane Stedman was actually connected with this belly board’s history, Marsha Dixey from Heritage Auctions claims that this is definitely valuable. Today, it costs around $500.
Exquisite Upside-Down Ball Mason Jar
People up until today are still fascinated by these upside-down Ball Mason Jars. However, as it was only produced for a really short time there are only a few people who were able to collect and have these exquisite glasses. If you are one of them, you should definitely check it out, clean it, and take a good look if it’s still in its best condition because you’ll surely get a lot from it.
These mason jars which were made in the 1850s by John Landis Mason can provide several dollars up to $1,000. This type of jars was only issued from 1900 to 1910 so, expect that it really costs a lot.
Timeless Milk Glass Banana Stand
Victorians really do have a lot of interest in things connected to beauty, art, and styles. Thus, it is really not impossible that they were able to come up with something like this too. This was a Milk Glass Banana Stand which is basically something created as a dish to put your banana into.
This timeless Milk Glass Banana Stand was dated way back from the 1950s. A reproduced version like this can give you up to $45 these days. However, instead of using it for bananas, people have found a new way to use it as a flower display. If you have an older version of this banana stand from the early 1900s, you can expect up to $100.
Persistent Cast-Iron Mailbox
This specific type of mailbox was created and produced by Griswold. And the reason why a lot of collectors value this thing is mainly because it was made from cast iron. Griswold was originally focused on producing cookware between 1865 and 1957, but it seems like collectors are just so much interested in cast-iron made things.
This mailbox known as No. 3 was dated back in 1910 was some of the collector’s dreams and although painted, this can be sold up to $125. For the unpainted and the original ones, you can expect $350 in exchange for it.
Circular and Cute Ball Jug
There are truly a lot of jars and jugs which became a trend in the early 1900s. And now they just hold a lot of value far from our expectations. This circular and cute ball jar was only produced limitedly in the 1940s.
Anchor Hocking introduced these pitches and people just could not get enough of it since then. With its jade color, even damaged pieces of these can cost up to $150. Collectors themselves knew how delicate this piece is, this jar is naturally prone to cracks especially on some parts such as handles and necks. If you happen to find one in perfect condition you can expect an instant $400 in your pockets.
Lovely Violet Columbia Mason Jar
Mason Jars became really popular right after it’s released. However, in the early 1900s people accidentally discovered an unexpected phenomenon from these jars. Once exposed to the sun, these plain mason jars change into purple color because of the glass’s manganese content. And people had fallen in love with it out of context.
This resulted in the production of the purposely purple-colored jar in 1905. And as expected it became a huge trend. Nowadays, if you still happen to found one, assume that you automatically have 400 bucks.
The Dateless Sheet Music Cabinet
This vintage music cabinet dates back to the late 19th century. With its Classical Revival-style, this music cabinet absolutely looks like the one we see in the old musical movies. According to the collector and appraiser, Helaine Fendelman, it is safe to conclude that this cupboard was actually from England.
“The upper shelves and vertical separations enclosed by the door originally held sheet music organized by category, size, or type,” And mind you, this old cupboard’s price nowadays is no joke. This sheet music cabinet can cost up to $2,500.
Deathless Rocking Chair
If you happen to remember having fun with your grandma’s rocking chair you should definitely ask her where is it now. If you are lucky enough to find it in good condition, you can definitely sell it for a good $200.
According to Marsha Dixey from Heritage Auction, since this item is a bit famous, only the highest quality and unique costs much, “Whether you call this chair Arts and Crafts, Mission, or Craftsman, it’s really cute. However I don’t believe Stickley made chairs with the type of design features—the cutouts, for instance—of your rocker, so I wouldn’t expect there to be a maker mark embossed in the wood.”
Classic Lounge Chair
Milo Baughman known to be one of the pioneers of modern design collaborated with Thayer Coggin, a furniture maker from North Carolina in the 1950s to create exceptional furniture sets. Some of Milo Baughman’s works were very artistic; the Whitney Museum of American Art did not miss the chance to display some of them.
According to the antique expert and collector Helaine Fendelman, Baughman’s work still inspired some midcentury to the modern classic style of furniture up until today. But if you happened to own an authentic set like this, you will be looking forward to a real $1,500.
Durable Circa 1900 Dining Chairs
Aside from jars and glasses, woods that test the length of time also on this list too. This Circa 1900 Dining Chair is absolutely proving its durability. Thus, if you were able to found one in your house’s storage room, expect that you can be rewarded with $600 per set.
