We’ve all been there, doing a massive house clean-up or preparing for a garage sale and stumble upon a bunch of old items that seem worthless. But these antiques might be more valuable than you think! Antiques can sometimes appear as old, dusty junk, but in reality, they could be rare, valuable treasures that can fetch a hefty sum. This blog will take you through items I almost threw away, but turned out to be surprisingly valuable.
1. Vintage Advertising Signs
In the midst of decluttering my garage, I nearly tossed out a couple of old advertising signs I had collected over the years. But these vintage signs can be worth a pretty penny. Particularly those made of tin, porcelain, or neon, especially if they’re in good condition, can be of high value.
For instance, a 1950s vintage Coca-Cola sign I found buried under some old tools sold for over $300 on an online auction site. Collectors of vintage advertising love the nostalgia these signs bring, and are usually willing to pay top dollar for these pieces. So, before you toss old signs, check for collector’s value.
2. Old Coins
While going through an old piggy bank, I found a collection of old coins. It’s easy to dismiss these as mere pocket change. However, certain coins, particularly those that are rare or have errors, can be worth much more than their face value.
An old wheat penny from the 1940s, for example, sold for $10, while a silver dollar from the early 1900s fetched a staggering $400. Collectors and numismatists value these pieces for their historical significance and rarity. It’s definitely worth having your old coins appraised before tossing them out.
3. Vintage Costume Jewelry
In a box of my grandmother’s old things, I found some costume jewelry that I almost gave away. Costume jewelry, especially if it’s vintage, can have significant value. Brands like Weiss, Eisenberg, and Miriam Haskell are highly sought after by collectors.
One Weiss rhinestone brooch I found turned out to be worth over $100. These pieces can often be identified by their unique style and the quality of their construction. So don’t be too quick to discard old costume jewelry – you might just be sitting on a treasure!
4. Antique Cameras
My attic housed an old box of cameras that I thought were obsolete. However, antique cameras, especially those made by brands like Leica, Rolleiflex, or Kodak, can be quite valuable.
For instance, I sold an old Leica camera for over $500. Collectors and photographers cherish these pieces for their craftsmanship and historical significance. So before you throw away that old camera, consider having it appraised.
5. Vintage Postcards
A stack of old postcards nearly ended up in the recycling bin. But vintage postcards, especially those that are pre-1950, can be surprisingly valuable.
For example, a pre-WWII postcard I found was sold for $75. Collectors value these pieces for their historical and artistic value. So before you toss those old postcards, consider checking their worth.
6. Antique Furniture
An old, worn-out chair was almost ready for the dump. But antique furniture, especially pieces from the Victorian era or earlier, can be worth a lot of money.
The chair turned out to be a valuable antique from the late 1800s and fetched an impressive $1,000 at auction. So before you throw out that old piece of furniture, consider having it appraised.
7. Vinyl Records
I almost threw away a box of vinyl records. But vinyl records, especially those from popular artists or are of limited edition, can be quite valuable.
For instance, an original Beatles album I found was sold for $400. Record collectors value these pieces for their sound quality and rarity. So before you toss those old records, check their worth.
8. Old Books
A collection of old books was about to be donated. But old books, especially those that are first editions or have autographs, can be worth a lot of money.
One of the books turned out to be a signed first edition and fetched an impressive $500 at auction. So before you donate those old books, consider having them appraised.
9. Antique Toys
A box of old toys was ready for the charity shop. But antique toys, especially those that are still in their original packaging, can be quite valuable.
A vintage Barbie doll I found was sold for $300. Collectors value these pieces for their nostalgia and rarity. So before you give away those old toys, check their worth.
10. Vintage Clothing
A pile of old clothes was about to be tossed. But vintage clothing, especially designer pieces or items from the 1960s or earlier, can be worth a lot of money.
A 1950s dress I found fetched an impressive $200 at an online vintage shop. So before you throw out those old clothes, consider having them appraised.
11. Old Stamps
A book of old stamps was almost discarded. But old stamps, especially those that are rare or have errors, can be quite valuable.
A rare stamp I found was sold for $500. Stamp collectors value these pieces for their historical significance and rarity. So before you toss that old stamp book, check their worth.
12. Antique Glassware
A set of old glassware was almost donated. But antique glassware, especially pieces from the Victorian era or earlier, can be worth a lot of money.
The glassware turned out to be valuable depression glass and fetched an impressive $100 a piece. So before you donate that old glassware, consider having it appraised.