Sure to be the most surprising item on this list, old wooden soda crates can command a pretty penny. You won’t be buying a Mercedes with the earnings, but some Coca-Cola crates top out at almost two hundred bucks, with a yellow wooden crate from 1948 going that much on eBay. But even the weather-beaten offerings can bring in a hundred.
There’s even a crate from the 1920s, almost a hundred years ago, that’s been listed at $125! Is it just for the rarity? The retro style? We’re unsure. It couldn’t be too hard to make one of your own.
Mason jars
A mason jar couldn't possibly command that much, could it? But you'd be surprised. While plenty of hip restaurants use them as a drinking class, weddings use them as shabby chic decorations, they used to be used to preserve fruits and other perishables when there weren't any fridges or freezers. Country Living says the most valuable jars come from between 1840 to 1920.
Brands like Cork-Top Jar, E-Z Seal by Atlas, the Self-Sealing jar by Kerr, and other specific models are worth a surprising amount. Take a peek in your cupboards and see if you've struck gold!
First Edition Pound Puppies Plush
The Pound Puppies were a popular favorite back in the day. This toy was sold by Tonka in the 1980s, which later inspired a TV special, two animated TV shows, and a feature film. They usually came in a variety of plush stuffed dog dolls with cute floppy ears and droopy eyes.
When they were first made and finally released, kids started going crazy for them. If you look at the price of these toys today, a first edition version of this toy is so rare that you can sell it for $5,000 or maybe even more if you’re lucky.
Tamagotchi
You may have had one of these toys, and may have found yourself getting bored with it after a few days of taking care of a small, annoying, electronic creature. It landed stateside in 1997 and sold for between $15 and $18 at retail. But now an original Tamagotchi has a listing price of $4,000 (colors are red and white, if you're interested) on eBay.
A few others have been sold for $2,000 (white and green colors), and an ultra-rare white is selling for $1,629.99. Exorbitant prices for a bunch of beeping and digital poop.
Vintage Super Soaker gun
Oh! This is absolutely nostalgic. Owning a water gun back in the day meant fun for every kid on the street. It was a favorite past time on hot summer days whether you were having a water war or just sneaking up on unsuspecting passersby.
This Super Soaker is a Lonnie Johnson’s recreational water gun, which is a rare vintage piece. Today, you can still find many sold on the market that are imitations of the original, but the first edition can be sold for up to $1,000. Nice!
China Cup
As high as $36 million Oh baby, now we're getting into the good stuff! But don't pull your hair out if you gifted your mom's china set to a friend – that eye-popping number was for a one-of-a-kind Ming Dynasty teacup, used by an emperor sometime in the fifteenth century. If you really had one of those lying around, pull away.
Most vintage China teacups go for reasonable prices, usually not more than a hundred dollars, but there are plenty if they're old enough and in good enough condition, that can get closer to that lofty number. A little closer.
1980s boom boxes
Another piece of outdated technology, one even further back than CDs. Even if you're a bit older, you may have missed this fad, but boomboxes where the musical item of the decade during the eighties. But a recent thirst for vintage items have boosted the prices here just like they boost the bass. According to Metro, a retro Boombox Ghetto Blaster can sell up to $1,600.
While most people don't need an item like this, there was a time when these players took up every street corner and bedroom, and if you still have one, it could be worth it to dig it out.
Retro Typewriters
Typewriters were once delegated to dusty attics and the backs of closets, but antique dealers have a big eye for these old pieces of word processing power. They're important relics that used to clack away in every office and house, long before the smartphone or computer existed. There wasn't even a delete key! They're starting to give vinyl records a run for their money, and have started to command large sums.
Branford House Antiques sells items like these, and while one went for around $7,500, that's not even close to the highest price one of them can command. The Malling-Hansen Writing Ball, known as the “Rolls Royce of typewriters,” can be worth up to $100,000!
Vintage handbags
Yes, these items are becoming such a hot commodity that they appear on the list twice. Again, it's dependent on the brand and model – for example, a rare, vintage black Chanel alligator evening handbag is listed on eBay for $15,995. Any space in your yearly budget for that kind of item? We didn't think so.
The bag is even pre-owned and was made between the years 1984-1986. If you're trying to save, an authentic vintage Gucci handbag is selling for only $12,000. As you can tell, the thing that brings in the most cash is the designer name – it can't just be any old bag.
Vintage Apple Computers
Apple computers were the hot processing item of the '80s and '90s, and the company is still putting out some of the best items on the market. But one of the original Apple II computers, one of the first successful personal computers on the market, was sold from 1977 to 1993, and as one of the first mass-produced computers, it became an important cultural object.
Make sure you know what that old tech is worth – a woman once donated a rare Apple 1 computer to a Silicon Valley recycling firm, not knowing it was worth $200,000.
Milk Glass Easter Eggs
These delicate novelty glass eggs were originally sold blank so that Victorian ladies could embellish them with spring greetings and pictures. Eventually, the sentiments were usually damaged by washing or handling.
These eggs were also quite useful at the turn of the century. If hens weren't laying eggs, one could put these eggs under the hen; then she would produce.
Vintage Clocks
Small desks and wall clocks in the Art Deco style peaked in the 1930s and '40s. Their shapes and materials reveal the opulence of the era—think gold accents, mirrored faces, and geometric designs that imitated the rising skyscrapers popping up in major cities at the time.
Many clocks can be sold for $50, but higher value models by esteemed makers like Westclox and Telechron can reach nearly $1,000 in value.
Masters of the Universe Eternia playset
Okay, remember how He-Man and Skeletor were popular back then? Well, here’s another one of those Masters of the Universe toys that’s probably even better.