This dining chair is made up of English oak, built with fine and authentic leather seats. Its barley twist legs serve as one of its unique features. According to Marsha Dixey of Heritage Auctions, this original feature was a Gothic Revival design, and the costs, of course, vary based on the chair’s condition.
Chic and Posh Pearl and Cameo Bracelet
One of the most iconic jewelry trends back in the 19th century was the chic and posh Pearl and Cameo bracelets. Even Heritage Auctions’ Marsha Dixey called the help of Jill Burgum about the real worth of this jewelry.
Burgum stated that these intricately carved cameos were actually from the Victorian age. When mourning became a trend and people happened to wear black clothing. This jewelry became a great combination of these clothes. This specific bracelet looked like two pendants but was later transformed into bracelets.
Authentic Sterling Silver Belt Buckle
According to Marsha Dixey of Heritage Auctions, concluded that this belt dates back to the 1990s. Of course, it’s not only crafts, woods, and jewelry that can stand the tough times, even original leather made belts like this can also prove their durability.
This buckle was an original creation of “R. Schaezlein & Son,” a known silversmith founded way back in 1882 in San Francisco. If you thoroughly search in your attic, you might actually found one from your great-great-grandfather’s stuff. If so, $500 will be just there, waiting for you.
Stylistic 1960s Stetson Hat
Whose gentleman in the late 1800s does not dream to look like a cowboy with a Stetson Cowboy hat? John Batterson Stetson released the very first cowboy hat in 1865. His design just really created an impact on everyone.
Helaine Fendelman, a dedicated appraiser, explained that the hat was really designed to shade the neck and the eyes. And it is specially made for cowboys in the sense that when the hat is turned upside down, the crown has to serve its use as a water holder for the rider and the horse. If you can remember your grandpa having those, even it already has stains, as long as it still has its original packaging, you can earn up to $175 out of it.
Never Fading Yo-Yo Quilt
Yo-Yo quilt according to American history became famous because of the popularity of the toy with the same name between the 1930s and 1940s. It is believed that these toys were originally from the Philippines. But soon enough as the Filipino toy company was bought by an American the Yo-Yo quilt also came into life.
This became a popular style of creating a quilt. This Yo-yo as Marsha Bemko of Antiques Roadshow explained with Deborah Miller, “Hundreds of cotton circles were cut and hand-sewn together to make this coverlet,” And if you luckily stumbled upon this on your topic, it’s an easy $275 for you.
Eternal Loving Cup
Loving cups are known for being a symbol of celebration from two different parties. This cup was typically used for banquets and weddings were sharing celebratory drinks serves a deep meaning.
This specific cup was recorded to be created by Peter L. Krider in 1899. Krider was a Philadelphian silversmith for several companies such as Crump & Low and Shreve. Helaine Fendelman pointed out that its unique handles made of horns were actually recognition of the end of the hunting century. Today, if you found it in your attic you can sell it up to $700.
Literally Rugs to Riches
Yankees enterprising also built a sewing industry in the early 1800s which specializes in creating fabric scraps into rag rugs. And who would have thought that these rugs will bring them to riches? Soon enough, these rugs evolve into hand-hooked versions.
Helaine Fendelman also said that the hand-hooked wool runner from the early-20th-century was actually a descendant of the original ones in New England. If you found this stuff just in your storage room, don’t ignore it just because it’s a rug! It can absolutely also give you riches too! This hooked rug can be sold today for $750.
Dashing Milk Glass Easter Eggs
You will definitely get the new life you have been wishing for if you found these dashing Milk Glass Easter Eggs in your attic. This was sold in the Victorian era as blank and unpainted eggs and the Victorian ladies could paint the eggs by themselves.
Being handblown and personalized with greetings and designs, the paint usually washes out in time. But for a good conditioned set of eggs, Marsha Dixey of Heritage Auctions, claims that it can actually be sold for $775 for set.
Cute and Curly Cabbage Patch Dolls
If you are looking for one of the longest-running doll franchises in America since the 1980s, you might be shocked by how much it really costs nowadays. The cute and curly Cabbage Patch Dolls popularity even produced third-party products such as board games and a lot more. Record albums and even animated cartoons were also made inspired by them. No doubt it was one of the most iconic collector’s items today.
As of now Pat and Joe Posey hold the most expensive Cabbage Patch Dolls collection. They have built a Maryland museum especially for their 5,000 dolls which cost $360,000 in total.
The Irresistible ‘80s PEZ Dispensers
With its cube body and cute cartoon character head, who did not dream of having their very own PEZ Dispensers? Although these toys were being made until today, there’s just something about the older ones that attract the collectors. The very first PEZ was released in 1927 in Vienna, Austria by Eduard Haas III. And you might not know, these PEZ dispensers were created to persuade people to quit smoking. They even have come up with the slogan, “Smoking prohibited, PEZing allowed”.
