There’s no better feeling than realizing that something you put away in the attic or storage and thought was junk is actually worth a lot of money. We could all benefit from a few valuables hiding in our old stuff, so here are 19 items that could be worth a lot of money today.
Vintage Lunch Boxes
This is definitely an interesting one – if you’ve got some old lunch boxes hanging around your house, they could be worth a lot of money. Collectors often pay high prices for these nostalgic reminders of past decades, usually looking for ones with older popular characters and themes.
Antique Marbles
According to Britannica, marbles were “named after the 18th-century practice of making the toy from marble chips.” Their history can be traced back to the first humans, but handcrafted marbles from the 19th and early 20th centuries are also quite valuable.
Old Advertising Signs
Old advertising signs on the walls are a common sight in antique shops. Many cafes and other businesses also incorporate retro signs into their interior design. Collectors will pay a lot of money for old advertising signs in good condition that haven’t been restored or altered.
Pez Dispensers
You can still buy newer Pez dispensers today for pretty low prices, but the rare and limited edition models can be really valuable. An older Pez dispenser in its original packaging could be a goldmine, especially if it’s themed around an old movie, cartoon, or celebrity.
Vintage Board Games
Look around your home to see if you have any older board games. Collectors often seek limited edition games, ones that are no longer in production, and those with unique pieces or artwork. But remember, having all of the pieces in the box is crucial!
First Edition Books
Your childhood bookshelf could have some hidden gems on it, covered in a layer of dust. The first editions of classic books are highly desirable for book collectors, and if you have some that are in good condition with their original dust jackets, then that’s a bonus. Signed copies can also be valuable.
Vinyl Records
The New York Times suggests that “vinyl records are now the music industry’s most popular and highest-grossing physical format.” With that resurgence in popularity, older and original vinyl records, particularly from iconic artists, have become highly collectible. Rare and limited releases are even more sought after.
Comic Books
Comic book lovers who grew up with a ton of issues stashed in their bedrooms may have a treasure trove in their homes. Issues containing the first appearances of famous characters and any in excellent condition are prized among collectors, as well as signed issues and those with variant covers.
Stamp Collections
Even though it’s often looked down on as a ‘boring’ hobby, stamp collectors may have some amazingly valuable stamps in their collections. Rare stamps from decades long past and from different countries can have high price tags, and complete sets and error prints are especially valuable.
Coins and Currency
Of course, your standard nickel might not be worth any more than… well, a nickel. However, coins from countries that no longer exist, paper currency with a connection to historical events, and coins with minting errors may be worth a lot of money.
Antique Jewelry
Similarly to military memorabilia, old pieces of jewelry, especially rings, can be passed down through families. The BBC says that “values have risen by 80 percent over the past ten years” regarding vintage jewelry. Antique pieces could be worth a serious amount of money.
Vintage Toys
Just like marbles, some vintage toys can fetch high prices with collectors. Toys that were only on sale for a limited time, as well as older toys from popular franchises like Star Wars, G.I. Joe, and Barbie, can be quite valuable.
Old Postcards
Old postcards often provide beautiful snapshots of the past, and collectors often seek out postcards with unique imagery or from notable locations. Misprints and postcards from significant historical periods are often prized and can demand high prices at auctions or online marketplaces.
Retro Electronics
It seems like nearly every household has a video game console now, but some original editions can be worth a lot of money. The same goes for other retro electronics like cassette players and typewriters. Even though they’re not commonly used now, they can be valued by collectors, especially if they’re somehow unique.
Military Memorabilia
Many American families have a military history, and memorabilia can be highly sentimental and passed down between generations. If sold, these items can also be very valuable, especially uniforms and medals connected to specific battles or units.
Sporting Memorabilia
ESPN reports that “the sports memorabilia market has been booming” and that “the record for highest-selling sports card has changed three times since January 2021.” It seems like there’s never been a better time to dust off your autographed balls, trading cards, and vintage sports equipment.
Old Photographs
Photographs are a relatively modern invention when you realize the first camera was invented in 1816, and it took some time before they took off commercially. Early photographs in good condition can be treasured collectible items, and if they capture significant historical events or figures, then the price only goes up.
Vintage Clothing
Since the fashion world moves so quickly, you might think that the older pieces in your wardrobe won’t be worth much. However, older designer clothes in good condition from popular or distinguished brands can be worth a lot. Items that are associated with significant cultural changes or movements are even more prized.
Advertising Memorabilia
Vintage signs are not the only collectible items; collectors also flock to other advertising memorabilia. Branded glasses or bottles, posters, and other promotional items could all be valuable if they catch a collector’s eye. Memorabilia from popular brands, such as Coca-Cola, can go for astonishing prices at auction.
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