When you donate items, you might not realize some of them could be quite valuable. People often give away things they no longer need without considering their worth, which can lead to surprising discoveries.
You could be donating something worth much more than you think, simply because its value isn’t obvious at first glance. Understanding this can help you be more mindful about what you choose to part with.
$50K in diamonds, pearls, and gold jewelry
You might not realize the value of what you’re donating. One person accidentally gave away about $50,000 worth of diamonds, pearls, and gold jewelry.
If you ever clear out your old jewelry, take a moment to check its worth. Sometimes, hidden treasures are right in your donations.
Irish cut crystal antique bowl on three legs
You might not realize the value of an Irish cut crystal bowl in your donation box. These bowls, often with three legs, are collectible antiques dating back many years.
If you come across one, it’s worth checking its condition and origin. It could be a hidden gem that a family member handed down without knowing its real worth.
Vintage German Christmas ornaments
You might not realize how valuable vintage German Christmas ornaments can be. These delicate decorations, especially Kugel balls from the late 1800s, often hold surprising worth.
If you find old ornaments among your donated items, it’s worth checking their origin. Many came from West Germany and are collectible today. Even ornaments from thrift shops could have hidden value.
Valuable painting sold for $8,000
You might not realize the value of a painting you’ve donated. One woman accidentally gave away a 100-year-old watercolor.
The painting ended up on Goodwill’s auction site and sold for $8,101. It shows how something overlooked can turn out to be quite valuable.
Next time you donate artwork, you might want to check its background first. It could be worth much more than you think.
1.25lb gold nugget
Imagine finding a gold nugget weighing over a pound among your donated items. It might seem unlikely, but it happens.
This kind of nugget can be worth tens of thousands of dollars. You could accidentally donate something extremely valuable without realizing it.
If you come across something unusual like this, it’s worth getting it appraised before donating. That way, you know what you really have.
Walrus chess piece
You might not realize it, but a small, carved walrus ivory chess piece can be worth a fortune. These pieces date back to medieval times and are extremely rare.
One was found hidden away in a family home after more than 200 years. It turned out to be worth nearly $1 million.
If you come across old chess pieces, don’t toss them without checking—they could be much more valuable than you think.
Dürer drawing
You might not expect to find a valuable artwork in your donations, but it has happened. A drawing by Albrecht Dürer, a famous German Renaissance artist, was once discovered after being donated or almost thrown away.
This piece was rescued from a dump and later sold at auction for over $40,000. It shows how careful you should be with items that seem ordinary—they might hold more value than you realize.
Collectible sports memorabilia
You might not realize it, but sports memorabilia can hold serious value. Items like vintage jerseys, signed balls, or rare trading cards often get donated without knowing their worth.
A 1932 Babe Ruth jersey once sold for over $24 million, showing how much some pieces can be worth. Even smaller items can surprise you.
So next time you consider donating old sports gear, take a moment to check if it’s collectible. It might be more valuable than you think.
Super valuable vintage tools
You might not realize it, but some old tools can be worth a lot. Vintage hand planes, saws, and early power tools often attract collectors looking for unique pieces.
If your donation includes brands like Stanley or Disston, those could be especially valuable.
Even common-looking measuring devices or wooden molding planes might surprise you at auction. Keep an eye out for tools that look well-made or have a brand name stamped on them.
Food dehydrators
You might not expect a food dehydrator to show up in donated items, but it happens more often than you think. These machines can be surprisingly valuable, especially if they’re newer models with multiple trays.
If you have one, you know they’re handy for drying fruits, jerky, or herbs. When donated, they’re usually still in good working condition and sought after by buyers looking for affordable kitchen gadgets. Keep an eye out for these in donations—they’re worth more than you might guess.
Barrel of wine
You might not realize that donating a barrel of wine can be surprisingly valuable. Barrels often hold aged wine, which can increase in worth over time.
Even a small barrel can contain several cases of wine, making it a hidden treasure at thrift stores or donation centers.
If you come across one, it’s worth researching the vintage and origin. You could be holding onto something valuable without knowing it.
Rare antique pocket watch
You might be surprised to find a rare antique pocket watch among donations. These watches can have intricate designs and hold great historical value.
Some models, like the Hamilton 992B Railroad pocket watch, are especially collectible. Their craftsmanship and materials often make them worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
If you spot one, it’s worth checking the condition carefully. Even unbranded or less-known vintage pocket watches can be valuable if they have unique features or are well-preserved.
Signed first edition book
If you donate a signed first edition book, you might be giving away something valuable. These books can sometimes fetch high prices, especially if they are rare or signed by a notable author.
Not all signed books are worth a lot, though. The value depends on factors like the book’s condition, rarity, and who signed it.
Before donating, check if the book is a first edition and if the signature is authentic. You might have a hidden treasure on your hands!
Hand-painted porcelain figurines
You might not realize it, but your delicate porcelain figurines could be worth more than you think. Hand-painted pieces often hold extra value because of their craftsmanship and unique details.
If you find some at a thrift store or in your donated items, it’s worth checking the brand and condition carefully. Figurines from certain makers or with intricate designs may surprise you with their worth.
Even small, well-preserved porcelain animals or characters can catch the eye of collectors. Keep an eye out before you part with these charming pieces.
Gold coins from early 1900s
You might not expect to find gold coins from the early 1900s in donations, but it happens. These coins can be worth thousands, especially rare ones like a 1915 Austrian gold coin.
Sometimes, people drop these valuable coins in donation jars without realizing their worth. If you donate or receive such coins, it’s worth checking their history and value.