It was 1952 when PEZ was first introduced in America, however, due to its strong peppermint taste; they have to come up with a hit marketing technique. And they were successful with it, the new dispensers were made with different shapes, flavors, and cartoon character heads. And this very first release was every collectible’s dream. Recently, a 1982 Astronaut B PEZ Dispenser was sold on eBay for $32,000. Indeed, it was old, but gold.
The Authentic First Edition Pound Puppies Plush
The very first Pound Puppies Plush was invented by Michael Bowling in 1984 by the Tonka Company. This toy had inspired a film, two animated TV Series, and an animated TV Special. It is not surprising to know that within just five years of existence in the market, Tonka had already generated an estimated sale of $300 million in over 35 countries. And today, if you plan to purchase an authentic one for your kid, good luck to you.
If you have a first edition Pound Puppy in your storage room or treasure box, expect that you can exchange it for those who need it at a good price. It actually has a value of $5,000.
The Nasty Garbage Pail Kids Cards Real Worth
This card might not really be appealing for some parents because of its, hmm, ‘unique’ concept, but some people such as kids and kids at heart are willing to spend hundreds of bucks for a single card. The Garbage Pail Kids Cards was released in 1985 by the Topps Company. Each card represents one character created by the award-winning cartoonist Art Spiegelman. Because of the character’s exceptional humor, it became a trend throughout the United States.
If you are one of those lucky ones who bought the cards even without your parent’s consent, you are really lucky today. These Garbage Pail Kids Cards are now worth hundreds and thousands of bucks based on their condition, their production date, and the specific character featured in the card. The most amazing fact, someone was able to sell a card for a good $300 and one man just got a total of $4,000 for the complete 1985 Garbage Pail Kids Series One. And all of this exchange became possible thanks to eBay!
Famous Hundred Dollar Original Monopoly
There are actually a lot of issues regarding the history of the Original Monopoly. However, one thing’s for sure, this is one of America’s most famous board games. Known as the Landlord’s game before, it is impossible if you never had experience playing these games in the classroom. Some people claim that the monopoly was a creation of Elizabeth Maggie in 1906, some people state that Charles Darrow came up with it in 1933.
However, the most important thing is, if you have an authentic version of the game from the early 1900s, you are on for a great sum of money. Just last 2015, the authentic hand-drawn monopoly created by Charles Darrow himself in 1933 was sold for $146,500. If I were you, if you have a memory of playing the game in the past, it’s time to spend some time in the attic to search for that treasure!
Burning Hot Wheels
With Mattel’s released of the iconic die-cast toy cars, Hot Wheels in 1968, there were already about 4,000,000,000 consumers who were lucky enough to have one of them. The very first Hot Wheels toy cars were made by Elliot Handler. The first production line in 1968 was a first from the Redline series and it became known as the Original Sweet 16.
However, no matter how many hot wheels cars there might be out there today, only a few of them hold value. Some hot wheels were only made as prototypes and that’s why they are much more important. For example, if you have the “Volkswagen Beach Bomb” prototype released in 1969, you can surely expect $125,000 in your pockets.
Sega Genesis Console
If you were really a fan of game consoles when you were young, you might happen to have a Sega Genesis Console. And if you have one, do not dare to throw it away, if you do, you just literally let 2,000 dollars slip away from your hands!
Sega Genesis Console was the very first game console to have a 16-bit operating system. Although they had Nintendo as their greatest competitor, they still did not fail in creating an impact on our childhood, if you think you have one in your attic, better try if it’s still working and thousands of bucks surely await you.
Fisher-Price Push Cart Pete was Only 50 Cents Before But Now?
This is one of those very low-cost toys back in the days. The Fisher-Price Push Cart Pete was released in 1936 and collectors could only hope that their parents saved one for them because its prize today is totally no joke.
With Pushcart Pete’s discontented face, you cannot really see its value today. If you think that your parents’ toy still actually looks fine, time to let it out on the internet. Because the 5 centavo Fisher Price Push Cart Pete in 1936- 1937 now costs a jaw-dropping amount of $3,000.
The1982 Iconic Skeletor Action Figure
The action figure from the 1982 Masters of the Universe media franchise made by Mattel definitely shook the world with its little creepy face. The villain is absolutely fun to check out. The Skeletor action figure has a height of 5 ½ inches.,
Earning the title of “Lord of Destruction”, many people loved this character and collectors are dying to have one of this Master of the Universe’ action figure. If you happen to have one, you should definitely let it out on the internet as it now costs almost $2000.
