We all have a few items lying around the house that we rarely use, and maybe even consider tossing out during a good decluttering session. But before you toss anything out, you might want to take a second look. Some everyday items can be surprisingly valuable, especially if they’re vintage or in good condition.
So before you dismiss something as trash, it just might be treasure. Here is a list of 11 everyday items that I had no idea were valuable until I sold them.
1. Old Toys
You might think of those old toys in your attic as nothing more than childhood memories, but some can be worth a lot of money. Vintage toys that are still in their original packaging, or that are in excellent condition, can be highly sought after by collectors.
For example, original ‘Star Wars’ action figures from the 1970s and 1980s can sell for hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars each. Even if you don’t have ‘Star Wars’ toys, other vintage toys can also be valuable, especially if they’re from popular franchises or were produced in limited quantities.
2. Old Video Games
Believe it or not, your old video games could be worth a pretty penny. Especially if you’re sitting on a collection of retro games. These games, especially if they’re still in their original packaging, can fetch a nice price on online auction sites.
For instance, a copy of the original ‘Super Mario Bros’ for the NES, still factory-sealed, sold for a staggering $660,000 in 2021. Even if you don’t have a rare gem like this, other games can still bring in a surprising amount. Keep an eye out for games from popular franchises or ones that had a limited release.
3. Vinyl Records
Vinyl records have made a massive comeback in recent years, and some can be incredibly valuable. If you have a collection gathering dust in your basement, it’s worth checking out what you have.
Certain records, particularly those that are rare, in excellent condition, or have unique features (like misprints or signed copies), can command high prices. For instance, a mint condition copy of The Beatles’ ‘White Album’ with a low serial number sold for $790,000 in 2015. Even if you don’t have a rare Beatles album, other records can still fetch a decent price, especially if they’re from popular artists or bands.
4. Vintage Advertising Signs
Vintage advertising signs are highly sought after by collectors. These signs, often made of metal or porcelain, can bring a hefty price if they’re in good condition and from a popular brand.
For example, a 1940s Coca-Cola sign in excellent condition can sell for several hundred dollars. Even signs from less well-known brands can still bring in a good amount, especially if they’re aesthetically pleasing or unique in some way. The key is to look for signs that are in good condition and from brands that are still recognizable today.
5. Comic Books
If you were a comic book fan in your youth and still have your collection, you might be sitting on a gold mine. Certain comic books, particularly those featuring the first appearance of a popular character, can be incredibly valuable.
For instance, a copy of ‘Action Comics’ #1, which features the first appearance of Superman, sold for a whopping $3.2 million in 2014. Even if you don’t have a rare comic like this, other comics can still fetch a good price, particularly if they’re in excellent condition and from popular series or characters.
6. Postage Stamps
You might not think much of those old postage stamps in your drawer, but some can be worth quite a bit of money. Stamps that are rare, particularly old ones or ones with printing errors, can command high prices.
For instance, the British Guiana 1c magenta stamp, considered the most valuable in the world, sold for a staggering $9.5 million in 2014. Even if you don’t have a rare stamp like this, other old or unusual stamps can still have value, particularly if they’re in excellent condition.
7. Old Coins
Coins can be another surprisingly valuable item. Particularly old coins, or those with minting errors, can fetch a high price.
For example, a 1794 Flowing Hair Dollar, one of the first dollar coins ever minted by the U.S., sold for over $10 million in 2013. Even if you don’t have a rare coin like this, other old or unusual coins can still be valuable. It’s worth checking out any old coins you have lying around – you never know what they might be worth.
8. Vintage Clothing
Vintage clothing has become highly sought-after in recent years, with some pieces fetching high prices. Particularly high-end designer pieces or clothing from certain eras can be very valuable.
For example, a vintage Chanel suit can sell for several thousand dollars. Even if you don’t have designer pieces, other vintage clothing can still be valuable, especially if it’s in excellent condition and from a desirable era.
9. First Edition Books
If you’re a book lover, you might be sitting on a treasure trove. First edition books, particularly those from popular authors or of important works, can be very valuable.
For instance, a first edition of J.K. Rowling’s ‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone’ sold for $90,000 in 2019. Even if you don’t have a rare book like this, other first editions can still bring in a good price, particularly if they’re in excellent condition.
10. Old Maps
Old maps can be surprisingly valuable, particularly if they’re in good condition and of interesting places. Maps that are hand-drawn or colored can also be worth more.
For example, a 17th-century map of New Amsterdam, now New York City, sold for $10 million in 2010. Even if you don’t have a rare map like this, other old maps can still be valuable, particularly if they’re in excellent condition and of interesting places.
11. Antique Furniture
Finally, don’t overlook that old piece of furniture in your attic. Antique furniture can be incredibly valuable, particularly if it’s from a desirable period or made by a well-known maker.
For example, a Chippendale mahogany desk from the 18th century sold for $5.2 million in 2015. Even if you don’t have a rare piece like this, other antique furniture can still bring in a good price, particularly if it’s in excellent condition and from a desirable period.