This playset was described by an eBay seller as the “Holy Grail” of all the Masters of the Universe toys. It’s because this playset was used as the battleground for both He-Man and Skeletor. Kids back then used it to create fight scenes. If you have one like this lying around, a boxed and untouched playset can earn you a decent $1,900!
TMNT 1980s Actions Figures
We dare you to look at the picture and not hum the song. We loved these green heroes so much they had us glued to the TV for way longer than our parents were comfortable with.
These four awesome turtles were popular collectors' items too, with their faces splayed over any kind of merchandise you could think of. If you are one of those lucky people who still have an action figure or a lunch box somewhere, you could sell those online and earn $600 apiece. If you have a rare one, you can earn up to $5,000!
Lionel’s Pennsylvania “Trail Blazer” train set
Model trains have been popular among people since the advent of rail travel. There are worldwide communities that are still dedicated to those track-riding locomotives.
Modern versions of this set exist aplenty, but the real money is in vintage. A 1934 Standard Gauge version of this train set will earn you $250,000. Yup, that’s a six-figure toy you’re looking at. Wow, that’s an insane amount of money, guess you better look through your attic to make sure you didn’t miss out!
She-Ra, Princess of Power and Her Horse Swift Wind
She-Ra was He-Man’s twin sister and she was a bad-ass. Hardcore collectors are still looking for dolls like this one in mint condition and are willing to pay quite a bit for it.
The original action figure that is still packaged along with her horse can sell for up to $4,000. If there are no accessories included, it can still earn you a decent $150-$600. Better get online and find some hardcore buyers with a good savings account!
Rare cookie jars
Cookie jars used to be a common sight in many of America's kitchens, though it's clear their time has passed. But plenty of us still have memories of reaching in and finding a fresh cookie for an afternoon snack. But if you still have one of these lying around, keep reading:
According to Reader's Digest, a number of these classic items from the 1950s sold around $1,200 (an “Uncle Mistletoe Marshall Fields” cookie jar). Other jars, usually in the shape of a widely recognized character, can reach prices of several hundred dollars.
Happy Meal Toys
If you were a kid during the heyday of Happy Meal toys from McDonald's or had a kid during then, you may be setting on a treasure trove. With enough of them, you could be looking at tens of thousands of dollars, just from a few pieces of plastic.
It would be best to take your bag of toys to an appraiser, which will help you find the really rare items, but you can also take a look at the listings that are currently on eBay. A set of Disney Happy Meal Toys went for around $10,000 in April of 2019.
Dollhouses
At almost 6 feet wide, this circa 1924 Tudor was the biggest ever built by the venerable British toymaker Lines Bros. Expertly designed by carpenters and engineers, this grand dollhouse features shrunken versions of then-contemporary flowery wallpaper, stucco walls, and mullioned glass windowpanes.
Similar, smaller dollhouses by Lines Bros. and other makers are worth much less but still appealing to collectors.
Pogs
It seems as if the last time we've heard the words 'pogs' and 'slammers' were at least two decades ago. And that's probably true as they were most popular in the '80s. But before you get into a why-am-I-so-old cry, try to think if you have any of the original ones lying around.
In 2016, a six-piece set of holographic Jurassic Park pogs including a slammer was sold for (you'll need to sit down for this) one million dollars. A full set could still be worth a couple of thousands without a hologram and a slammer.
Auto Parts
You might not have an ancient magazine or a ten thousand dollar boogie board lying around, but you almost certainly have an old car. You might even be able to find some gems, such as hood ornaments, car vases, and other parts with decorative value, which collectors treasure. Whether re-purposing for future industrial design or just for car history, certain pieces can be worth a nice bit of cash, as long as they're in decent condition.
The most expensive hood ornament in the world, a diamond-encrusted Rolls-Royce Spirit of Ecstasy, was estimated to be worth $200,000.
Garbage Pail Kids Cards
Back in the ‘80s, Garbage Pail cards may not have been popular amongst parents, but we all loved them as kids. Although these cards are not available on the market anymore, they are worth more than you might think today if you try to look for it online or at vintage stores. Some of these cards can sell for hundreds or even thousands of dollars — depending on the kind of card and the condition, of course.
One card from this stack was recently sold for $300 and an entire 1985 Garbage Pail Kids Series of cards went for $4,000 on websites like eBay and Amazon. Insane!
1990s CDs
While we now have an entire generation that has never inserted a CD into a player, there are still plenty out there for those who want to rock. While these pieces may seem outdated now, you might not want to toss them out before checking the prices. They haven't reached vinyl levels, but a few famous discs command lofty prices. For example, Michael Jackson's signature series disc from 1993 has gone for around $1,400, and Coldplay's first public release, the Safety EP from 1998, has gone between $1,000 and $1,500.
Take a look through your collection for some albums that might be gold.
1982 Skeletor Action Figure
‘80s kids were obsessed with Skeletor and probably begged their parents to buy them this action figure. Those who got it were the most popular kids in school.
We all know He-Man was another favorite as well, and together, they were the most popular action figures from the Masters of the Universe World. If you are one of those lucky ones that still have it, you can actually get a lot of money for it. A 1982, mint condition Skeletor action figure that is still inside its box could fetch up to $2,000 online.
Fender & Gibson Guitars
If you had a dream of making it big in the rock and roll biz when you were a kid and begged your parents for the coolest guitar in the shop, you still might have something to show for it, even if you don't have fans screaming your name. Vintage guitars made by Fender and Gibson, the two biggest ax brands, are worth quite a bit. The more vintage the guitar, the more it's worth it.
A nostalgic item is a good item – a Gibson Les Paul made in the '50s can bring in hundreds of thousands of dollars. Famous guitars are worth even more, like John Lennon's Gibson J-160 Acoustic-Electric guitar sold in 2014 for the biggest number on this entire list: $2,266,970.
