As a kid, I bet you had a treasure trove of toys, games, and miscellaneous items that you eventually outgrew and discarded. But what if I told you some of those items could potentially be worth a small fortune today?
You’d be surprised at how much some of these collectibles have appreciated. So, let’s take a trip down memory lane and see if you’ve unknowingly thrown away some big bucks!
1. Vintage Star Wars Action Figures
Remember those Star Wars action figures you used to play with? Well, they might be worth more than you think. Some rare figures, such as the original 1978 Luke Skywalker action figure, can fetch up to $25,000 in mint condition. Of course, not all figures are worth that much, but with Star Wars’ enduring popularity, even common figures can still fetch a decent price.
So, if you’ve got a box of these figures gathering dust in your attic, it might be worth taking a look. And if you’re interested in starting a collection, check out this guide to collecting Star Wars memorabilia.
2. Retro Video Games
You might not think much of your old video game collection, but it could be a goldmine. Games for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), Atari 2600, and other retro consoles have become highly sought after by collectors. Even some relatively recent games, like Pokemon Red and Blue for the Game Boy, can fetch a pretty penny.
One factor that affects a game’s value is its rarity. For example, the NES game “Stadium Events” is one of the rarest games in the world and can sell for over $10,000. So, if you’ve got some old games lying around, it might be worth seeing what they’re going for on eBay. To learn more about collecting retro video games, check out this article.
3. First Edition Comic Books
If you’ve got a box of old comic books stashed away, you might be sitting on a fortune. First edition comic books, especially those featuring the first appearance of a popular character, can be worth thousands, if not millions, of dollars. For example, a first edition of “Action Comics #1”, which features the first appearance of Superman, sold for over $3 million in 2014.
Of course, the condition of the comic book plays a big role in its value. A comic book in mint condition will be worth much more than one that’s been well read and worn. But even if your comics aren’t in perfect condition, they could still be worth something. To learn more about collecting comic books, check out this book.
4. Pokemon Cards
Remember when you used to collect Pokemon cards? Well, some of those cards could be worth a lot of money today. Especially the first edition cards. For example, a first edition Charizard card sold for over $300,000 in 2021.
Even if you don’t have a first edition Charizard, other rare cards can still fetch a good price. So, if you’ve got a binder of Pokemon cards lying around, it might be worth taking a look. And if you’re interested in starting a collection, check out this book on collecting Pokemon cards.
5. 1980s Barbie Dolls
Barbie dolls have been a staple of many childhoods since their introduction in 1959. But did you know that some of these dolls can fetch a high price today? Especially Barbies from the 1980s. For example, a 1988 “Happy Holidays” Barbie can sell for up to $1,000.
Of course, the value of a Barbie doll depends on its condition and rarity. Dolls that are still in their original packaging and in mint condition will be worth the most. But even dolls that have been played with could still be worth something. So, if you’ve got some old Barbies lying around, it might be worth taking a look.
6. Old Apple Products
You might think that old technology is worthless, but that’s not always the case. Especially when it comes to Apple products. For example, an original Apple I computer sold for over $900,000 in 2014. And even less rare items, like the first generation iPod, can sell for hundreds of dollars.
So, if you’ve got some old Apple products gathering dust in a drawer, it might be worth seeing what they’re worth. Just remember, the condition and functionality of the item will greatly affect its value. So, if you’ve got an old iPod that still works, it could be worth more than you think.
7. Vinyl Records
With the resurgence of vinyl in recent years, old records have become highly sought after. Especially rare and first pressing records. For example, a first pressing of “The White Album” by The Beatles can sell for over $10,000.
Of course, the condition of the record plays a big role in its value. A record in mint condition will be worth much more than one that’s been well played. But even if your records aren’t in perfect condition, they could still be worth something. So, if you’ve got some old records lying around, it might be worth taking a look.
8. Antique Christmas Ornaments
Those old Christmas ornaments you inherited from your grandmother could be worth a lot more than sentimental value. Especially if they’re from the early 20th century. For example, a set of antique German glass ornaments can sell for hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars.
The value of an ornament depends on its age, rarity, and condition. Ornaments that are still in their original packaging and in mint condition will be worth the most. But even if your ornaments aren’t in perfect condition, they could still be worth something. So, next Christmas, before you hang those old ornaments on the tree, you might want to check their value.
9. Vintage Lunchboxes
Remember those metal lunchboxes you used to take to school? Well, some of those could be worth a lot of money today. Especially lunchboxes featuring popular TV shows and movies from the 1950s and 60s. For example, a Beatles lunchbox can sell for over $600.
The value of a lunchbox depends on its condition and rarity. Lunchboxes that are still in their original packaging and in mint condition will be worth the most. But even if your lunchbox is a little dented and rusty, it could still be worth something. So, if you’ve got some old lunchboxes lying around, it might be worth taking a look.
10. Post-War Era Stamps
Stamp collecting might seem like a quaint hobby, but it can be quite lucrative. Especially if you’ve got some rare stamps. For example, a set of four Inverted Jenny stamps sold for over $2.9 million in 2014. And even less rare stamps can still fetch a good price.
Of course, the value of a stamp depends on its rarity and condition. Stamps that are in mint condition and have never been used will be worth the most. But even if your stamps are a little faded and have been used, they could still be worth something. So, if you’ve got a book of old stamps lying around, it might be worth taking a look.
