In the era of minimalism and decluttering, it’s easy to toss out items without considering their potential value. But what if some of those ordinary-looking items are actually worth a fortune? Here, we’ll take a look at 15 commonly discarded items that could be worth a pretty penny. So before you throw out that old junk, make sure to check this list!
1. Vintage Board Games
We often outgrow our childhood games and consider them junk, but did you know that some vintage board games can be worth hundreds, even thousands, of dollars? Demand for these nostalgic items has surged, especially if they’re in good condition and have all their original pieces. Examples include early editions of Monopoly, Clue, and Scrabble. So next time you’re cleaning out the attic, it might be worth dusting off those old board games and checking their worth.
2. First Edition Books
While most books depreciate over time, first editions of classic novels can be incredibly valuable. A first edition of “The Great Gatsby” or “To Kill a Mockingbird,” especially with a dust jacket, can fetch a high price. Even less well-known titles may be valuable if they’re rare. So before you donate that old book collection, check for any first editions.
3. Vintage Advertising Signs
Remember those old Coca-Cola or gasoline station signs? Today, collectors have a keen interest in vintage advertising signs, particularly those made of porcelain or tin. Some signs can sell for hundreds or even thousands of dollars, depending on their age, condition, and rarity. So before you toss out that old sign, it might be worth having it appraised.
4. Vinyl Records
While many of us have switched to digital music, vinyl records can be surprisingly valuable. Records from popular artists or rare pressings can often sell for a high price. For instance, a mint condition copy of The Beatles’ “White Album” could be worth thousands. So before you get rid of those old records, it might be worth seeing if you have any valuable ones.
5. Antique Furniture
While not all old furniture is valuable, pieces from certain periods or makers can be worth quite a bit. Look for signs of age, quality craftsmanship, and unique design. Furniture made of solid wood or with intricate detailing is often more valuable. So before you send that old chair to the thrift store, you may want to have it appraised.
6. Costume Jewelry
You might think that only fine jewelry has value, but vintage costume jewelry can also be sought after by collectors. Brands like Trifari, Weiss, and Coro can fetch good prices. Even unmarked pieces can have value if they are well made and have a unique design. So don’t dismiss your grandmother’s old costume jewelry as worthless junk.
7. Vintage Pyrex
Did you know that some people are willing to pay hundreds for certain pieces of vintage Pyrex? The colorful, durable glassware produced in the mid-20th century has a strong following among collectors. Look for older patterns like “Butterprint” or “Snowflake Blue” that can fetch a pretty penny.
8. Old Coins
While not every old coin is valuable, certain ones can be worth a lot of money. Coins that are rare, in good condition, or have errors are often valuable. So before you spend that old coin, it might be worth having it appraised.
9. Postcards
You might think of postcards as cheap souvenirs, but vintage postcards can actually be quite valuable. Some collectors are interested in postcards from specific locations, while others look for postcards with unique designs or historical significance. So before you throw away those old postcards, it might be worth checking their value.
10. Old Magazines
While most old magazines aren’t worth much, some can be quite valuable. Look for magazines with famous people on the cover, special editions, or issues from significant historical events. For example, a Life magazine from the week of the moon landing might be worth a lot.
11. Baseball Cards
While not all baseball cards are valuable, certain ones can be worth thousands or even millions. Cards that are rare, in good condition, or feature famous players are often valuable. So before you toss those old baseball cards, it might be worth checking their value.
12. Vintage Electronics
While most old electronics aren’t worth much, certain vintage items can be quite valuable. Look for early computers, video game consoles, or audio equipment. Brands like Apple, Atari, and Sony can often fetch a higher price.
13. Vintage Toys
While many old toys aren’t worth much, certain vintage toys can be quite valuable. Look for toys that are rare, in good condition, or have their original packaging. Brands like LEGO, Barbie, and Star Wars can often fetch a higher price.
14. Antique Silverware
While not all old silverware is valuable, pieces made of sterling silver can be worth quite a bit. Look for markings on the back of the utensils that indicate they are sterling silver. So before you get rid of those old spoons and forks, you may want to have them appraised.
15. Old Stamps
While not every old stamp is valuable, certain ones can be worth a lot of money. Stamps that are rare, in good condition, or have errors are often valuable. So before you toss those old letters, it might be worth checking the stamps.