Action Comics No. 1
You were expecting this one, weren't you? It's one of the most famous rare and valuable items ever, and it's the reason you've probably got a box full of old Moon Knight issues in the crawl space. Building contractor David Gonzalez learned about its worth first hand when he found this iconic comic book, purely by accident. While renovating a house in Elbow Lake, Minnesota, David found this comic book insulating a wall, along with a bundle of newspapers.
It was graded a 1.5 out of 10 due to a detached front cover but still sold for an incredible $175,000. If you happen to have a near-mint copy, like the 9 out of 10 issues sold in 2011, you could rake in a heart-stopping $2.16 million.
Steiff Teddy Bears
As high as $182,550
You probably had one of these fine friends from one brand or another when you were a kid, something to hold during the dark nights and keep the monsters under the bed at bay. If you stayed as loyal to this toy as it did to you – and it's a specific brand – it may have one last, monetary gift for you.
Steiff bears are known as the original teddy, and plenty of them have reached a vintage status, and that means cash. An adorable, fluffy Louis Vuitton-clad Steiff Bear, for instance, sold for a record $182,550 at a charity auction.
Vintage Microphones
We doubt you have one of these hanging around in your home since most of the singing we do is in the car or the shower. But if you happen to have a real piece of retro microphone, you could be sitting on a sudden cash flow. Exceptionally rare pieces such as the Neumann U-47 from the 1940s can, in fact, be worth tens of thousands of dollars, and one on eBay recently sold for $9,999.
Of course, a microphone in poor condition – or the wrong model – is probably not even worth a hundred dollars, but there's always a chance.
Vintage bands tees
As high as $7,000
If there's a market for old beer cans and cereal boxes, you can bet vintage band shirts command a high price. They serve as bookmarks in the annals of music history, such as The Beatles' 1966 “Butcher” album cover, which was immediately withdrawn, which made it to a t-shirt in the 1970s, eventually selling on eBay for $595.
An original 1987 Guns N' Roses t-shirt from their Appetite for Destruction European tour sold for over a thousand dollars and the most valuable item is a Nirvana In Utero tour shirt given to crew who helped, which went for almost seven thousand big ones.
Star Wars Action Figures
We are all fans of the Star Wars trilogy. Watching these movies as a kid was probably one of the best memories we could have. Finding any of the original characters' action figures could be like finding an oil well in your backyard.
Hardcore collectors are willing to spend a pretty penny to get their hands on rare star wars toys. These fans were so diehard that in 2015, the Luke Skywalker Action figure released in 1978 was sold for a whopping $25,000. Woah!
Game Boy
It shouldn't really come as a surprise the original Game Boy is worth a lot, but you have to take care that it's still in the original packaging, or was only available as a limited edition. Take the “Nintendo Game Boy Color Pokemon Center Hong Kong Limited Edition Pikachu,” which during May 2019, was on sale at eBay for $8,000, in the unopened packaging.
The Game Boy quickly became the must-have toy when it was released in 1989, and came bundled with Tetris – another piece of retro video game tech that has a high price.
Original Cracker Jack Poster
That much for a poster? Incredible, you might think, but when a Wisconsin police officer was going through his barn he found one of these old posters, printed in 1915. A baseball card-collecting friend notified the officer it could be worth something major. Something so old, and so historic, and in such good condition is surely worth a bundle, and it was eventually sold by the Mile High Card Company for an eye-popping $61,000.
I’ll be back in a bit, I'm going to go look through all my old junk. If I find something pricey the article ends here.
Ozark Pottery
Morton Pottery made these mini vases, and they're just one example of the earthy swirled pottery popularized by Midwestern and Ozark-area makers like Niloak and Nemadji in the 1920s and '30s. Even though they only measure four inches tall, these pretty cases pack quite the decorative punch.
Often sold as roadside souvenirs, these colorful vessels are widely known as "tourist pottery." Larger vases (12-plus inches tall) with maker's marks can be worth upward of $300.
Duck Decoys
While duck decoys are no longer used today because of advances in decoy materials and technology, these wooden duck decoys are now considered highly collectible. There are entire auction houses dedicated to buying and selling vintage duck decoys, known as magnificent works of folk art.
Duck decoys became highly collectible in the mid-20th century, and prices have never been higher for these items. If you've inherited one, you could earn up to hundreds of thousands of dollars at an auction.
A Rare Edition of ‘Harry Potter’
The Harry Potter series has delighted millions of kids and adults the world over, and plenty of us have a copy of one book – or all seven – on their shelves. But it turns out some of the original copies of the first book are worth more than their weight in galleons.
Hardcover first edition printings of the 1997 book have become the biggest prize to Harry Potter collectors, worth anywhere between $40,000 and $55,000, but how can you tell? Look for a print line that reads “1 0 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1,” and credit given to one “Joanne Rowling,” not J.K. Rowling.
Vintage Soda Crates
Sure to be the most surprising item on this list, old wooden soda crates can command a pretty penny. You won't be buying a Mercedes with the earnings, but some Coca-Cola crates top out at almost two hundred bucks, with a yellow wooden crate from 1948 going that much on eBay. But even the weather-beaten offerings can bring in a hundred.
There's even a crate from the 1920s, almost a hundred years ago, that's been listed at $125! Is it just for the rarity? The retro style? We're unsure. It couldn't be too hard to make one of your own.
Polaroid Cameras
The Polaroid has made its way back into the popular culture, which means that vintage Polaroid cameras have jumped up the worth-it market. With most people taking pictures and videos on their phones, these items are cool throwbacks to having to wait a little bit longer – you didn't have to get them developed, but you still shook it just like the song says.
Some have gone for a few hundred dollars, and a Polaroid 120, made in 1960, has recently sold for $420. As the digital age moves on to bigger and better things, sometimes a flash of light and a printed picture is worth something after all.
