Some people have a natural knack for discerning valuable antiques from mere trinkets, but most of us need a little help. Have you ever rummaged through your attic or garage, stumbled upon an old item, and wondered if it’s worth anything? Or have you passed up a seemingly insignificant item at a garage sale only to find out later it was a collector’s treasure?
Let’s shed light on 14 items that you may have thought were junk but could actually be collectibles.
1. Old Coins
You might have some old coins lying around, lost in the crevices of your sofa or forgotten in a drawer. Before you dismiss them as worthless, take a closer look. Some old coins can be worth a small fortune due to their rarity, age, or historical significance.
Consider the 1943 copper penny. Most pennies minted that year were made of steel due to copper being needed for World War II efforts. However, a few were mistakenly minted in copper, making them extremely rare and valuable. One such penny sold for $1.7 million in 2010. So, always take a second look at your old coins – they could be worth more than you think.
2. Postcards
Postcards might seem like cheap souvenirs, but vintage ones can actually be quite valuable. Collectors often look for postcards that are over 100 years old, have unique or rare images, or come from exotic locations.
Take, for example, postcards from the Titanic. These were often sent by passengers before the ship embarked on its tragic voyage. They are coveted by collectors and can fetch hundreds, even thousands, of dollars at auction. So next time you come across a pile of old postcards, don’t be so quick to dismiss them as junk.
3. Comic Books
You might think those old comic books collecting dust in your attic are just taking up space, but they could actually be worth a lot of money. First editions, limited runs, or comics with significant plotlines (like the introduction of a major character) can be highly valuable.
An original copy of Action Comics #1, the comic book that first introduced Superman, sold for a record-breaking $3.2 million on eBay in 2014. So, before you decide to throw out or donate those old comics, do some research to see if you might have a hidden gem.
4. Vinyl Records
With the rise of digital music, vinyl records might seem outdated and worthless. But to collectors, certain records can be worth a fortune. The value of a vinyl record depends on its rarity, condition, and the demand among collectors.
For example, the Beatles’ White Album with serial number A0000001 was sold at an auction for $790,000 in 2015. Before you decide to throw out those old records, do some research or have them appraised. You might just have a collectible on your hands.
5. Costume Jewelry
You might have inherited some costume jewelry from a relative, or maybe you’ve picked up a few pieces from a garage sale. Don’t be too quick to dismiss such items as junk. Vintage costume jewelry can be highly sought after by collectors, especially if it’s from a renowned designer or brand.
For example, costume jewelry from designers like Coco Chanel, Elsa Schiaparelli, or Miriam Haskell can fetch high prices. So, before you toss that old necklace or brooch, it might be worth having it appraised.
6. Vintage Pyrex
Most of us think of Pyrex as practical kitchenware, but vintage Pyrex can be quite valuable. Collectors often look for older patterns that were discontinued or limited edition pieces.
For instance, a complete set of Pyrex mixing bowls in the rare “Lucky in Love” pattern sold for $4,000 on eBay. So, before you donate that old Pyrex dish to a thrift store, check to see if it might be a desirable item for collectors.
7. Old Toys
You might have some old toys lying around from your childhood or from relatives. Before you toss them out or donate them, consider that some vintage toys can be worth a lot of money.
An original Barbie doll from 1959 in mint condition can sell for up to $27,000. So, before you get rid of those old toys, do some research to see if they might be valuable.
8. Typewriters
In the digital age, typewriters might seem like outdated relics. But to collectors, old typewriters can be worth a pretty penny. The value of a typewriter depends on its age, rarity, and condition.
For example, a Sholes & Glidden typewriter from the 1870s can fetch up to $3,500. So, before you decide to discard that old typewriter, it might be worth having it appraised.
9. Quilts
While you might see an old quilt as just something to keep you warm, vintage and antique quilts can be worth a lot of money. Handmade quilts from the 19th century, especially those with unique designs or made from rare fabrics, are highly sought after by collectors.
A rare Civil War-era quilt sold for $264,000 at an auction. So, before you decide to give that old quilt to Goodwill, have it appraised. You might be sitting on a treasure.
10. Lunch Boxes
You might think an old lunch box is just a piece of junk, but vintage metal lunch boxes can be quite valuable. Those featuring popular TV shows, movies, or characters from the 1950s to the 1980s are particularly sought after by collectors.
A 1954 Super Man lunch box sold for $13,000 at an auction. So, before you throw out that old lunch box, check to see if it might be a desirable collectible.
11. Stamps
Stamps might seem like small, insignificant pieces of paper, but rare or old stamps can be worth a lot of money. Stamps that are misprinted, feature rare images, or are from a particular historical period can fetch high prices.
A British Guiana One-Cent Black on Magenta stamp from 1856 is considered the rarest stamp in the world and sold for $9.5 million at an auction. So, before you dismiss those old stamps as worthless, have them appraised.
12. Vintage Sneakers
You might not think of sneakers as collectible items, but vintage sneakers can fetch a hefty price. Limited edition releases, collaborations with famous athletes or designers, or sneakers that are associated with significant cultural moments can be highly coveted by collectors.
A pair of 1985 Nike Air Jordan 1s, worn and signed by Michael Jordan, sold for $560,000 at an auction. So, before you throw out those old sneakers, check to see if they might be a valuable collectible.
13. Antique Furniture
You might have some old furniture that you think is just taking up space, but antique furniture can be quite valuable. Furniture that is over 100 years old, has a unique design, or is from a specific period or style can be highly sought after.
A Chippendale mahogany desk and bookcase from the 18th century sold for $3.2 million at an auction. So, before you decide to get rid of that old piece of furniture, have it appraised.
14. Old Bottles
While you might see an old bottle as just a piece of junk, antique bottles can be worth a lot of money. Bottles that are over 100 years old, have unique shapes or colors, or are from a specific period can fetch high prices.
A cobalt blue bottle from the 1840s sold for $30,000 at an auction. So, before you decide to throw out those old bottles, check to see if they might be a desirable collectible.
