We’ve all been there—looking at something in our home and thinking, “This is junk,” before tossing it without a second thought. Later, you hear a story about someone selling that exact item for big money, and suddenly you’re kicking yourself.
The reality is, everyday objects we overlook or undervalue can sometimes fetch surprising prices. Knowing what to look for could turn your next clean-out into an unexpected payday.
This list was curated using resale market trends, expert collector insights, and current sales data to reveal 10 common items that might be worth far more than you think. Before you throw anything out, you might want to give it a second glance—you could be sitting on a hidden treasure.
1. Old Video Games
Vintage video games, especially those still in their original packaging, can fetch a high price on online marketplaces like eBay. Collectors are always on the hunt for rare finds such as old Nintendo, Sega, and Atari cartridges. While some games may only be worth a few dollars, others—particularly those that are rare or in mint condition—can sell for hundreds or even thousands.
To check values, use PriceCharting and compare sold listings.
2. Vintage Pyrex
Your grandmother’s colorful Pyrex dishes could be worth more than you think. Collectors love rare colors and short-run patterns.
One famous example is the “Lucky in Love” pattern—see the Corning Museum of Glass entry here and an object record here. Clean sets and uncommon patterns can reach four figures with the right buyer.
3. Old Coins and Currency
Old coins and paper money can be worth significantly more than face value—especially key dates, mint errors, and notes with unusual serial numbers.
A 1943 copper Lincoln cent sold for $204,000 at auction. For research, try CoinTrackers (coins) and PMG’s paper money price guide (notes).
4. First Edition Books
First editions from famous authors can bring serious money, especially with dust jackets or signatures.
As one high-profile example, a first edition of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone fetched tens of thousands at auction. Use marketplaces like Biblio to compare listings and editions.
5. Vintage Postcards
Postcards with rare images, desirable subjects, or early postmarks can sell well—especially real photo postcards (RPPCs).
A Titanic passenger postcard has sold for around £20,000. To explore the market, browse dealers like OldPostcards.com.
6. Vintage Advertising Signs
Porcelain and neon signs for classic brands (Coca-Cola, Texaco, Sinclair) draw strong results when condition is good.
For comps, see archived sales like a Coca-Cola porcelain “button” sign in auction house records (e.g., Mecum Road Art archives) and consult guides like Kovels for identification and pricing trends.
7. Old Toys
Vintage toys in unopened packaging can be worth a lot. Star Wars, Barbie, Transformers, and early LEGO sets are perennial favorites with collectors.
Some original 1970s Star Wars figures have sold for five figures at auction—see curated roundups like this overview and verify with major auction archives.
8. Vintage Concert Posters
Original posters from major bands and landmark shows can command high prices, especially when graded and preserved.
For example, a 1965 Grateful Dead “Acid Test” poster realized strong five-figure bids; see Heritage Auctions’ archives (e.g., archived sale) and specialist sites like Classic Posters for comps and IDs.
9. Vintage Lunchboxes
Metal lunchboxes from the 1950s–70s (Superman, Lone Ranger, Beatles) are highly collectible, with top examples reaching five figures.
Reference auction-house archives such as Heritage (e.g., 1954 Superman lunchbox listings) and explainer pieces like History.com’s guide for background and values.
10. Old Comic Books
Key issues (first appearances, low print runs) can bring huge sums. Condition and grading are everything here.
Action Comics #1 has repeatedly broken records—see CGC’s note on the $3.2M eBay sale and further record updates. For pricing tools, try Comic Book Realm and verify with recent graded-sale comps.