Light Up Your Wallets with Lite Brite
Lite Brite was released by Hasbro in 1967 and since then, the young ones became seriously attached to the colorful toy. As to attract more kids, Hasbro used different cartoon character images such as Mr. Potato Head, My Little Pony, Darth Vader, and Scooby-Doo. However, the well-loved toy before was definitely leveled up in terms of price.
If you have one in your old treasure box, you might want to sell it online. If you ask your parents how much they paid for it back in the days, they most probably answer you with $20. Not bad if you resell it today since you can put it up at a good price of $100.
The Real Talkboy
Who would have thought that those Talkboys would actually be on this list? Tape recorders really became popular in the 1990s. Aside from its very fun to play with, it was actually useful too. But with the release of Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, talk boys was suddenly the talk of the town.
The talk boys, however, were only made before as nothing but a prop for the movie in 1992. It’s actually not really working and just built for the main character, Kevin Mccalister aka Macaulay Culkin. Due to huge public demand, Tiger Electronics manufactured real portable variable-speed cassette players in the shape of the talk boys used in the movie. And yes, if you still have one in your home today, you can be looking up to an instant $200 in your pockets.
1978 Luke Skywalker Action Figure In Today’s Generation
Star Wars is one of the most famous sci-fi franchises in history. From its creator George Lucas, the American movie series produced a lot of books, video games, comics, animated shows, and of course, toys. With the huge Star Wars craze all over the world, you can assume that almost everyone had dreamed of becoming a Jedi, But not only lightsabers were on top of the toy market, collectors were also in search of the 1978 edition of Luke Skywalker Action Figure.
With the massive fan base since the first release of the movie, many people are quick to collect all Star Wars memorabilia. However, as time pass by, even high-tech action figures and lightsabers are released, many Star Wars fans are still searching for the very first release of Star Wars toy. Thus, when one collector had heard of the existence of the 1978 edition of Luke Skywalker Action Figure, he quickly bought it for $25,000. Yes, this old toy can actually change your life within just a snap.
Cutie and Expensive Beanie Babies
Whose 90s kids out there, did not fall in love with the cuteness of these little creatures? Beanie Babies was actually released by Ty Warner in 1993 and since then, the line of plush toys stuffed animal was well-loved by the masses. Warner used beans rather than regular plush foams which made them more unique.
Being the very first Internet sensation in 1995, you can look forward to a great sum of money if you still have one stuffed beanie Babies today. The rarer plush you have, the larger money awaits you. According to some, a sum of $12,000 is a sure jackpot for a box-closed 1997 1st Edition Beanie Bear Princess Diana.
Fun and Exciting Lionel’s Pennsylvania “Trail Blazer” Train Set
Whose kid out there was not fascinated with trains? However, toy collectors nowadays really know how to express their love with this classic stuff. If you are some of those lucky kids in the 1930s who might happen to have the chance to play with this 1934 Standard Gauge version train set, your middle name must be ‘Lucky’.
This is definitely your lucky day if you have found this great stuff in your attic because you are really in for a big amount of money. Toy collectors are very willing to spend up to $250,000 on this toy. Easy money!
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 1980s Action Figures is Still Alive and Kicking
Who doesn’t know Michael Angelo, Raphael, Donatello, and Leonardo? This brothers’ squad has been everyone’s favorite since the release of the comic books of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles in 1984 by Mirage Studios in New Hampshire.
After the popularity of comic books and television series, its action figures were quickly found in the market. The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Action Figures were released by the Playmates Toy in 1988. And now, if you have the Mint condition action figures, except that it can provide you a minimum of $600 per figure, if you are lucky enough to found a rarer one in your treasure chest, you can totally kick an amount of $5,000.
Vinyl Caped Jawa’s Real Price
Yes, it’s not only Luke Skywalker who was well-loved by the many. Another Star Wars character in the persona of Jawa wanted to prove its real value. The very first Jawa action figure was introduced on the toy shelves in 1978. Its cape was truly made of vinyl like Darth Vader and Obi-wan Kenobi’s capes.
However, as time passed by it was replaced by cloth by the Kenner Company. So if you remembered playing with one of these Vinyl Caped Jawa in your childhood, you should definitely search for it now. Its rarity will automatically reward you with a minimum of $5,000
Transformers to Literally Transform Your Wallet
It’s not only the boys who got addicted to this phenomenal animated series. However, before it even becomes a hit on the television and movie screens in 1986, the action figures were first released in 1984. The toy line was created with the cooperation of a Japanese company, Takara, and an American company, Hasbro.
