Look Closer
You might have hidden treasures worth a fortune. Some things in your house may be unassuming, but they also might just be hot collectibles that'll get you big bucks. Here are 44 of those.
Old Vinyl Records
Old records have experienced a resurgence in value, especially those from iconic bands of the 1960s and 1970s. The last resale price of the first edition of The Beatles' 1968 White Album is $790,000 according to Antiques Know How. Take a closer look at your collection—those albums might be worth more than you think.
Pink Floyd Fan 101, CC0, Wikimedia Commons
Vintage Comic Books
If you have any early editions, they could be a hidden goldmine. Collecting comics has become a lucrative hobby, with some rare issues now worth millions. For example, a 1938 copy of Action Comics #1, which introduced Superman, sold for over $3 million.
Action Comics #1 Superman - June 1938 Full Page Comic by BrainDamageAG
Antique Furniture
A mid-century modern chair could easily fetch thousands, especially if crafted by notable designers like Charles Eames or Frank Lloyd Wright. Some pieces, like an Adjustable Armchair, have sold for tens of thousands at auction, depending on their condition and provenance.
Eric Polk, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Classic Watches
High-end timepieces, especially from prestigious brands, have seen dramatic increases in value. Just take Paul Newman's Rolex Daytona as an example; it shattered records, selling for over $17 million. Your old watch could be an investment worth checking into.
Expert Voices: JPS 'Paul Newman' Daytona Rolex by Sotheby's
Retro Board Games
You might have a vintage game sitting in your closet that's now worth far more than you remember. Board games from past decades are gaining popularity among collectors, and some rare versions can fetch a hefty price. A 1960s Monopoly set, if a limited edition, could be worth a considerable amount.
How To Date and Sell A Vintage Monopoly Board Game on eBay or Etsy by Walter Blake Knoblock
Vintage Toys
A 1978 Star Wars Boba Fett action figure with a rare rocket-firing mechanism recently sold for over $100,000. Toys from the past, especially action figures, have become highly collectible. Before you get rid of those childhood toys, take a moment to see if they're worth something big.
Super Festivals from Ft. Lauderdale, USA, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Collectible Glassware
Those colorful bowls you used for baking may now be highly collectible. Certain glassware from the 1950s, such as Pyrex or Fire-King, is in high demand among collectors. For example, a set of Pyrex mixing bowls could easily fetch over $500.
Vintage Sports Memorabilia
Sports memorabilia, including rare trading cards and signed jerseys, are valuable commodities. A 1952 Mickey Mantle baseball card recently sold for over $5 million. If you have any sports collectibles lying around, it's time to dig them out; they could be worth a fortune.
1952 Topps Mickey Mantle by SilverJackify
Classic Cameras
Photography enthusiasts are increasingly seeking vintage cameras from iconic brands. Those cameras in your attic could have gained significant value; check their worth. A 1960s Leica M3, for example, can sell for up to $53,000 depending on condition.
Retro Advertisement Posters
Take a look through your collection—those old promotional materials could be worth more than you think. Vintage advertising posters, particularly those from iconic brands like Coca-Cola or Pepsi, have now become valuable collectibles.
Antique Jewelry
You might be overlooking the value of some old jewelry pieces. Antique rings, necklaces, and brooches, especially from the Victorian and Art Deco eras, are highly sought after. A diamond ring from the Art Deco period can easily bring in $25,000 or more.
Vintage Clothing
What you consider old-fashioned might actually be an investment. That piece you once considered outdated could have turned into a valuable collector's item. Vintage clothing from iconic designers, such as Chanel or Levi's, is now in high demand. Recently, a 1960s Chanel jacket fetched more than $20,000 at auction.
Titit, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Old Musical Instruments
It might surprise you to learn that some vintage musical instruments are now worth a fortune. Guitars from brands like Gibson or Fender, for instance, are highly coveted by collectors. A 1959 Gibson Les Paul recently sold for an astounding $2 million.
Eden, Janine and Jim from New York City, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Classic Movie Memorabilia
Original items from iconic movies are a hot commodity. Not long ago, Dorothy's dress from The Wizard of Oz was sold for $1.56 million. Some people collect movie props, posters, and costumes as a hobby, but they might not know that these items can bring in incredible amounts of money.