Sega Genesis console
Ah, the Sega! This is where it all started. If you were into Mario and Sonic games back then, you’ll definitely remember this console.
If you happen to have one lying around in your home, you might end up with a few extra hundred smackaroos — or more. Whatever you do, don’t throw it away. If it is still in mint condition and working smoothly, hit the internet and sell it online because you could earn up to $2,000 for it. Now, that is a lot of cash for one console!
Retro lunchboxes
We're reaching a little higher up the pay scale with this entry. Lunch boxes have been classy collector's items for years now, since they're a perfect snapshot of the culture at the time of their release, featuring TV shows, rock bands, celebrities, and they can turn out to be worth something wild if they're in good condition.
A vintage Bonanza lunch box brings in $130, and even a battered Beatles box can be worth about $400. Maybe keep some of your kid's plastic lunch boxes around, because who knows – one of them might be worth something.
Jewelry
If you've got some of your family's old jewelry hidden away that you've been holding onto for its sentimental value, it might be worth looking into how much you could trade it for.
It's not very likely that you will get back exactly what it's worth, but it may be an easy and quick way to make some money if you no longer want to keep it. Be sure to look online for reputable dealers.
Persian Rugs
Handwoven Persian rugs appreciate quite a bit over the years—although it takes a long time for that to happen. That rug your great-grandparents bought may just be worth a lot more now.
Rugs that are over 100 years old are deemed antiques, and their price is determined by size, material, condition, knot-density, and design.
Lego trains
Do you remember what it was like to build your own toy entirely out of Lego? This was another playset that all of us can fondly remember. With these toys, you could allow your imagination to run free and create almost anything you wanted.
Take two things that people are widely passionate about (Lego + Trains) and you have one awesome toy. The Steam Cargo Trains, Diesel Freight Trains, and High-Speed City Express trains can all sell for $1,500 to $3,000. Wow!
Old stamps
The American Philatelic Society (a society for stamp and stamp collectors) says that while rookies begin collecting any and all stamps, expert collectors know that certain stamps from other countries, specific regions, and for special events. Over ten thousand new stamps are issued each year worldwide, says the society. Mint condition stamps (never been used) sell the best, but used ones can still bring in the paper.
In May 2019, a collector was selling his entire collection on eBay. Opportunities for reselling are pretty good, and the investment is pretty low!
Pins
From the Olympic Games to Sports, to Disney, and almost everything else, there are zillions and zillions of pins to attach to your outfit, and some of them are worth plenty. While the Steamboat Willie pin goes for $5k, probably the most expensive pins are sports-related: the 1912 World Series Press Pin, between the New York Giants and the Boston Red Sox, goes for $57,000.
It's especially valuable to Boston fans, as it was the first year Fenway park opened, where the Sox still play. That's a pretty penny for an old pin.
Old cell phones
You may be used to replacing your cell phone every few years, thanks to better hardware and software, and chasing after the new thing. But if you happen to have one of these huge, vintage pieces of mobile technology, take a look. If you have one from long enough ago, you could be looking to rake in the cash. Dating back to the beginnings of cell phone history.
The original mobile phone, the Motorola DynaTAC, has been seen on eBay for up to $500 – outside the packaging. Inside, think five figures.
Beer cans
Between $35 and $1000, You've probably crushed a good number of these in your lifetime, did you ever think they were worth something? Think twice before throwing out your next empty – vintage is only a few years away. A man named Jeff Lebo has been collecting beer cans for 40 years in his vacation house in Pennsylvania, which he plans to convert into a resort.
His collection includes eighty-seven thousand empties, worth an estimated $1.6 million dollars! For a little more info, a flat top beer can from between 1935-1941 can be worth anything between $35 and $1000.
First edition of "Where the Wild Things Are"
We all know how crucial it was to get a bedtime story before we went to bed. Do you guys remember this book? Well, it was the real deal back then.
In 2012, a signed 1963 first edition of this book by Maurice Sendak was sold on Abebooks.com for a whopping $25k. We are in awe because the book was in extremely good condition. As you can see in the photo, the book looks like it’s brand new, which is especially surprising because picture books rarely survive out there without it getting ripped, smudged, smeared, stained, bitten, or otherwise abused.
The Original Monopoly
There are many versions of this popular board game now. You can now be the proud owner of Game of Thrones Monopoly, Star Wars Monopoly, Pokemon Monopoly, or even Monopoly for Millennials! Still, nothing beats the original.
And absolutely nothing beats the original of all originals. The hand-drawn version of this game, which was made by Charles Darrow in 1933, was sold for an amazing $146,500 in 2011. See what we mean? So, if you happen to have the vintage versions from the 1930s or other limited edition versions, you can be raking some serious cash!
Vintage Levi’s jeans
Just pants, you might say, but not so. A vintage pair of Levi's are a hot collector's item that is likely only going to increase in value as time goes on, but you have to have nabbed the right pair to cash in — pairs manufactured before 1980, especially Levi's 501s, are the big seller, though older pairs also might end up making your bank account happy.
A pair of 1950 Anniversary Levi's jeans sold on eBay for $8,000. While the jeans, being old, are pretty brittle and will end up being uncomfortable, they are a classic piece of American style to add to your special outfits.
Furby
These furry guys didn't last too long inside their boxes if you got one as a kid, but an original 1998 edition of the walking, talking friend still in its original packaging has the asking price of $1,000 on eBay as of May 2019. While many parents found this toy unbelievably annoying, they weren't cheap back in the day.
The demand drove up the price to around a hundred dollars. Tiger Electronics revamped the toy in 2012, renewing interest, which likely gave a quick-start to the prices you'll see on eBay and elsewhere for a simple toy.