Surely, millions of kids around the world were able to purchase one of these transformers action figures. You are just very lucky if you still happened to store yours because it now costs around $2000.
Jurassic Park Figures Roars With Price
With the release of Jurassic Park film in 1993, every toymaker couldn’t slip this chance to create a phenomenal toy. And Kenner succeeded to get a deal with Amblin Entertainment. He created 5 action figures designed with a black background
However, what made the most impact was its second release which includes a jungle background. If you happen to remember one of them from your childhood, pray that it’s still in your attic or storage room because it’s worth $1,200 today.
Vintage Super Soaker Gun is On Fire Again
No one can argue that water guns are one of the all-time favorite toys on earth. The original and vintage Super Soaker Gun was first introduced by engineer Lonnie Johnson in 1982. Its prototype was an amazing combination of an empty soda bottle, acrylic glass, and a PVC pipe.
There are many low-class and imitations you can find today at a very cheap price. However, if you are looking for an authentic one for your collection better prepare up to a thousand dollars.
Stretch Armstrong Stretches Up to Thousands of Dollars
Another ultimate creation from Kenner, Stretch Armstrong was one of the well-loved toys since 1976. A unique action figure filled with gel is truly one of the most unique and entertaining toys that deserve a comeback.
Hasbro announced in the 2016 New York Toy Fair that they will produce the very first design of Stretch Armstrong again. That was great news for everyone but toy collectors seemed to could not get enough with the authentic one. Some reports said that the vintage Stretch Armstrong doll was sold for $10,000 in an auction!
Mario Cart 64 Racing Through the Prices
Every 90s kids surely still miss Super Mario until now. But if you badly needed a huge amount of money in an instant and you remember playing this game back in the days, your attic is absolutely worth a check. The Mario Cart 64 in mint-condition can be sold nowadays at $750.
As one of the most memorable and worldwide popular games, this is not quite shocking. Mario Cart 64 is every collector’s dream. It was first released in 1997 and up until now, people are still craving this amazing game. Super Mario is the real legend!
G.I. Joe Circa 1964 is Still in Action
We could not hide it anymore, Hasbro did complete most of our childhood. The G.I. Joe line of action figures was first released by the toy company in 1964. The toys were the male counterpart of every little girl’s favorite Barbie.
As you know, the G.I Joe toys were meant to represent the Action Marine (Marine Corps), Action Pilot (Air Force), Action Sailor (U.S. Navy), Action Soldier (U.S. Army), and later on, followed by the Action Nurse. The toy evolved over the years and of course, every toy collector wants the very first version. And for your information, it can cost up to $10,000.
Playmobil Adventures Up Until Today
Playmobil is a German toy line from Brandstätter Group also known as Geobra Brandstätter GmbH & Co KG based in Germany. Many children from the 1970s to 1990s loved to have an indoor adventure with this toy set.
The toy allows a kid to create a scene with the parts given in the box and start their own adventure. Some kids even love to use their other toys to come up with an original plot. If you want to find one of these sets today for your kids, you need a little more than $800.
Barbie Girl in a Barbie World
Because of its worldwide popularity, collectors know how precious the first versions of these toys are. For them, hearing that the authentic Barbie dolls cost a little more than $23,000 is just a normal thing. A person who would be willing to spend that much must really love Barbie.
This Is How Much Your Old Star Wars Toys Are Worth
In 1977 the world was introduced to a new phenomenon: the Star Wars Universe. Since its beginning with the surprisingly legendary A New Hope, the Star Wars franchise continues to grow and influence the world. This influence has stretched beyond the movie theaters, and into toy stores. With fans craving anything from a galaxy far, far away, all the Star Wars merchandise can be a little overwhelming, so we made it simple for you by compiling a list of every collectable worth investing in.
Want to make money with these valuable collectables or buy them at auction? Check out all the Star Wars awesomeness bellow.
I Love New York Yoda
Up to $450
Though parents might be relieved, kids today don’t have the opportunity to go running in the aisles of Toys ‘R’ US and start playing with their favorite toys. At the height of its power, the mega chain used its Time Square location to have different promotional events, such as the release of the Lego X-Wing. The first 1,000 lucky people in line at this event were given a little extra…
This Lego Yoda shows just how much of a tourist he is as he pulls of the classic “I Love New York” shirt. If you managed to get your hands on one of these little guys and can manage to part ways with it, you can turn up a nice little profit.
