13 Ordinary Things That Turned Out to Be Rare Collectibles

Collecting rare items has been a hobby for many people throughout history, but did you know that some of the most mundane things can turn into highly sought-after collectibles? It’s true!

From everyday items to seemingly worthless trinkets, these ordinary things found around the home have ended up being worth a fortune. Let’s take a look at 13 ordinary things that turned out to be rare collectibles.

1. Old Video Games

Super Nintendo Entertainment System console, gray controller with colorful buttons, Mario figurine emerging from cartridge slot, wooden surface background, nostalgic retro gaming setup
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Remember those old video games you used to play as a kid? They could be worth a lot of money today. Many collectors are interested in vintage video games, especially if they’re in good condition or still in their original packaging. Some of the most sought-after titles include the original “Super Mario Bros.” for the Nintendo Entertainment System and the “Legend of Zelda” series.

2. Postcards

Wire racks displaying assorted vintage postcards for sale, labeled with prices, set against a dark stone wall
Image Credit: Jill Evans/Pexels.

You might think that postcards are just cheap souvenirs, but some can be quite valuable. Collectors often seek out vintage postcards, especially those from the early 20th century or those featuring specific locations or themes. The value of a postcard can vary greatly depending on its age, condition, and rarity.

3. Vinyl Records

Close-up of a vintage record player, spinning a black vinyl, stacked records nearby, wooden casing, retro setup
Image Credit: Merve/ Pexels.

Vinyl records have made a big comeback in recent years, and some can fetch a pretty penny. Collectors often look for records in good condition, especially if they’re from popular artists or rare pressings. The value of a record can depend on factors such as its condition, rarity, and the popularity of the artist.

4. Comic Books

Stack of colorful Marvel comic books, includes Deadpool, Avengers, and parody titles, vibrant covers, overlapping display
Image Credit: Erik Mclean/ Pexels.

Comic books are another everyday item that can become a valuable collectible. The most sought-after comics are usually those featuring the first appearance of a popular character, or those with iconic cover art. Some comic books have sold for hundreds of thousands, or even millions, of dollars.

5. Baseball Cards

Scattered baseball cards, colorful player photos, various team uniforms, vintage sports memorabilia, nostalgic card collection
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Baseball cards have been popular collectibles for decades, but some can be worth a lot more than others. Cards featuring famous players or rare editions can be worth a lot of money. The condition of the card, its age, and the player it depicts all play a role in its value.

6. Old Toys

Three vintage Barbie dolls in colorful 90s outfits, blonde hair styled with accessories, posed closely together
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Old toys, especially if they’re in good condition or still in their original packaging, can be highly sought after by collectors. Some of the most valuable toys include early Barbie dolls, Star Wars action figures, and vintage LEGO sets.

7. First Edition Books

Row of assorted hardcover books on a dark shelf, spines facing outward, various genres and colors visible
Image Credit: James Collington/Pexels.

First edition books, especially those by famous authors or those that have become literary classics, can be valuable collectibles. The value of a first edition book can depend on factors such as its condition, the popularity of the author, and whether it’s signed by the author.

8. Vintage Advertising Signs

Close-up of a vintage storefront sign showing "PEPSI" logos and the name "NORMA'S THE HOME OF THE WEDGEBURGER" on a weathered building exterior
Image Credit: Erik Mclean/Pexels.

Vintage advertising signs, especially those from the early 20th century, can be highly sought after by collectors. These signs, which were often made of metal or porcelain, were used to advertise a variety of products, from soft drinks to gasoline.

9. Christmas Ornaments

Assorted Christmas ornaments hanging, spherical glass baubles in blue, red, gold, and cream tones, decorated with winter scenes and glitter, softly lit background with bokeh effect, festive and elegant holiday atmosphere
Image Credit: Markus Spiske/ Pexels.

Christmas ornaments, especially vintage ones, can be valuable collectibles. Some collectors look for ornaments from specific manufacturers or those that depict specific themes. The value of an ornament can depend on factors such as its age, condition, and rarity.

10. Stamps

Assorted vintage Vietnamese postage stamps, arranged on a black display background, featuring illustrations of soldiers, cultural scenes, historic landmarks, and traditional clothing, with varied colors including blue, yellow, red, and white
Image Credit: Bich Tran/Pexels.

Stamps have been popular collectibles for many years, and some can be worth a fortune. Collectors often look for rare stamps, especially those with errors or those from specific periods or countries.

11. Coins

small woven basket, filled with loose change, assorted coins, mixed denominations, rustic tabletop, casual storage
Image Credit: Aboodi Vesakaran/Pexels.

Coin collecting, or numismatics, is another popular hobby, and some coins can be worth a lot of money. The value of a coin can depend on factors such as its age, rarity, and condition.

12. Antique Furniture

Wooden cabinet with ornate black metal detailing, rustic interior setting, placed beside wooden staircase, warm natural lighting, polished wood floor, vintage-style decor
Image Credit: Erik Mclean/Pexels.

Antique furniture, especially pieces from specific periods or styles, can be valuable collectibles. The value of a piece of antique furniture can depend on factors such as its age, condition, and the rarity of its design.

13. Autographs

Collection of autographed baseballs, each encased in a clear display box, arranged in two rows, white baseballs with black and blue ink signatures, yellow name labels beneath each case, displayed on a wooden surface, likely part of a sports memorabilia collection
Image Credit: RoadGo, CC BY-SA 3.0/Wikimedia Commons.

Autographs, especially those of famous people, can be valuable collectibles. An autograph’s value can depend on factors such as the fame of the person who signed it, its condition, and whether it’s accompanied by any sort of authentication. Collectors often seek out autographs of famous actors, athletes, musicians, and other celebrities.