Dorothy's dress from 'The Wizard of Oz' hits auction block by Arirang News
Antique Clocks
When was the last time you thought about the old clock sitting in your living room? Antique timepieces, particularly those from the 18th and 19th centuries, are highly prized by collectors today. However, values vary widely depending on the maker, condition, and provenance.
Algarve1233, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Vintage Postcards
Old postcards, especially those documenting historical events or famous landmarks, are worth much more than you may think. They can be sold for around $15,000. If you have old postcards, it's worth taking another look—some of them could be hidden treasures.
Unknown author, Wikimedia Commons
Vintage Typewriters
You might think your old typewriter is just a relic, but it could be a valuable collectible. Hermes 3000 models (1950s–1970s), for instance, are highly sought after by collectors, and their prices range from $300 to $2,000 depending on condition and rarity.
Sommeregger, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
First Edition Books
Some books can be far more valuable than they appear. First editions of beloved classics, especially by authors like J.K. Rowling or F. Scott Fitzgerald, are highly sought after. A 1925 first edition of The Great Gatsby with a corrected dust jacket sold for $191,000 in 2015.
Old Coins
Rare coins, especially those from limited mints or significant historical events, can fetch astronomical prices. For example, a 1933 gold double eagle coin recently sold for $18.9 million. Check your coin collection—you could be holding a valuable piece of history.
US Mint (coin), National Numismatic Collection (photograph by Jaclyn Nash), Wikimedia Commons
Vintage Movie Tickets
Who knew old movie tickets could be worth so much? Especially tickets from landmark films or special screenings, these tickets are now considered valuable collectibles. A preview ticket for the 1955 premiere of The Seven Year Itch sold for $1,116 at auction.
The Seven Year Itch Premiere - 1955 | Today In History | 1 June 17 by British Movietone
Antique Silverware
Collectors have shown significant interest in sterling silverware from the 19th and early 20th centuries. For example, a rare antique silver spoon made by Paul Revere Jr. sold for $32,500 in June 2021. If you have inherited silverware from past generations, now could be the perfect time to get it appraised.
Paul Revere, CC0, Wikimedia Commons
Vintage Eyewear
Dig out that old pair of glasses; it may have become a valuable asset. Eyewear from prestigious brands like Ray-Ban or Persol is currently in high demand among collectors. Certain vintage Persol models, such as those made famous by Steve McQueen, have been known to start at around $1,850.
Tyrol5, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Vintage Luggage
Luxury luggage brands like Louis Vuitton and Samsonite are highly sought after by collectors. A vintage Louis Vuitton steamer trunk from the early 20th century sold for $18,200, while a 1925 wardrobe trunk fetched €189,000 ($198,519). Check your attic or closet; old suitcases might have appreciated significantly in value.
Louisvuittontrunks, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Old Advertising Signs
Vintage signs from iconic companies are fetching impressive prices in today's market. If you have an old sign tucked away, it may be time to uncover its hidden value. For instance, a rare Musgo Gasoline porcelain sign sold for a record-breaking $1.5 million at Richmond Auctions.
Vintage Fishing Gear
You might want to take a second look at any old fishing gear you have stored away. There is a growing interest in vintage fishing equipment, particularly pieces made by well-known brands like Heddon or Shakespeare. Heddon rods from the 1920s–1950s are especially highly sought after.
Vintage Heddon Lure by Twin Cities Outdoors
Vintage Ski Equipment
Skiing enthusiasts are snapping up old equipment, especially rare items from popular brands like K2 or Fischer. Check your shed or basement; that old ski gear could be worth a lot more than you expect. A pair of vintage wooden skis can sell for $1,000 to $4,000.
Jegelewicz, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Old Military Memorabilia
If you have any military artifacts lying around, they may hold significant value. A WW II medal was sold for over $100,000 in a recent auction. Items from historical conflicts, such as medals and uniforms, are highly prized by collectors.
Vintage Pocket Watches
Antique pocket watches, especially those from renowned brands like Waltham or Elgin, are always in demand. If you own one, it may be time to find out its true worth. For instance, a gold Pocket Watch recovered from the Titanic was sold for $1.5 million.
Joe Haupt from USA, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Antique Toy Trains
If you have a vintage train collection, it may be worth far more than you realized. Toy trains made by brands like Lionel, especially the ones from the early 20th century, can fetch impressive prices. They can be sold for around $2,000–$5,000.