Death Star Playset
Up to $500
Some people have castles, others have dollhouses. Star Wars fans have the Death Star. With this playset, kids were free to place their action figures (sold separately) to reenact scenes from the movie, or make up their own interstellar adventures. Since many countries saw the production of the big set as too costly, it did not make it into the overseas market.
In 1978, the Kenner company put out the set and stayed true to the story of the movie, from the Storm Trooper controlled gun turret, to Luke and Leia’s hole to swing across, all the way to the infamous trash compactor. A high-quality conditioned set still in the box could be worth a pretty penny.
Blue Snaggletooth
Up to $700
You would think that if Kenner were to name a toy “Blue Snaggletooth” they would make up for the unappealing name with the coolest looking figure around (aside from Han Solo of course). Unfortunatly, this figure fits the bill of what a snaggletooth looks likes.
On the upside, you can test your fellow Star Wars fans with this character. If they can remember his few seconds of screentime when Luke entered the Cantina in A New Hope, then they are true fans. Also known as Zutton or Z-Tron, Kenner thought that this weird looking alien would be popular on kids’ wish lists. Today though, a new figure still in the box can show it’s worth a decent price at auction.
Large(ish) R2-D2
Up to $725
Though it might not be the “real” size for those uber-fans out there, this 8-inch radio-controlled R2-D2 was the perfect toy for kids back in the day. Able to move in 4 directions and requiring two nine volt batteries, this model was the perfect height for a child.
It is rare to find this collectable on the market today, even more so one that is in good condition. Yet, if you happen to find yours in the parents’ attic on day in spring cleaning, you can make a $700 profit since the time you bought it.
Princess Leia
Up to $800
It may not be her golden bikini, but this Leia’s outfit is undoubtedly recognizable by even those who haven’t seen the movies. The classic cinnamon roll space bun hairdo adds to the white dress and hood in Kenner’s original 1978 Star Wars line. With an initial price of $2.27, there was no reason not to by one.
In addition to Kenner’s famous vinyl cape, this figure comes with everything you’ve seen in A New Hope, including Leia’s blaster. Yet, with their limited fashion abilities, Leia’s white dress is now turned into a pantsuit, which his way more practical when she’s firing at Storm Troopers. It is therefore surprising that this was Kenner’s cheapest entry from the lineup.
Han Solo (Big Head)
Up to $1,000
Lets be honest. If you had to have one Star Wars action figure, who would it be? There is no doubt a certain nerf herder comes to everyone’s mind. Not only is Han Solo one of the most beloved characters in film history, but Harrison Ford’s portrayal of him is so iconic that Kenner sought to capture his look in their merchandise.
The “Big Head Han Solo,” which sold for $2.49 back in the day, was made with the intent of looking as close to Harrison Solo as possible. With such a big resemblance, this small collectable holds it’s own against the man himself.
TIE Interceptor
Up to $2,000
As formidable as the TIE Fighter proved to be in it’s inception, the Empire was in need of some upgrades by the time Return of the Jedi rolled around. Along with a new Death Star, the TIE Interceptor was their new big higher vehicle. Built with more speed and firepower than it’s predecessor, it is no wonder this piece is so valuable among collectors.
To add to it’s value, this piece has more of an international presence than most. When it first was released in 1988, it was only available for retail in Brazil. One would think that the box writing would be in Portuguese then. This linguistic paradox entices collectors to bid even higher for it.
The Empire Strikes Back Six Pack
Up to $2,100
What do Darth Vader, a Stromtrooper, an AT-AT pilot, IG-88, a rebel soldier and Yoda have in common? All of them can get you big bucks. In this pre-assembled collection, Kenner gave you a host of characters from The Empire Strikes Back, with a vinyl cape for Darth Vader that will surely make the kids feel the evil.
Though not all of these characters may be the main protagonists of the film, they are all super fun side characters to collect and play with. With Yoda and Vader leading the charge, and the rarely seen AT-AT pilot, this set is sure to make an impression in your wallet.
Holographic Darth Maul
Up to $2,500
Now that we know it wasn’t a state secret people expected Star Wars to fail, it should come as no surprise that toy makers weren’t lining up to create line that they felt wasn’t going to make them any money. It is precisely because the film was expected to fail that the toys have become so rare, and hence so valuable.
Funko Pop’s Holographic Darth Maul capitalized on that value. Made exclusively for the San Diego Comic Con in 2012, this rare design following the bobblehead craze is valuable because of it’s scarcity and because for some reason people love to collect Funko Pop figures.
