Think of the most valuable collectors’ item in history. What comes to mind? A painting by Vincent van Gogh? Some rare diamonds? Perhaps a solid gold car?
All of those examples would be correct, but they’re not the only items that could be considered some of the most valuable collectors’ items in history. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at some other examples – including things you might not expect! So if you’re curious about what the most expensive collectible is, read on!
Vintage Sarah Palin Cabbage Patch Kids
Maker: Coleco Industries
Original Price: $10-$20*
Worth Today: $10,000*
When it comes to valuable items, few things are as iconic as the Cabbage Patch Kids dolls from the 1980s. These dolls, with their plastic heads and cloth bodies, were originally created by Coleco Industries in 1982. Today, they are prized possessions for many collectors, with some of the rarest dolls selling for hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
Baldies and Red Fuzzies, two types of Cabbage Patch Kids dolls with unique hair styles, are some of the most valuable on the market. Both types can sell for upwards of $1,000, depending on their condition. But one particular doll has managed to fetch an even higher price tag.
The Original Kenner Star Wars Figure
Maker: Kenner Toys
Original Price: $2-$5*
Worth Today: $200,000-$500,000*
When it comes to valuable action figures, few are more sought-after than the rocket-firing Boba Fett. This figure was produced by Kenner in 1978 to promote Empire Strikes Back, but it was quickly pulled from shelves due to safety concerns.
Only a handful of these figures are known to exist, making them extremely rare and valuable. One example recently sold at auction for over $100,000! If you’re lucky enough to own one of these rare toys, you could be sitting on a small fortune.
1894-S Barber Dime
Maker: U.S. Mint
Original Price: $0.10*
Worth Today: $1-$2 million*
When it comes to valuable items, the 1894-S Barber Dime is definitely up there. This dime was designed by the U.S. Mint’s Chief Engraver, Charles E. Barber, as part of the U.S. Barber coinage collection in 1891.
There were only 24 of these dimes minted, and only 9 have survived to this day – making them extremely rare and valuable. All 9 surviving coins are proof coins, with 2 of them displaying heavy wear. In 2005, one of these valuable coins sold for $1.3 million, and just 2 years later in 2007, another one sold for $1.9 million!
The Original Wizard of Oz Costume
Maker: Adrian Greenberg for MGM
Original Price: Unlisted
Worth Today: $3 million*
If you’re a fan of The Wizard of Oz, then you know that the Cowardly Lion costume worn by Bert Lehr in the film is one of the most valuable items from the movie. And it’s not just because it’s made from real lion fur and skin – the face is also a sculpted bust of Lehr.
In 2014, the costume sold for $3 million at an auction in New York City. That’s just a fraction of what some other memorabilia from the film has gone for, but it still shows how valuable this piece is.
Violet-Colored Mason Jars
Maker: Jarden Home Brands
Original Price: Under $1*
Worth Today: $400*
If you’re a fan of mason jars, then you know that they come in a variety of colors, including purple, green, blue, pink, amber, red, and clear. But did you know that one of the rarest colors is violet?
The “Perfect Mason” jar in violet was released in 1913. “PERFECTION” jars dropped a year later in 1914, and they were followed by 1915’s “IMPROVED” jars. Though limited-edition Purple Heritage Collection Jars have been re-released in 2013, the original jars from more than a century ago sell for hundreds of dollars on eBay.
Black Diamond The Fox and the Hound VHS Tape
Maker: Disney
Original Price: $10*
Worth Today: $1,500*
If you’re a Disney fan, then you might want to check your VHS collection for The Fox and the Hound. This classic animated movie was released in 1994 as part of Disney’s Black Diamond series, and it’s now worth a lot of money.
Copies of The Fox and the Hound Black Diamond Edition have been selling for over $1,000 on eBay, so if you have one in good condition it could be a valuable item. The movie was originally released in 1981, but the Black Diamond Edition didn’t come out until more than a decade later.
Original Walkman
Maker: Sony
Original Price: $150*
Worth Today: $500*
The Sony Walkman TPS-L2 was the first low-cost personal cassette player. Japan got it first (which makes sense, considering that Sony is a Japanese company). Sony predicted it would sell five thousand units a month.
The company got a pleasant surprise when it actually sold fifty thousand units in its first month! The TPS-L2 was valuable because it was portable and allowed people to listen to music on the go. It quickly became a must-have item for many people. Prices for the original Walkman have gone up significantly over the years.
Loving Cups
Maker: Shreve, Crump & Low
Original Price: $100-$500*
Worth Today: $2,500*
Loving cups, like the one pictured here, were once a common sight at weddings and banquets. Usually made of silver with two handles, they were used to share drinks among guests. Those with horn handles are particularly valuable, often reselling for thousands of dollars.