PunkToad from oakland, us, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Antique Saddles
Antique saddles, particularly those from renowned makers like Al Furstnow, have become valuable collectibles. A Western roping saddle by Furstnow from the 1960s was recently appraised due to the growing interest in such pieces.
BLW, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Old Maps
A 1573 map by Abraham Ortelius titled Americae sive Novi Orbis, Nova Descriptio, sold for $10,925. Hard to believe, isn't it? Antique maps, particularly those charting unexplored regions or from significant historical periods, are prized collectibles.
Scan by NYPL, Wikimedia Commons
Classic Antique Carpets
Antique carpets, especially those crafted in Persian or Oriental styles, are highly sought after in the market. A rare Persian rug once sold for over $30 million. Check your collection, as your old carpets may be worth more than expected.
cogito ergo image from Rumson, NJ, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Vintage Bicycle Parts
If you have old bike parts, they could be worth more than you realize. For example, vintage Schwinn Paramount bicycles can fetch up to $2,000 or more, depending on condition and rarity. Vintage bicycle components, particularly from iconic brands like Schwinn or Raleigh, can be highly collectible.
Vintage Matchbooks
Matchbooks featuring famous landmarks or historical moments are increasingly becoming valuable to collectors. Take a look through your collection; a rare matchbook could be waiting for you. They can be sold for a significant amount.
ASMR | Vintage Matchbook Collection (Soft Spoken) by SouthernASMR Sounds
Antique Stamps
Check your collection—you might have stamps worth far more than you realize. A rare 1856 British Guiana stamp sold for a stunning $9.5 million. The world of antique stamps has seen a rise in demand, especially rare or misprinted ones.
Joseph Baum and William Dallas printers for local postmaster, E.T.E. Dalton, Wikimedia Commons
Vintage Mirrors
Consider what your mirror might be worth—it could be more than you think. Old mirrors, particularly those from historical periods like Art Deco or Victorian, are often highly collectible. They can fetch some serious amount.
Vintage Radios
Antique radios, particularly from the early 20th century, continue to intrigue collectors. They can be sold to bring in some serious cash. If you have any radios from that era, it might be time to get them valued.
Wojciech Pysz, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Antique Scientific Instruments
Old microscopes, telescopes, and barometers are gaining traction among collectors. For example, an antique 1912 Carl Zeiss microscope with additional lenses and components was estimated to sell for $300–$600 at the Sarasota Estate Auction.
Rama, CC BY-SA 3.0 FR, Wikimedia Commons
Vintage Christmas Decorations
Take a look at your holiday decorations—they could be worth more than their sentimental value. On 1stDibs, these are sold for between $95 and $1,500. Early 20th-century Christmas ornaments, particularly those made of glass, are highly coveted by collectors.
Vintage Christmas Decor Tour by Laci Fay The Vintage Girl Next Door
Vintage Perfume Bottles
Vintage perfume bottles, especially those by famed designers like René Lalique, have become highly collectible. A rare Lalique bottle from 1912 was featured on a 2005 episode of Antiques Roadshow and sold for $84,000 at IPBA's 2022 auction.
Wikipedia Loves Art participant veronikab, CC BY 2.5, Wikimedia Commons
Vintage Light Fixtures
Antique light fixtures from the early to mid-20th century are highly coveted by collectors. They can fetch hundreds of dollars. Those old lamps in your home could be worth a fortune—it's time to consider their value.
francois from Strasbourg, france, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Vintage Baseball Gloves
If you've kept any vintage gloves, they could be worth much more than you think. Baseball gloves, especially those that belonged to iconic players like Babe Ruth, have surged in value. For example, a Babe Ruth glove from the 1920s recently sold for an astounding $1.5 million.
Vintage Tools
Tools from bygone eras, particularly those from trusted brands like Stanley or Craftsman, are becoming highly sought after. These items can fetch about $1,000. If you have any old carpenter tools sitting in your garage, it may be time to have them restored.
Vintage Garden Tools
Old gardening equipment, especially tools made from wrought iron or brass, has become increasingly collectible. For instance, a 19th-century copper watering can with a unique design was appraised at $1,850.
Find Your Perfect Watering Can: Essential Tips for Every Gardener! by Celtic Farm
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