Yak Face
Up to $2,500
This design should urge you to applaud the toy makers that put it. Someone has to have big cojones to sell this awkward looking Yak Face to children. With an ugly physical appeal and a kicker name to boot, it is no wonder this collectable was shunned to the toy isles of Europe and Canada. Shunned as he was though, the Yak Face came back with a vengeance.
Right before Kenner canceled their line of Star Wars collectibles in the 80’s, the Yak Face was featured. Representing the memory of such times, the Yak Face’s eBay success has blown past anyone’s expectations, as many bidders feel the uncontrollable need to buy when they see it on the market.
Lambda Shuttle Set
Up to $2,500
You know how a kid walks into a toy store, picks out a toy he loves and screams until his parents reluctantly agrees to cough up the bucks? Well, in the case of the Lambda Shuttle Lego Set, many parents were probably even more so reluctant to pay for its lofty retail price. Today, though, they might be thinking it was a good choice.
Lego toys are generally meant to be assembled, and therefore the value of this set is determined whether or not each piece is in its original plastic bag. The most impressive part of this set, though, are the figures it comes with. With Luke, Darth Vader, a Storm Trooper and two Imperial officers, there is plenty of action to imagine.
LEGO George Lucas
Up to $2,500
Lego sets follow the opposite of conventional investing trends. A completed set is worth less than the pieces. Smaller figures many times are worth more than big constructions. Interestingly enough, the side figures that come as a bonus to the sets are worth more than the sets themselves.
It doesn’t take much to look like George Lucas. All you need is a white beard and a signature side parted harido. With all it’s simplicity though, when Lego released the figure, only the prototype was made simply, meaning it’s a gem to find out in the market.
R2-D2 Lunchbox
Up to $2,600
Who wants a plain, simple box with a boring handle for a lunch bag when you can have R2-D2 give you your daily nourishment? Everyone in the cafeteria will not only be jealous of your lunch kit, but also of the big bucks you needed to get it.
Having never gone into production, this droid serving you PB&J sandwiches is a really rare find. Only 12 exist. So if you manage to get one, make sure not spill your juice box inside!
Millennium Falcon Spaceship
Up to $3,200
What do you see when you look at your burger after taking a big bite out of it? If you’re George Lucas, you’ll see the Millennium Falcon. Inspired by his beefy lunch, the famous director added the cockpit after seeing his olive garnish sticking out from the side of the patty.
Though the action figures are sold separately, this model spaceship comes with all the bells and whistles, even a “Battle Alert” sound. On it’s own this set can make you big profits, as it’s original retail price was $24.77
Vlix
Up to $4,000
Not many people know of the television show Star Wars: Droids. Even superfans might be hard pressed to recall an episode. After only one season in the mid-80’s the show was cancelled. Yet, that was still enough time create some some pretty neat figures based on its characters.
After the show’s cancelation, this plucky bluish-greenish alien was left hung out to dry. Intended to be released as part of the second season, the figure never made it to store shelves. With such an obscure and rare piece of Star Wars history, this seemingly unworthy piece can reign in bucks just as nicely as the big guys.
TIE Advanced
Up to $4,000
In Kenner’s Advanced TIE model, the company used a cleaver bit to market it. They mentioned it was made of plastic and die-cast metal. Now, die-cast metal might sound expensive, but it’s actually a bunch of cheap metals melted together. It gave the unsuspecting buyer a feel he is getting something more precious.
With its presentation as a high-value collectable and the fact that Kenner produced more action figures that fit into the ship than the ship itself, this piece of memorabilia sold at high prices from the start. Since then, bidders are willing to pay much more it.
Chewbacca
Up to $4,155
Continuing the trend of underestimating the Star Wars franchise, this Kenner Chewbacca was released in 1979 for just $2.49. Though this figure looks more like the real Chewbacca (George Lucas’s dog) than the movie version, he comes with the nice add on of a green bowcaster.
This small little detail will show to the most radical fans that this beloved character figure is indeed from the first release by Kenner. If you managed to get a hold of one, you can bid it at auction for a few thousand dollars.
Gamorrean Guard and Coin
Up to $5,000
In Kenner’s “Power of the Force” line, 92 figures were released, one of which was the Gamorrean Guard and Collector’s Coin. With so many figures out on the market, it is not the numbers that make this one a worthy buy.
Finding a set like this in good condition, with the coin included, is hard to find. If one manages to find one to fill up the whole set, it could be worth quite a lot of money. The “Special collector’s Coin” engraving should give a hint to it’s rarity.
Obi Wan Kenobi
Up to $7,000
Just like his young protégé, “Old Ben” Kenobi was treated to the two figure version deal, one with the double telescoping lightsaber. Though many realized, even Kenner, that the little add on weapon was flimsy wasn’t so sturdy, so finding a figure with one in tact can help you reel in some serious cash.