Vintage Fashion Accessories
Vintage clothing and accessories, such as jackets, scarves, shawls, boots, and belts, can bring values in the thousands, and even tens of thousands if they carry a designer name such as Paco Rabanne, Hermes, Louis Vuitton Chanel.
While the less-famous name-brand items can still be sold, but their condition is key.
Equestrian Paintings
Folk art and equestrian paintings reached mainstream popularity in 19th-century England, but horses and their riders have added proper flair to gallery walls all over the globe for hundreds of years. This category is popular for experts and art lovers alike, from formal jockey portraits to action-filled depictions of traditional fox-hunting excursions.
Large oil paintings with original ornate frames garner much higher values, while smaller examples in simpler, more primitive frames bring less.
Concert Posters
When it comes to nostalgia, nothing beats an original concert poster, and the bigger the name, the better. Appraiser Helaine Fendelman advises that framed posters are more desirable and bring in the higher end of the $100-$1,000 range, although those of bigger headliners may bring much more at an auction.
For example, a poster for a 1966 Shea Stadium Beatles concert sold for $137,000 earlier this year.
Cereal boxes
One man's trash is another's treasure, but cereal boxes? You've likely thrown out a thousand of these things after polishing off your Chex or Cheerios, and now we find out that some of the boxes are worth a mint – they'll fit right next to a classic lunch box and a beer can.
You may think it's the older boxes that command the highest prices, but not always. A Kellogg's Sugar Pops box from 2009 has reached $161, but the highest earner is an unopened box of Nabisco Shredded Wheat from 1966, which brought in a hair over a grand.
Old Coins
Well, of course, coins are worth money, that's the whole point. But some coins – rare, misprint, what have you – can be worth way more than you think. In 2007, antique dealer Jeff Bidelman of “Rare Collectibles” was asked to look through an abandoned house by the late owner's daughter, and he managed to find a buried treasure: a collection of 200-year-old coins that ended up being worth more than $200,000, hidden in a hole in the wall of the house.
Coins seem to be on the way out as inflation makes them less and less useful, but you might want to keep them around.
Cast-Iron Doorstops
In 1894, John Hubley founded the Hubley Manufacturing Co. in Lancaster, LA. Initially, the company made wooden toys, but by 1909, they had moved into cast iron and added decorative items such as door knockers and the very popular figural doorstops. Today, doorstops with original paint regularly bring up to $400, but rare shapes can bring thousands.
A Hubley giraffe doorstop recently sold for almost $11,000! Check the back for either a three-digit pattern number or the word "HUBLEY" to know if you have the real deal.
Homemade Quilts
Monochromatic vintage coverlets are considered very rare and quite valuable. These back-to-basics patterns (usually a single color mixed with white) were widespread in the '30s and '40s and are a reminder of early quilters' designs when color and fabric options were limited.
The most valuable quilts in today's market are blue and white, red and white and red, green and white, in that order. Another consideration is how rare a quilt is. For example, during the Depression, many "Grandmother's Flower Garden" quilts were made.
Retro boogie boards
You've probably played with a boogie board down at the beach, but those aren't going to set your retirement fund up. On the other hand, there is a growing market for retro professional body boards throughout the world, and especially down under. These vintage boards can get expensive.
There are individual boogie boards that are going for upwards of $10,000, and an anonymous collector put his entire collection up for the low, low price of $7,400. Practically a steal! If your years of riding the ways are over, you can still do something with your collection.
Barbie Dolls
You may not think of Barbie dolls as a big collector's item, but these plastic gals can go for fat stacks. Incredibly fat stacks, even, with a Midnight Tuxedo Barbie starting at $1,000, and getting all the way up to $23,999 for the original Blonde Barbie released in 1959. Not bad.
Barbie superfan Bettina Dorfman in German owns more than 17,000 dolls, the world's largest collection by far, and her outrageous collection is valued at more than $220,000, enough to buy an entire house, no mortgage required. Your own doll collection might be something worth digging out.
Vintage Furniture
As we all know, fashion styles come and go, and the same goes for interior decor. Furniture that was popular back in your grandparent's time is now highly sought after with the resurgence of vintage, retro, and mid-century interior decorating.
If you're not into that style yourself, it might be worth putting that 1960s teak Parker sideboard you've got stored away up for sale.
Stetson Hats
In 1865, an ailing East Coast hat maker named John Batterson Stetson headed west in search of gold. John didn't strike it rich, but he ended up with something much more valuable: the design for the first cowboy hat that defined the look of the American cowboy.
The hat's wide brim shaded the eyes and neck, and when rotated upside down, the crown can hold water for a horse or rider.
American Girl Molly
Molly McIntire, of the 'American Girl' doll series, grew up during World War II and moved to America. This doll has such a life story it might as well be somebody's grandmother. Molly dolls first found their way into American toy stores in 1986, and they were discontinued in 2013 only to make a comeback in 2018.
An original Molly from 1986 is considered a collector's edition, and one of those was sold for $1,200 in 2018. Molly dolls from different years can still be worth more than their original value, but not as much as their 1986 sisters.
Perfume bottles
There are plenty of ways to make sure you get the best bang for your bottle, from Dr. Lori on Youtube. A 1940s bottle with its full stopper and good design could get you up to $75, which a 1960s crystal bottle might get you $25 to $35 dollars, as long as it's real crystal. Real crystal has lead in it, so it will be heavy, and it will be clear.
Real early twentieth-century bottles are worth a whole lot more – a Rene Lalique bottle went for $80,000 recently. Be sure to pay attention to the brands of those old bottles.
Vintage Advertising Signs
These huge signs were the pop-up ads of the past, advertising new products, services, sales, and deals. They'd hang in bars, in restaurants, in gas stations, and alongside the road. Physical ads might be a little bit retro compared to ads on Twitter or Instagram, but those packets of data will never be worth this much.
