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15 Old Household Items That Have Skyrocketed in Value

It’s not uncommon to find old items stashed away in your attic or basement, gathering dust and forgotten with time. Many of these items might seem worthless, but you’d be surprised to find out how some of them have skyrocketed in value over the years. In this post, we’ll be looking at 15 old household items that could be worth a small fortune today.

1. Vintage Pyrex Dishes

Vintage kitchenware collection, retro home decor, nostalgic kitchen styling, farmhouse kitchen aesthetic, antique Pyrex bowl set
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Vintage Pyrex dishes from the mid-20th century have become highly sought after by collectors. These dishes, known for their bright, colorful patterns and sturdy construction, can fetch a hefty sum. The value of these dishes can vary greatly depending on the rarity of the pattern and the condition of the piece, but it’s not uncommon for rare pieces to sell for several hundred dollars.

2. Old Coins

Mixed collection of gold, silver, and bronze coins, various designs and origins, scattered on black surface
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It’s no secret that old coins can be worth a lot of money. Coins that are rare, in excellent condition, or have errors can be worth a significant amount to collectors. Even common coins from certain years can be worth more than their face value due to their silver content. So, if you come across a stash of old coins, it’s worth getting them appraised.

3. First Edition Books

Row of assorted hardcover books on a dark shelf, spines facing outward, various genres and colors visible
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First edition books, especially those by famous authors or from popular series, can be incredibly valuable. The value can vary greatly depending on the rarity, the condition, and the demand for the book, but some first editions can sell for thousands of dollars. So, if you have a collection of old books, it might be worth checking to see if any of them are first editions.

4. Vintage Toys

Assorted vintage toys on display, golden Maneki-neko cat figurines, colorful tin trains, motorcycles, retro collectibles on a table
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Vintage toys, especially those that are still in their original packaging, can be worth quite a bit of money. This includes action figures, board games, dolls, and more. The value can vary greatly depending on the rarity, the condition, and the demand for the toy, but some vintage toys can sell for several hundred or even several thousand dollars.

5. Postage Stamps

Person sorting colorful vintage postage stamps on a table, magnifying glass nearby, blue-striped shirt visible
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Old postage stamps, especially rare ones or those with errors, can be highly valuable. The value can vary greatly depending on the rarity, the condition, and the demand for the stamp, but some rare stamps can sell for thousands or even millions of dollars. So, if you have a collection of old stamps, it might be worth getting them appraised.

6. Antique Furniture

Wooden drop-leaf table, dark polished finish, four straight legs, one visible drawer with knob, classic and compact design, studio background
Image Credit: Metropolitan Museum Of Art- CC0/Wiki Commons.

Antique furniture, especially pieces from well-known designers or manufacturers, can be worth a significant amount of money. The value can vary greatly depending on the rarity, the condition, and the demand for the piece, but some antique furniture can sell for several thousand dollars.

7. Vintage Vinyl Records

Vinyl records and compact discs scattered on a white surface, multiple black records with colored labels, CDs reflecting light, casual display of music media collection
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Vintage vinyl records, especially those by famous musicians, can be highly sought after by collectors. The value can vary greatly depending on the rarity, the condition, and the demand for the record, but some vintage records can sell for several hundred or even several thousand dollars.

8. Comic Books

Assorted comic books on a wooden surface, featuring titles like Silver Surfer, X-Force with Cable, Spider-Man, Colonial Marines, colorful covers, some in protective plastic sleeves
Image Credit: Erik Mclean/Pexels.

Old comic books, especially first issues or those featuring the first appearance of popular characters, can be worth quite a bit of money. The value can vary greatly depending on the rarity, the condition, and the demand for the comic, but some comics can sell for several thousand dollars.

9. Antique Jewelry

Gold traditional jewelry set, includes a necklace, earrings, and bangle, adorned with red gemstone accents, displayed on a dark green fabric background, intricately designed with ethnic motifs
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Antique jewelry, especially pieces made of gold or featuring precious gems, can be worth a significant amount of money. The value can vary greatly depending on the rarity, the condition, and the demand for the piece, but some antique jewelry can sell for several thousand dollars.

10. Vintage Postcards

Wire racks displaying assorted vintage postcards for sale, labeled with prices, set against a dark stone wall
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Vintage postcards, especially those featuring famous landmarks or historical events, can be highly sought after by collectors. The value can vary greatly depending on the rarity, the condition, and the demand for the postcard, but some vintage postcards can sell for several hundred dollars.

11. Old Maps

Vintage Travel Books with Maps
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Old maps, especially those in excellent condition or featuring rare or historically significant locations, can be worth a significant amount of money. The value can vary greatly depending on the rarity, the condition, and the demand for the map, but some old maps can sell for several thousand dollars.

12. Vintage Advertising Signs

Vintage Eagle Stamps sign, green and red lettering on a white background, bold "Extra Savings" text, eagle emblem with shield, old promotional advertising
Image Credit: eBay.

Vintage advertising signs, especially those from well-known brands, can be highly sought after by collectors. The value can vary greatly depending on the rarity, the condition, and the demand for the sign, but some vintage signs can sell for several hundred or even several thousand dollars.

13. Antique Clocks

Antique wooden mantel clock, floral inlay design, round white clock face with Roman numerals, placed on polished wood surface
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Antique clocks, especially those from well-known manufacturers or featuring intricate designs, can be worth a significant amount of money. The value can vary greatly depending on the rarity, the condition, and the demand for the clock, but some antique clocks can sell for several thousand dollars.

14. Old Bottles

Vintage Avon bottles and containers arranged in rainbow order from red to purple on a wooden surface against white background
Image Credit: Alexander Grey/Pexels.

Old bottles, especially those from well-known brands or featuring unique designs, can be highly sought after by collectors. The value can vary greatly depending on the rarity, the condition, and the demand for the bottle, but some old bottles can sell for several hundred dollars.

15. Antique Silverware

Four silver knives and four matching silver forks, neatly arranged on a wooden table with a geometric pattern
Image credit: Karolina Grabowska/Pexels.

Antique silverware, especially pieces made of solid silver or featuring intricate designs, can be worth a significant amount of money. The value can vary greatly depending on the rarity, the condition, and the demand for the piece, but some antique silverware can sell for several hundred or even several thousand dollars.