The 1970s was a golden era for toys and for some, those seemingly insignificant trinkets of childhood may now be worth a small fortune. From action figures to board games, the toys from this era are now highly sought after by collectors and could possibly pad your pockets. Here are 10 vintage toys from the ’70s that could make you rich.
1. Star Wars Action Figures
The original Star Wars trilogy started in 1977 and with it came a flood of tie-in merchandise. Among the most popular were the action figures. If you have unopened figures in good condition, they can fetch a pretty penny. An original Darth Vader figure from 1978, for example, recently sold for $8,000. But the real prize is the rare “Boba Fett with rocket blaster” figure, which fetched a staggering $27,000 at auction.
2. Shogun Warriors
These two-foot tall action figures were a must-have for kids in the late ’70s. Originally from Japan, Shogun Warriors were introduced to the U.S. market by Mattel. They came with spring-loaded weapons and some even fired missiles. These toys can sell for up to $1,000 each, especially if they’re in mint condition and in their original packaging.
3. Hot Wheels Redline Cars
The ’70s were a prime time for Hot Wheels, and the Redline series was especially popular. These cars, named for their red-striped wheels, can sell for hundreds and even thousands of dollars. The most valuable is the 1969 Pink Rear-Loading Volkswagen Beach Bomb, which has been valued at more than $100,000.
4. Stretch Armstrong
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The original Stretch Armstrong, produced by Kenner in 1976, was a favorite for many kids. This muscular, gel-filled action figure could stretch his limbs up to four feet. If you have one in good condition (especially if it’s never been stretched), it could be worth up to $10,000.
5. Evel Knievel Stunt Cycle
This toy, based on the famous daredevil, was a huge hit in the 1970s. The Stunt Cycle came with a motorized cycle that could perform wheelies and jumps. Mint condition sets, especially those with the original box, can sell for up to $900.
6. Fisher Price Adventure People
Before there were action figures for every movie and TV show, there were Fisher Price Adventure People. These toys were popular in the late ’70s and early ’80s, and now they can be worth a lot. Complete sets in good condition can fetch up to $200.
7. Mego Superheroes
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Mego Corporation was one of the first companies to make action figures of comic book characters. These 8-inch figures, produced in the ’70s, can be worth a lot today. For example, a mint condition Batman figure from this era can sell for up to $3,000.
8. Kenner Blythe Dolls
These large-eyed, color-changing dolls were only produced for one year in 1972, making them quite rare. If you have one in good condition, especially with the original clothing, it could be worth up to $2,000.
9. Lego Sets
Lego has been popular for decades, but some of the older sets can be worth a lot today. For example, the original Lego train sets from the ’70s, complete and in good condition, can sell for up to $1,500.
10. Weebles Haunted House Playset
Weebles, the egg-shaped toys that “wobble but they don’t fall down,” were popular in the ’70s. But the most valuable Weeble item is the Haunted House playset. This toy, in good condition and complete, can sell for up to $300.