An old AAA Root Beer advertisement sold on eBay for over $1,200, and a vintage Coca-Cola flew past that, going for $117,000. Retro signs for beers such as Pabst and Old Milwaukee can also reach four figures. Back to the garage!
Women's Suffrage Memorabilia
August 2020 marked the centennial of the 19th Amendment's ratification, which means "votes for women" collectibles are back in the limelight.
Items that date directly to the movement's most active years (1890–1917) are considered museum-worthy with values in the thousands; later pieces, such as buttons and pins, are probably worth much less.
Vintage Magazines
Hoarders rejoice: old issues of magazines can be worth mucho moolah! Yes, it's true, the magazines that showed up at your door whether or not you wanted them could pad your wallet in a surprising way. Ordinary copies that went for a dollar back in the day now might be worth anywhere between $20 and $30. Rarer issues, however, have appreciated in an incredible way.
A copy of Beeton's Christmas Annual 1887 went for a whopping $156,000 during an auction in 2007. Designers love to use these old issues for inspiration, which has been part of the reason the mag market has gone so bullish.
G.I. Joe circa 1964
G.I. Joe was the original action man and we know most of you had one as a kid. This toy is not totally phased out though, and today's versions probably even have better gadgets than what he had back then.
The original action man, G.I. Joe has had many different incarnations and appearances over the years. Still, it’s his original 1964 version that is worth the most money. If you (or your grandparents) have one of these in the attic you could be looking at a cool $10,000. That is if it’s in mint condition and unopened.
Jurassic Park Figures
Let’s face it, no matter how scared you got watching "Jurassic Park", it still felt like the coolest thing to have an action figure of the T-Rex displayed in your room.
"Jurassic Park" the 90s toy market. If you have an original version of these dinosaur figures, you could sell them online for $1,200. Although there are still dinosaur figures out on the market now, nothing compares to the original. Go take a look in your attic, you might find something, but be careful with your fingers, you don't want them to get bitten!
Hot Wheels
Hot Wheels was another favorite collectible. There are many versions of these cars made today, but none of them compare to the original ones made back in the ‘60s. In fact, since 1968, over 4,000,000,000 Hot Wheel toys have been made, but not all of them are considered valuable.
Some of the toys were only made as a prototype, like the 1969 “Volkswagen Beach Bomb.” This version never made it to production, making it one of a kind and with a value of $125,000. So, if you know a hardcore collector of these toys, tell them to start saving up!
Vintage Christmas Ornaments
Christmas trees are usually full of all kinds of ornaments and lights, some of which may have come from specialty shops for fifty dollars, others hand made by kids for the low, low price of a mess. Usually, these will sit on the tree, or stay hidden in the attic, but not all the time. Another option is to look up the price online.
Vintage sleds can be worth several hundred, and if you manage to have an 1880s blown glass ornament, such as a cluster of grapes, that item could be worth as much as a thousand dollars.
Bull's Eye Mirrors
Often capped with an eagle, these gilt-framed bull's eye mirrors are a popular patriotic motif for the US as a then-newly independent country. It's also believed that the 13 balls around the edge symbolize the 13 original colonies.
These mirrors of the actual Federal period date to 1780–1830 and fetch top dollar, while nice 19th- or early-20th-century "in the style of" examples sell for much less.
Postcards
“Never walk past the box of postcards at an estate sale,” says Good Housekeeping. Christmas postcards are the most valuable currency. Terry Kovel, who co-wrote Kovels' Antiques & Collectibles Price Guide, says holiday and especially Christmas items are most desired. Most vintage postcards go for between $10 and $50, but a few have gone for up to four figures.
The most expensive was a Christmas card signed by Prince Charles (now King Charles III) and Princess Diana, which auctioned off for $4,400. Obviously, not all of them will be signed by royalty, but stop into thrift stores and you may find something fabulous.
Retro Air Jordans
As one of the best-selling and most popular sneakers the world over after a collaboration between His Airness Michael Jordan and Nike, Air Jordans have had a cult following since the nineties, and nowadays they are a pop culture phenomenon with lasting power. People wait for hours to buy the newest pairs, but how pricey can they get?
Not everyone was buying them to wear but kept them in the pristine packaging, and for reselling. A pair of Air Jordan 1's black and gold colorways sold for $25,000, enough to buy a brand new Mustang, just for a pair of kicks.
Beanie Babies
Ah, the loveable Beanie Babies. If you were born in the ‘90s this toy was a huge deal for a long period of time, starting from the ‘90s up to the late 2000s. Unfortunately, the fad has since died down.
But mind you, there are still hardcore vintage collectors out there that are willing to pay thousands of dollars for a rare edition Beanie Babies toy. Depending on the item, some of these toys will be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars. If you have a 1997 first edition, you could earn a whopping $12,000. Awesome!
David Bowie’s ‘Diamond Dogs’ Vinyl
Usually, we look at collections or genres of items, but here's one that is just one single item that is really worth something. When David Bowie released his “Diamond Dogs” LP on vinyl, the cover created a stir. He's always pushed the envelope, but this was too much even for the record label. The cover had a cartoonish Bowie with a dog bottom half.
The label pulled it before too long, which means copies that did get sold now go for anywhere between $2,500 and $7,500, even if most music fans won't want to part with a tangible piece of history.
Yeezys
Kanye West is one of the most influential and famous celebrities of the twenty-tens, and between the years of 2009 and 2014, the rapper partnered with Nike to produce the Nike Air Yeezy, though the brand has moved to Adidas recently. Sneakerheads rejoiced for both versions, which resulted in higher prices.
Most Yeezys aren't considered vintage just yet, but keep them in good condition and they'll fetch a high price. Think about this: The Air Yeezy 2 Red Octobers hit shelves in 2012, and cost $245. Now, they resell at $7,500. Like we said: good condition. Those puppies could pay for a new house if you're lucky.
