If you grew up in the 1970s or have a love for all things retro, you might be sitting on a goldmine without even knowing it. Many everyday items from this era are now sought after by collectors and can fetch a pretty penny. Here are 10 everyday objects from the 1970s that might be collecting dust in your attic but are now worth a fortune.
1. Star Wars Action Figures
The original Star Wars movies premiered in the late 1970s, and the accompanying action figures quickly became must-have toys for kids everywhere. While many of these figures were played with and subsequently lost or broken, those in pristine condition can be worth hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars today.
For instance, a 1978 Luke Skywalker action figure, especially those sporting a double-telescoping lightsaber, can be worth thousands. The rarity and nostalgia associated with these toys have turned them into hot commodities for Star Wars fans and toy collectors alike.
2. Vintage Concert Posters
Music was a defining aspect of the 1970s, and posters advertising concerts for bands such as Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, or Pink Floyd are now highly sought after. These posters, once casually pinned to bedroom walls, now command high prices at auctions.
The value of these posters largely depends on the band, the specific concert, and the condition of the poster. However, even moderately well-preserved examples can fetch a good amount, with prices typically ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars.
3. First Edition Books
First edition books from popular authors of the 1970s can be incredibly valuable. Stephen King, for instance, published some of his most famous works during this decade, and first editions of these books are particularly treasured by collectors.
The value of these books can vary greatly depending on factors like condition, the popularity of the title, and whether the book is signed by the author. However, in general, well-preserved first editions from this era can command a high price.
4. Vintage Apple Computers
The Apple-1, the first product released by the then unknown Apple Computer Inc., is a hot commodity today. Released in 1976, this computer was designed and hand-built by Steve Wozniak. Today, it’s a piece of technological history.
Because of their rarity and their place in the history of personal computing, Apple-1 computers can fetch a significant sum. In recent years, some have sold for hundreds of thousands of dollars at auction.
5. Vinyl Records
While vinyl records are making a comeback today, original presses from the 1970s can be worth a lot of money. Records from popular artists like The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, or David Bowie in good condition can be particularly valuable.
Of course, the value of these records can vary based on factors like rarity, condition, and the popularity of the artist. However, some rare records from this era can sell for thousands of dollars.
6. Vintage Skateboards
Skateboarding took off as a popular pastime in the 1970s, and vintage skateboards from this era can be worth a lot today. In particular, boards made by brands like Z-Flex and Dogtown are highly sought after.
These old-school skateboards are not just nostalgic relics for former skaters; they’re also considered pieces of sports history. Depending on the brand, model, and condition, vintage skateboards can command a high price.
7. Retro Video Games
The 1970s saw the birth of the video game industry, with the release of consoles like Atari 2600 and games like Space Invaders. Original copies of these games, particularly those that are still in their original packaging, can be highly valuable.
Collectors and gaming enthusiasts are often willing to pay a high price for these pieces of gaming history. Some rare games from this era can sell for hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars.
8. Vintage Lego Sets
Lego sets have always been popular toys, but certain sets from the 1970s are now worth a fortune. This is particularly true for sets that are still in their original packaging or that include rare or hard-to-find pieces.
The value of these sets can vary greatly, but some of the most sought-after sets from this era can sell for several times their original price. Lego collecting has become a serious hobby, and rare sets from the 1970s are particularly in demand.
9. 1970s Comic Books
Comic books from the 1970s, particularly first appearances of popular characters or landmark issues, can be worth a lot of money. Key issues from this era include Amazing Spider-Man #121, The Incredible Hulk #181, and Giant-Size X-Men #1.
The value of these comics can vary greatly depending on factors such as condition and rarity. However, well-preserved copies of key issues from this era can command a high price on the collector’s market.
10. Vintage Lunch Boxes
Finally, don’t overlook that old lunch box in your attic! Lunch boxes featuring popular characters or shows from the 1970s, like Star Wars or Scooby-Doo, can be highly sought after by collectors.
The value of these items can vary based on factors like condition, rarity, and the popularity of the character or show featured. However, some lunch boxes from this era can sell for hundreds of dollars.