As we navigate through our day-to-day lives, we come across countless items, many of which we dismiss as worthless or trivial. But what if some of these seemingly worthless items could actually be worth a fortune? You might be surprised to learn that many ordinary objects around us can turn out to be valuable treasures.
This list is compiled based on trends in the antiques market, auction results, expert opinions, and historical data. So, before you decide to throw away that old comic book or disregard that dusty vinyl record, take a moment to read this post!
1. Vintage Lunchboxes
Believe it or not, old-school metal lunchboxes featuring pop culture themes could be worth a lot of money. Collectors are willing to pay a handsome sum for these nostalgic items, especially if they are in good condition and feature popular characters or TV shows. For instance, a 1963 Jetsons lunchbox recently sold for $1,650!
If you come across a vintage lunchbox, before tossing it or passing it on, do a little research. Check online auctions and collector forums to see what similar items are selling for. If your lunchbox is in good condition and features a well-loved character or theme, it might be worth holding onto.
2. Old Video Games
Your dusty old video game collection could be worth a fortune. Certain vintage games, particularly those that are rare or in mint condition, can fetch a hefty price on the collector’s market. For example, an unopened copy of ‘Super Mario Bros.’ for NES was auctioned for over $100,000 in 2021!
If you have old video games stashed away, it’s worth checking their potential value. Look for games that are still in their original packaging or are considered rare. Even common games can be valuable if they’re in excellent condition.
3. First Edition Books
First edition books, especially those by popular authors or those that have become literary classics, can be worth a lot of money. A first edition copy of “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone,” for instance, sold for $90,000 at auction!
Before donating or selling old books, check the edition and publication year. First editions are often worth more, especially if they’re in good condition. Be sure to research the potential value of your books before letting them go.
4. Vintage Advertising Signs
Vintage advertising signs, especially those made of metal or porcelain, are highly sought after by collectors and can be quite valuable. For instance, a 1930s Coca-Cola sign fetched $60,000 at auction.
If you come across old advertising signs, do some research before selling or discarding them. Check online auction results to get an idea of what similar items have sold for. The value can vary greatly depending on the brand, age, and condition of the sign.
5. Old Coins
While not all old coins are valuable, some can be worth a surprising amount. For example, a rare 1943 copper penny sold for over $200,000 at auction!
If you have old coins, it’s worth having them appraised by a coin dealer or researching their value online. Even common coins can be worth more than their face value if they’re in excellent condition or have a rare mint mark.
6. Comic Books
While not all old comic books are valuable, rare editions or those featuring the first appearance of popular characters can be worth a lot of money. Case in point, a copy of Action Comics #1, featuring the first appearance of Superman, sold for over $3 million!
If you have old comic books, it’s worth checking their value. Look for key issues, like the first appearances of popular characters or the first issue of a series. Be sure to store your comics in a cool, dry place to keep them in good condition.
7. Postcards
Believe it or not, old postcards can be quite valuable. Collectors often look for postcards featuring historical events, famous landmarks, or beautiful artwork. For instance, a postcard by artist Alphonse Mucha sold for £1,800!
If you come across old postcards, it’s worth doing some research before tossing them. Look for postcards that are in good condition, feature well-known artists or landmarks, or depict historical events.
8. Vinyl Records
While most old records aren’t worth much, certain rare or collectible ones can be quite valuable. For example, a copy of The Beatles’ “White Album” owned by Ringo Starr sold for $790,000!
If you have old vinyl records, it’s worth checking their potential value. Look for records that are in good condition, are by popular artists, or are considered rare. Even common records can be valuable if they’re in excellent condition.
9. Antique Furniture
While it may seem obvious, many people don’t realize just how valuable their antique furniture may be. A simple antique Windsor chair, if original and in good condition, can fetch up to $1,000.
If you have antique furniture, it’s worth having it appraised by an expert. Look for furniture that is in good condition, has original parts, and is from a well-known maker or period.
10. Old Maps
Vintage maps, especially those that are hand-drawn or depict important historical events, can be quite valuable. A map of New York from 1775 sold for $150,000!
If you come across old maps, it’s worth doing some research before discarding them. Look for maps that are in good condition, are of historical significance, or feature beautiful artwork.
11. Stamps
Stamps may be small, but they can pack a big value. Some rare stamps, like the British Guiana 1c Magenta, can fetch millions at auction!
If you have old stamps, it’s worth having them appraised by a stamp dealer or researching their value online. Look for stamps that are in excellent condition, are rare, or feature popular themes.
12. Vintage Toys
Old toys, especially those in their original packaging, can be quite valuable. For instance, a Star Wars Boba Fett action figure sold for $112,926 at auction!
If you have old toys, it’s worth checking their potential value. Look for toys that are in good condition, are rare, or are still in their original packaging. Even common toys can be valuable if they’re in excellent condition.