Silverware
If ever there was a good time to bust out your grandmother's old dinnerware, it would be now. Collections of sterling silver cutlery can be worth anywhere from hundreds to thousands of dollars. If you have a complete set from a famous brand like Tiffany, you could be in for a real payday.
Sterling silver holds inherent value as a precious metal, but some antique silver pieces can be even more valuable than their silver content would designate.
Antique Chest
Depending on the rarity, design, and condition of the chest in your attic, it could be worth plenty. The most expensive is usually French-made chest (such as Louis Vuitton) from some time in the eighteen hundreds, which can get up to the full twenty grand. But even some from this era languish down near the price of soda crates, for a few affordable hundred.
On the other hand, whether restored or in their original state, some natural chests can still bring in anywhere from five hundred to a thousand dollars. Functional, stylish, and expensive – the perfect Mother's Day gift.
VHS tapes
Not all, or even most, of these black boxes are worth anything. As DVDs, Blu-Ray, and now streaming has come, this outdated tech hasn't retained its value all that well. However, a Black Diamond Disney VHS tape has been found to be quite valuable.
During April 2019, there was a set of Disney Black Diamond VHS tapes on eBay for $1,000, another listing for a single “Aladdin” tape at $1,300, and a sealed “Beauty and the Beast” tape with a going price of $1,500. If you were a collector, you might be sitting on a treasure trove!
Lamps
The lamp you inherited that just didn't exactly fit in with the rest of your room can score you a wad of dough. Handel, Pairpoint, Fulper, and, of course, Tiffany are just a few of the brands that collectors are looking for.
Vintage and antique lamps should feature hand-painted designs, so look for brush marks, and the paint will feel textured.
PEZ dispensers
A childhood favorite, aside from the Bubble Jug, Pop Rocks, and all those amazing candies, the Pez Dispenser was one candy dispenser that kids loved to collect once it ran empty.
Some of these hyped-up bobble sticks are so rare that they can sell for hundreds or thousands of dollars. The popularity of these colorful plastic cases never really dissipated, and a 1982 PEZ dispenser known as ‘Astronaut B’ was sold on eBay for $32,000. Sounds like their student loans are all good now.
Vintage Pyrex
Glassware you can stick in the microwave and hold your leftovers in has been around since long before microwaves even hit the scene. Beginning in 1915, antique Pyrex has commanded a high price and a number of patterns in particular top out at four grand!
This special piece is called the Lucky in Love pattern and sold on eBay for that high price. It was only available for a short time in 1959 as a promotional piece and is thus extremely rare.
Video Game Consoles
If your children think they have discovered America with their new Play Station 6 or their amazing Xbox Pro, tell them about the vintage 1980s video game console that was the first to introduce us to the world of gaming. Now, if you were wise enough to hold on to the one you had, you could have been a very rich person today, and of course, the newer your consul looks, the more money it will be worth.
In March 2020, a Nintendo PlayStation was sold at an auction for $360,000, however, it was in exceptional condition and barely used. The games of these vintage devices are worth a fortune, too, and one game can deliver into your pocket more than $20,000.
Julia Child's 'Mastering the Art of French Cooking'
There is so much we can say about Julia Child, however, there are no words to describe her ultimate cookbook, 'Mastering the Art of French Cooking.' Even more than that, we find it hard to begin and explain how much an original copy of this culinary masterpiece is worth.
More than 1.5 million copies of her written creation were sold worldwide after first being published in 1961. Finding a copy of the first edition in good condition is quite rare, however, if you do happen to have one, it could be worth around $5,000. To this day, Julia Child is considered a pioneer in the kitchen and is an inspiration to many.
Milton Bradley Board Games
In the mid-19th century, Milton Bradly was one of the few board game manufacturers around, and little did he know that 150 years later, his creations would be worth a fortune. Bradly began his journey in 1860 when he decided to launch his version of the UK game called Life.
From there on, the path was paved, and over the years, he introduced more than 1000 board games, some of which are still played to this day. Some of his games that can be found are not worth too much and can be picked up for under 100 dollars, however, if you come across one that is in good condition and one of the first editions, you are looking at a hundred.
Beatles Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club
So many people have a copy of this remarkable masterpiece, either on record or CD, however, very few know how much it is worth. The Beatles' "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club" was released in 1967 and is considered one of their best albums to date. The album introduced the music of a new generation, and some say it was born ahead of time.
If you were the proud owner of this record during the 1980s and 1990s, you could have probably sold it for a few hundred dollars. However, it has been recorded that in recent years, copies have been sold for more than $290,000. Baby, you’re a rich man.
Baseball Cards
Like many other vintage items, the ruling of 'the older it is, the more it is worth' applies to old baseball cards, too. Many baseball cards have so many parameters that have to be considered before setting their value, and there are many out there that are not worth a dime. However, if you do happen to get your hands on one that is worth something, then it could be worth millions.
The condition of the card, the player that is featured on the card, and the year it was issued all determine how much money you can get for it. Baseball cards are being sold every day online for thousands of dollars, reaching up to the millions.
Ozark Tourist Pottery
If you go online and ask Google to look up some Ozark Tourist Pottery, you are most likely to come across decorative jars and vases that seem to cost just a dollar, however, the ones that date back to the 1920s and the 1930s are worth much, much more. They are often viewed as roadside souvenirs and are named by some as “tourist pottery.”
Now, having one in good condition might not deliver millions, but if you have one that is about 12 inches tall and has the maker's mark, you are looking at about $350. We love these small pieces of pottery, and even if they are not worth a dime, we would still keep them.
