A fan arrangement of Arte Factum magazine issues, each labeled with a different number from 25 to 31, varying cover colors and images, upright on a white background

15 Unusual Collectibles You Might Already Own

Unusual collectibles can often be found tucked away in the corners of your home. You might be surprised at the value some of your seemingly common items could have. Here’s a list of 15 unusual collectibles that you might already own and could potentially turn into a gold mine.

1. Vintage Lunchboxes

Two vintage lunch boxes, one green with a red handle and geometric pattern, one red with a yellow handle and dotted design, placed side by side
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Vintage lunch boxes, especially those with popular TV show themes from the 1950s to 1980s, could be hiding in your attic. These items can be worth hundreds of dollars, especially if they’re in good condition and feature beloved characters. Some collectors are willing to pay top dollar for these nostalgic items.

2. Old Coins

euro coins scattered on wooden table, some coins mid-air, various denominations visible, motion blur, close-up shot
Image credit: ClickerHappy/Pexels.

While it’s common knowledge that rare coins can be worth a lot, even common old coins can be valuable. So, before you use those old pennies and nickels for laundry change, take a closer look. Coins from certain years or with mint errors are particularly sought after by collectors.

3. First Edition Books

first book edition, Collection of vintage red leather-bound books with gold detailing, tightly arranged on a dark wooden shelf, one beige spine stands out among the red volumes
Image Credit: Mana5280/Unsplash.

If you’re a bookworm, you might have a goldmine sitting on your bookshelves. First editions of popular books, especially those signed by the author, can be worth a lot of money. Even books that aren’t particularly popular can be valuable if they’re rare enough.

4. Vintage Concert Posters

Signed Concert Posters
Image Credit: Brett Sayles/ Pexels.

Rock and roll memorabilia has a big market, and vintage concert posters are no exception. If you have any old posters from concerts in the 1960s and 1970s, especially for bands like The Beatles or The Rolling Stones, they could be very valuable.

5. Old Board Games

Classic Board Game Night with Monopoly and Scrabble
Image Credit: Maria Lin Kim / Unsplash.

Your childhood favorites like Monopoly, Clue, or Risk could be worth more than you think. Games that are still in their original packaging or are limited edition versions can fetch a pretty penny. Even common games can be valuable if they’re old enough.

6. Old Toys

Row of vintage Volkswagen van toys, various colors including blue, yellow, black, and white, placed on a dark wooden shelf, background includes a grid chart and small figurines
Image Credit: Guryan/Pexels.

Toys from your childhood, especially those that are no longer in production, can be quite valuable. This includes action figures, dolls, and even video games. If they’re still in their original packaging, they can be worth even more.

7. Vintage Advertisements

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.

Old advertisements, especially those from the mid-20th century, can be quite valuable. These include old soda pop ads, cigarette ads, and even car ads. They’re especially valuable if they’re in good condition and feature popular brands.

8. 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.

If you’ve inherited some old silverware sets from your grandparents, don’t be too quick to dismiss them. Antique silverware, especially if it’s sterling silver, can be quite valuable. The value usually depends on the age, condition, and rarity of the piece.

9. Old Postcards

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

Those old postcards you’ve received from friends and family over the years might be worth something. Vintage postcards, especially those with interesting or unique images, can be quite valuable. The value usually depends on the age, condition, and rarity of the postcard.

10. Antique Furniture

Vintage wooden dresser, old book with worn edges, antique sewing machine, soft natural light through window, nostalgic and rustic interior setting
Image Credit: Erik Mclean/Pexels.

If you have some old furniture pieces lying around, they might be worth more than you think. Antique furniture, especially if it’s from a specific era or made by a well-known manufacturer, can be quite valuable. The condition of the furniture can greatly affect its value.

11. Vintage 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 a popular collectible, and if you have some old ones lying around, they could be worth a lot. First editions or issues with significant plot developments (like the first appearance of a character) are particularly valuable.

12. Old Cameras

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Old cameras, especially those made by well-known manufacturers like Leica or Rolleiflex, can be worth a lot. Even if they’re not in working condition, they can still be valuable as decorative pieces or for parts.

13. 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
Image Credit: Viresh Studio/Pexels.

Your grandmother’s old brooch or your great-uncle’s pocket watch might be worth a lot more than you think. Antique jewelry, especially if it’s made of gold or contains precious gems, can be quite valuable. The value usually depends on the age, condition, and rarity of the piece.

14. Old Magazines

A fan arrangement of Arte Factum magazine issues, each labeled with a different number from 25 to 31, varying cover colors and images, upright on a white background
Image Credit: LouisCartier – CC BY-SA 4.0/Wiki Commons.

If you’ve kept old issues of magazines like Life, Playboy, or National Geographic, they might be worth something. Magazines with covers featuring famous people or significant historical events can be particularly valuable.

15. Vintage Clothing

Row of assorted leather and suede jackets, brown and black shades, hanging on wooden hangers, on a metal clothing rack
Image Credit: MART PRODUCTION/Pexels.

Believe it or not, your old clothes could be worth something. Vintage clothing, particularly designer pieces or items from the 1950s and earlier, can be highly sought after. Even common items like jeans or t-shirts can be valuable if they’re old enough.