We all have that one drawer in the house that’s filled to the brim with miscellaneous items. It’s a place where the odds and ends of our lives accumulate over time: old receipts, forgotten souvenirs, and plenty of items we can’t even remember acquiring. But what if some of those random things could be worth more than you think? It might be time to roll up your sleeves and start digging! Based on real-world trends, data, and research, we’ve compiled a list of 12 items that you might find in your junk drawer that could potentially be worth big money.
1. Vintage Postcards
Postcards from the past can fetch a surprisingly high price. Collectors, known as “deltiologists”, are often on the lookout for rare, vintage postcards. Particularly valuable ones could be those with historical significance, interesting images or those sent from or to famous individuals. The key is to look for cards that are pre-1950s, as these are often more valuable. A rare Titanic postcard, for example, sold for $3,000 at an auction.
While not all vintage postcards will be worth this much, they could still fetch a pretty penny. eBay and other online auction sites are great places to start if you believe you’ve found a gem. If you’re unsure about the value of a postcard, you could consult an appraiser. Remember, condition is key – the better the condition of the postcard, the higher the price it can fetch.
2. Old Coins
Coins are commonplace in junk drawers. However, some of them might be worth more than their face value. Older coins, especially those made from silver or gold, could be valuable due to their metal content. Additionally, coins with errors or those from limited mint runs can be worth a lot of money.
For instance, the 1943 copper penny is one of the most valuable U.S. coins, valued at up to $10,000. If you come across any old coins in your junk drawer, it’s worth doing some research or having them appraised. Websites like the Professional Coin Grading Service can help you determine the value of your coins.
3. Antique Photos
Old photos can be interesting glimpses into the past, but they might also be worth some money. If you have any tintypes (early photographs made on metal), daguerreotypes (photos made on a silver or silver-covered copper plate), or ambrotypes (photos on glass), you might have something of value.
Images of historical events, famous individuals, or even everyday life from a bygone era can be of interest to collectors or museums. The age, condition, and subject matter all factor into the value of antique photos. Websites like JustCollecting can provide more information on the potential value of old photographs.
4. Old Stamps
Think twice before tossing out old envelopes — the stamps on them could be worth money! Rare stamps are highly sought after by collectors. Stamps that are old, have errors, or are from limited print runs can be valuable.
Even common stamps can add up in value if you have a large collection. Philatelic, or stamp collecting, websites and forums can be a good resource for determining the value of old stamps. Just remember, like with most collectibles, condition matters!
5. Vintage Buttons
Those old buttons you’ve been saving might actually be worth something. Some vintage buttons, especially those created from valuable materials like ivory, shell, or even metal, can catch a good price. Certain buttons from specific eras, like Victorian or Art Deco, can be quite valuable to collectors.
The Button Society provides resources for button collectors, including information on identifying and valuing buttons. You can also check out online auctions or local antique stores to get an idea of what similar buttons are selling for.
6. Old Keys
Old keys, especially skeleton keys or keys with unusual shapes and designs, can be worth money. Some people collect keys, while others repurpose them into jewelry or art.
If you think you might have a valuable key, try doing some research online or consult with an antique dealer. Even if your keys aren’t worth a lot of money, they might still be of interest to crafters or collectors.
7. Vintage Eyeglasses
If you have a pair of old eyeglasses or sunglasses lying around, they could be worth something. Vintage glasses, especially those from well-known brands or designers, can catch a high price.
Check the inside of the arms for any brand names or logos, and then do some research online to see what similar glasses are selling for. Even if your glasses aren’t a designer brand, they might still be of interest to collectors if they’re old or have a unique style.
8. Old Advertising Items
Items with advertising logos or slogans, especially those from no longer existing brands or products, can be quite valuable. This could include anything from old matchbooks to pens, and everything in between.
Take a look at what similar items are selling for on online auction sites to get an idea of what your items might be worth. If you have something particularly rare or unique, it might be worth consulting with an appraiser.
9. Vintage Costume Jewelry
Don’t dismiss old costume jewelry as worthless — it could be worth more than you think. Vintage costume jewelry, especially pieces from well-known designers or brands, can be quite valuable.
Even if your jewelry isn’t designer, it might still be of interest to collectors if it’s old, unique or in good condition. Check online auction sites or antique stores to see what similar items are selling for.
10. Old Postage Meters
An odd item to find in a junk drawer, but if you come across an old postage meter, it could be worth something. These devices were used to print the amount of postage directly on the envelope and are now considered collectibles.
Depending on the age and condition, old postage meters can fetch a good price. Check online auction sites or consult with an antique dealer to determine the value.
11. Vintage Lighters
From Zippo to Ronson, vintage lighters can be quite valuable. If you find an old lighter in your junk drawer, do some research to see if it might be worth anything.
Even if the lighter doesn’t work, it might still be of interest to collectors. The age, brand, design, and condition of the lighter will all factor into its value.
12. Old Pocketknives
Old pocketknives, especially those from well-known brands or with unique designs, can be worth quite a bit of money. If you find one in your junk drawer, do some research to see what similar knives are selling for.
Even if your knife isn’t a brand name, it might still be of interest to collectors if it’s old or has a unique design. Check online auction sites or consult with an antique dealer to determine the value.
So the next time you’re about to dismiss the contents of your junk drawer as just that — junk — think twice. You never know what hidden treasures you might find!