When the world slowed down in 2020, many people turned to nostalgia for comfort—and collectors took notice. Antiques that once sat quietly in display cabinets suddenly became the hottest commodities in the resale market. From old toys to elegant homewares, demand (and prices) have soared as people rediscover the charm of craftsmanship and history.
If you’ve been holding on to family heirlooms or browsing flea markets for fun, now’s the time to look again. These seven categories of antiques have seen some of the biggest value jumps since 2020—and they show no signs of slowing down.
Vintage Vinyl Records
The vinyl revival was already in motion, but the pandemic turned it into a full-blown phenomenon. With more people spending time at home, interest in analog music—and the ritual of spinning records—exploded. Original pressings from artists like The Beatles, Pink Floyd, and Fleetwood Mac have doubled or tripled in value.
Collectors especially seek out rare releases, limited editions, and albums in near-mint condition. Even once-common titles now sell for hundreds if the sleeve and record are well preserved. What was once a forgotten shelf of LPs is now a goldmine for audiophiles.
Mid-Century Furniture
As home décor trends shifted toward comfort and nostalgia, mid-century furniture prices surged. Sleek lines, tapered legs, and teak finishes became the hallmarks of stylish interiors during lockdown-inspired redecorating. Authentic pieces by designers like Eames, Knoll, and Herman Miller are now commanding record prices.
Even unlabeled pieces from the era have gained value as collectors hunt for that distinctive mid-century look. Restored credenzas, sideboards, and lounge chairs are fetching thousands on the secondary market. If you’ve got one sitting in the basement, now’s the time to dust it off.
Pyrex and Fire-King Dishes
Colorful kitchenware from the mid-1900s has enjoyed a major resurgence, thanks to collectors on social media. Nostalgic patterns like Pyrex’s “Butterprint” and Fire-King’s “Jadeite” have sparked online bidding wars. What once sold for a few dollars at thrift stores now commands hundreds per piece.
The appeal lies in both function and design—these dishes were made to last and photograph beautifully. Complete nesting bowl sets or matching casserole dishes in rare colors can bring in serious money. Suddenly, Grandma’s mixing bowls are the new luxury collectibles.
Vintage Watches
When supply chains slowed, collectors turned their eyes—and wallets—to mechanical timepieces. Vintage watches, especially from brands like Rolex, Omega, and Seiko, have skyrocketed in value since 2020. Even less-famous makers with classic designs are seeing unprecedented appreciation.
Condition and originality matter most. Watches with original parts, patinaed dials, and unpolished cases often fetch higher prices than “restored” models. With craftsmanship that modern mass production can’t replicate, vintage watches have become both a style statement and a smart investment.
Antique Toys
From tin robots to early Barbie dolls, vintage toys have seen explosive growth in value since 2020. As collectors leaned into nostalgia and childhood comfort, demand for pre-1980s toys soared. Original packaging can double or triple a toy’s worth, with mint-condition examples setting auction records.
Brands like LEGO, Hot Wheels, and Fisher-Price are among the most sought after, while rare early Disney or Star Wars items continue to climb. What was once child’s play has become big business for savvy sellers and sentimental buyers alike.
Comic Books
The comic book market has gone from niche hobby to serious investment category. Since 2020, key issues—like first appearances of major superheroes—have seen dramatic jumps in value. Golden and Silver Age comics from Marvel and DC are especially hot, but even 1980s editions are rising.
Grading has become essential; comics sealed in protective slabs by companies like CGC sell for much more. Nostalgia, pop culture, and streaming adaptations have all fueled demand. A comic once worth a few bucks in a box might now fund a small vacation—or a new car.
Vintage Advertising Signs
Decorators and collectors alike have rediscovered the charm of vintage advertising signs. From Coca-Cola to Shell Oil, these enamel or tin signs evoke Americana at its best. Since 2020, prices for well-preserved examples have shot up, especially for pieces with bright color and minimal rust.
Originality is key—reproductions are common, but authentic signs from the early to mid-1900s can sell for hundreds or even thousands. Whether it’s a roadside relic or a diner wall piece, these signs capture a piece of history that’s become increasingly valuable with time.
Antiques remind us that quality, nostalgia, and storytelling never go out of style. Whether you collect for love, display, or profit, these skyrocketing categories show that the past still has plenty of potential. So before you clean out your attic, take another look—today’s memories might just be tomorrow’s most valuable investments.