Because Kenner saw how the double telescoping lightsaber was flimsy and easily breakable, they redesigned the figure before releasing it for marketing. Only five of the original Obi Wan designs are suggested to roaming around out there, so if you manage to find one, get ready to pay big.
Han Solo in Carbonite
On average $7,500
Imagine this: you invite a few friends over. You give them the tour of the place. The kitchen, the big screen TV, the Han Solo Carbonite figure, the bedroom, and then you sit for a nice dinner. If you think you misread there, you didn’t. There is actually a 7 foot, 5 inches tall replica of the Han Solo Carbonated slab that was used in the Star Wars. Imagine what your friends would talk about at dinner.
As part of one of the most memorable scenes in the franchise, this life sized impression captures the extreme detail of Harrison Ford in character. The lights on the side add to the ambience of it all and make you feel like you’re really in the movie.
Anakin Skywalker
Up to $7,500
As part of the “Power of the Force” line that Kenner released in the mid 80’s, Anakin Skywalker is presented here as he was pictured at the end of Return of the Jedi. Along with the figure comes the valued coin of the collection that adds to the already impressive value of this collectable.
Yoda was mentor to many Jedi, and so it is poetic to have him watch over Anakin on the coin. Though this figure may be valuable at any condition, a completed set in the box can be worth a pretty penny (several hundred thousand pennies actually).
C-3PO
No Lower Than $10,000
Gold is king. That is precisely the reason that propels C-3PO to be the first collectable to gross over $10,000.
Released in 2007, this 14kt solid yellow gold lego piece was made for the 30th anniversary of Star Wars Episode IV and was only available as a prize for a promotional contest. Those five lucky enough to win one surely kept it under their bed for a rainy day.
Marvel Star Wars comic book
Up to $13,000
It is hard to say which franchise is bigger, Star Wars or Marvel. Combined together, the two control every aspect of international geekdom. It should come as no surprise then that they pooled their creative forces together to create the Star Wars comic book.
As comics have proven to be a worthy investment, Marvel released 1,500 first issues to the comic book. The 35 cent issue, in an era used to pay 5 cents less per issue, might be the perfect cash cow you have laying around.
FX-7 Medical Droid
Up to $14,000
This seemingly random figure is the perfect manifestation of a bidding war. As part of background scene in the Empire Strikes Back, this surgical droid has made quite a fuss since its introduction.
It is hard to picture someone paying so much money for a toy of a droid that is barely memorable in the Star Wars films, yet if you get a couple of people bidding just right for a piece they see as important to them, the bid can get over thousands of dollars before you know it.
Corellian YT-1300
Up to $16,000
In 2007, Lego released the Corellian YT-1300 for the hefty retail price of $500. However, after a very short time on the market it was discontinued.
A recent eBay auction of a first edition model changed the precedent of bidding wars. Coming with a certificate of authenticity, it capitalized on collectors’ love for anything pristine and sold for what some might pay for a used car or college tuition.
Jawa
Up to $18,000
At first, Kenner released the Jawa in 1978 with a vinyl case similar to the more high profile figures, such as Luke Skywalker. Soon, though, the company realized it was more profitable to sell this secondier character with a cotton cape instead.
For this reason the original vinyl cape Jawa is worth quite a lot, even more than the Princess Leia with her vinyl cape or the Big Head Han Solo. With an original retail price of $2.49, this seemingly harmless desert crawler can pack quit a punch on your wallet.
Darth Vader
Up to $30,000
By this day in age, everyone knows who Darth Vader is. Whether you’ve seen the movies or not, you know who the iconic supervillian turned anti-hero is. For all his infamy over the years, Darth Vader’s original’s original Kenner figure is still the best.
Combining the vinyl cape and the double telescoping lightsaber, there are only three or four of these heavy breathing characters in the world today. In 2003 one showed up on the auction block. Since then the Star Wars canon has grown into new generations with the newer movies, and therefore this little guy can be worth even more today.
Boba Fett
Up to $150,000
This is it. The Mount Everest of Star Wars collectibles. In 1979, Kenner was concerned that the rocket launcher that was strapped to this Boba Fett was going to be a chocking hazard for children, so the figure ever made it to the shelves.
In one episode of the show Pawn Stars, this prototype Boba Fett was found and estimated to be worth $125,000, with some claiming it to be worth more. Eventually the seller sold it for $150,000. This magic number propels this Boba Fett into history, making him the most expensive piece of Star Wars memorabilia in history.
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