Beanie Babies
The first Beanie Babies were introduced in 1986, so the odds that someone still has one are quite high. EBay has become the biggest sales platform for these plush toys, and some have been known to go for over $500,000. If the toy still has its tag on, they are worth a fortune.
However, the majority of the Beanie Babies are worth much less. The limited edition ones can be sold for a few thousand dollars, and a Beanie Baby named Pinchers, which is basically a lobster stuffed animal toy, has sold for $35,000. It's not bad for a piece of seafood taken out from the sea.
RCA Victor Radios
The RCA Victor Radios are over one hundred years old. It has left a mark that will never be erased in the communication device industry. Back in 1919, the Radio Corporation of America (RCA) was a pioneer when it came to radios, and in 1929, after buying Victor Talking Machine Company, they launched and stormed into the field of what was known as radios for personal use.
They created new machines that had never been seen before, in marvelous colors and unique shapes, which turned into valuable collector's items. These days, these buys can be auctioned for more than $4,000 and, in rare cases, even much more.
Super Bowl Memorabilia
Cross your fingers that your parents still hold the Super Bowl tickets they had back in the day, as they are probably worth quite a bit of money. According to serious sports collectors, tickets that are in good condition and have the original blue or yellow stripe on them can be sold for between $200 and $1,000.
If you are a lucky one who has a ticket with an original white strip on it, you can make yourself a whopping $4,000. The rarest Super Bowl tickets are Super Bowl II and Super Bowl XII, so open your eyes and look out for them.
Fashion Accessories
For an item to be considered vintage, it will have to be at least 40 years old. So, anything that was made before 1980 is worth something. Clothes, bags, scarves, hats, and shoes are all items we have lying in our closets and are probably worth a lot more than the new garments from Zara we buy today.
If you happen to have a vintage accessory branded Louis Vuitton or Hermes, they are going to be worth a fortune. For the record, a limited edition bag made by Hermes was sold for $125,000. If you find something interesting in your parent's closet, make sure it is in good condition, take it to a dry cleaner, and go make some money.
American Girl Samantha
Kirsten Larson and Molly McIntire, together with Pleasant Company, launched American Girl Samantha back in 1986. Samantha was an original native American doll that became popular overnight. The branding of the doll marketed the toy as being a little girl's best friend.
Samanta was considered loyal and fun to be with. She always laughed, and she had a heart of gold. For the lucky ones who have the original version of the doll (not one of the copies that came out some years later), and as long as all of her clothes are original and in good condition, she could be worth between $600 and $3,300. Not bad for a piece of plastic.
Mechanical Banks
The traditional mechanical banks were made of iron or steel. They had remarkable, creative, and interesting designs that incorporated unique events, important historical figures, or a unique action performed by some legendary name. All of these special features were added to the mechanical banks only.
Now, these banks cannot hold more than a few coins but believe us when we say they are worth a lot more than a few pennies. The earliest ones date back to 1958, and if the item is complete, with its original colors and no bends or scratches, the price can sky up to $2,500.
Jadeite Ball Jug
Back in the 1940s, the original Jadeite Ball Jug was sold only in limited editions. Anchor Hocking was responsible for the distribution, and they made an effort to ensure their items were not copied by other manufacturers. To identify an original Jadeite, the jug had to be thicker than other similar ones and stamped with an original maker's stamp.
To this day, the original Jadeite Ball Jug is precious and can't be found easily, so if you come across one, and it doesn't matter if it has a few scratches, be prepared to fit into your pocket between $150 and $400.
Boy Scout Collectibles
The American Scouts were founded in 1910 and, for over 100 years, produced many collectible items that are worth quite a bit of money. We are talking about old-styled uniforms, commemorative items, special equipment, and badges from all over the years.
The simple badges can sell for as little as $30 if purchased on eBay. However, the first edition of the Boy Scout handbook can be found for more than $2,000. These days, many old-school scout uniforms can be found online, and we have a feeling if we look deep enough in our parents' closet, we might find something there, too.
Football Programs
When it comes to football programs, we can go very far back in time. There are three programs that were released in 1897 and are considered to be the most valuable ones. We can imagine that if anyone has one of these, they are probably in poor condition, however, they are still worth almost $1,000.
Editions that came out between 1899 and 1909 are much easier to find, and there are some copies out there in exceptional condition. Football lovers from all over the world (we're talking about American football and not soccer) would love to possess one of these, so if you know someone who is a football freak, consider this as your next gift to them.
Bellyboard
A Bellyboard is basically a surfing board, but instead of standing on it, you lie on it, you guessed, on your belly. The vintage boards that were manufactured in the 1960s are the ones that are most valuable. The creative man behind this invention is the same one who created the Ugg boots, so his fortune didn't come from the Bellyboards only.
Some of these boards have been seen in many auctions all over the country, and the most expensive one was sold for just over $500. This is considered the earliest form of surfing and is still practiced to this day.
Cast-Iron Mailboxes
If you have an old mailbox that is not in use and doing nothing on your front lawn, whatever you do, do not throw it away. Mailboxes that were created in the early years of the 20th century can be worth a small fortune. Many well-known manufacturers, such as Griswold, which was known for some astonishing creations of cast iron, produce many boxes.
Over the years, these boxes have become unique and expensive pieces. A mailbox that dates back to 1910 can be worth around $350, which is a lot of money for something that does not do much except secure your mail until you come to collect it.
Music Cabinets
Rare albums and records are worth a lot of money, and vintage music sheet cabinets are worth quite a bit, too. These kinds of cabinets were made in the 19th century, mainly in England, but they managed to make their way to America and other countries.
They are used for many other purposes, and no one really holds music sheets in cabinets like this anymore, but if you happen to come across one, don't underestimate it, as it can be worth almost $2,500. The upper part of the cabinet was used to store the actual sheets, while the lower part was used for records, which have been around since 1888.