Ever picked up a neat little trinket at a flea market or garage sale, only to later discover it was worth far more than you paid for it? You’re not alone. Stories like these pop up all the time, someone buys an old vase, a vintage toy, or a forgotten piece of jewelry for just a few dollars, only to learn it’s a rare collector’s item worth hundreds or even thousands.
It’s the kind of discovery that makes treasure hunting so thrilling, you never really know what hidden gems are waiting to be found among the clutter of the past. Over time, certain everyday objects have gone from being ordinary household items to highly sought-after antiques that collectors are willing to pay big money for.
In this article, we’ll take a look at ten antiques that were once considered cheap or common but have since become priceless pieces of history. Who knows, you might even have one sitting in your home right now!
1. Vintage Baseball Cards
Baseball cards from the early 20th century, particularly those featuring legendary players like Babe Ruth or Honus Wagner, have become incredibly valuable. These cards were often found in tobacco packets and were initially considered of little value. Today, a well-preserved Honus Wagner card can fetch up to $3 million at auction.
2. Old Comic Books
Early editions of comic books, especially those marking the first appearances of now-iconic characters, can be worth a fortune. For instance, Action Comics #1, featuring the debut of Superman, sold for a staggering $3.2 million in 2014. Imagine having that in your attic!
3. Classic Video Games
Believe it or not, some old video games are now considered precious antiques. For example, a sealed copy of the 1985 Super Mario Bros. for the NES sold for $660,000 in 2021, making it the most expensive video game ever sold at auction.
4. Vintage Lunchboxes
Flashy metal lunchboxes adorned with popular TV show characters were all the rage in the 1950s and ’60s. Today, these nostalgic items can fetch a pretty penny. A rare “Superman” lunchbox from 1954, for example, sold for $13,000 in 2018.
5. First Edition Books
First editions of classic books, especially those signed by the author, can be extremely valuable. A first edition of “The Great Gatsby,” for instance, can command upwards of $120,000 if in good condition and signed by F. Scott Fitzgerald.
6. Antique Furniture
Mid-century modern furniture has become incredibly popular among collectors, with pieces by famous designers like Eames and Saarinen commanding high prices. A well-preserved Eames lounge chair, for instance, can fetch up to $6,000 today.
7. Vintage Advertising Signs
Notably from the early 20th century, vintage advertising signs, especially those made of porcelain or tin, can be quite valuable. A rare Coca-Cola sign from the 1890s, for example, sold for $57,000 in 2019.
8. Antique Toys
Old toys, particularly those still in their original packaging, can be worth a lot of money. A mint-condition “GI Joe” action figure from the 1960s, for example, can sell for up to $10,000.
9. Old Coins
Coins from the 18th and 19th centuries, particularly those with minting errors, can be worth a fortune today. A 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar, one of the first coins minted by the newly established U.S. Federal Mint, sold for a staggering $10 million in 2013.
10. Vintage Posters
Original, vintage movie posters are highly sought after by collectors. For example, an original 1932 poster for “The Mummy” sold at auction for over $1 million in 1997. Its value today is estimated to be much higher.
One person’s junk can indeed be another’s treasure. These antiques were once everyday items, but time has turned them into valuable collectibles. So the next time you’re at a flea market or thrift store, keep your eyes peeled – you never know what treasures you might find!