The renewed interest in hunting at the end of the 1900s led to a nostalgia for items like these loving cups. Their expensive materials and historic value make them highly sought-after by collectors.
Wrench for the John Deere Dain Tractor
Maker: John Deere
Original Price: $1-$2*
Worth Today: $15,000*
The TR590 John Deere wrench is one of the most valuable out there, with only seven or eight in existence. In 2009, one sold at auction for $15,000. The TR590 was part of the Dain all-wheel-drive, three-wheel, four-cylinder tractor.
John Deere manufactured these tractors in 1918 and 1919, but only 100 were made and sold before the company abandoned the model to focus on the Model D. The wrenches came with the purchase of the tractor and are now highly sought-after collector’s items.
Giant Copper Haskell Giant Minnow Lure
Maker: Riley Haskell
Original Price: N/A (Not Sold Commercially)
Worth Today: $100,000*
It’s hard to believe, but there are actually fishing lures out there that are worth more than your truck or boat. One such lure is the Giant Haskell Minnow Lure, which sold for $100,000 at auction. The ten-inch lure was made by Riley Haskell, a gunmaker. According to historians, the Haskell lure was the “first American fish-shaped lure,” and, because it had a revolving tail, it was the first “American animated lure” in existence as well.
The patent for the Haskell lure was issued before the Civil War, in 1859. Riley Haskell marked the Ohio-made lure with “R. Haskell” on the end, and that marking was one of the things that helped it to sell for such a high price.
Vintage Stetson Hats
Maker: John B. Stetson Company
Original Price: $5*
Worth Today: $100-$1,000*
John B. Stetson Company hats are some of the most valuable and sought-after items on the market. Original Stetson hats, known as “Boss of the Plains” hats, can sell for up to $1,000.
These hats are valuable not only for their history, but also for their quality. Stetson makes 3.3 million hats a year, but only a small number of Boss of the Plains hats. These hats are a true American original, and their value is sure to continue to rise in the future.
Antique German Cuckoo Clock
Maker: Unknown (German Origin)
Original Price: Unknown/Unlisted
Worth Today: $3,999*
This valuable cuckoo clock is priced at thousands of dollars on eBay. The reason for the high price is evident when you see the exquisite carving on the massive 42″ x 24″ clock. The Black Forest wood carving features hunting-themed elements like deer, rabbit, pheasant, bugle horns, and rifle guns.
According to the seller, the clock was made in the 1940s or 1950s and still functions perfectly. Each hour, the cuckoo bird sings from the Reuge drum inside the clock. If you’re interested in purchasing this valuable item, be aware that you’ll need a high ceiling to hang it, as it comes with weight chains.
20-Sided Roman Die
Maker: Ancient Romans/Egyptians
Original Price: Unknown
Worth Today: $17,925*
These twenty-sided dice are valuable items that have been found dating back to the Hellenistic and Roman Periods. While their exact origins are unknown, they are believed to be from anywhere between the 2nd century B.C. to the 4th century A.D. These polyhedral dice are a bit of a mystery, with the Metropolitan Museum stating that they can only provide “theories built on clues.”
The polyhedral dice pictured here uses Greek words, a few of which are similar to those associated with throwing knucklebones. According to the Met, that means this die might have been used for games or even fortune-telling.
1917 Palmer Union Oil Co. Stock Certificate
Maker: Palmer Union Oil Company
Original Price: $5*
Worth Today: $130 million* (Allegedly)
This piece of paper is valuable for a few reasons. First, it is an oil certificate from the Palmer Union Oil Company. This company was founded in California in the early 1900s and, through a lengthy and complicated financial entanglement, ended up becoming the Coca-Cola Company.
Second, the certificate is purported to be worth $130 million. A man named Tony Marohn bought this oil certificate in 2008 from a garage sale in California. He did a lot of research into the company and ended up claiming that this was a $130 million certificate. He sued Coca-Cola but unfortunately did not become a millionaire.
Velvet Underground’s “Scepter Studios” Album
Maker: Polydor
Original Price: $6-$8*
Worth Today: $155,000*
The Velvet Underground’s Scepter Studio Sessions album is one of the most valuable items in the music world. Only 5,000 copies of the limited-edition release were ever made, and early, acetate-cut versions from 1966 have been known to sell for hundreds of thousands of dollars.
The Velvet Underground’s early record was recorded the same year it was cut, and it had sold at auction before for $25,000. Just a few years later, that price had more than quadrupled. Scepter Studio Sessions had nine songs on the acetate cut, though ten were recorded in total. “There She Goes Again” was not included on the record for unknown reasons.
Chinese “Ding” Bowl
Maker: Artisans in China’s Hebei Province
Original Price: Unknown
Worth Today: $2.2 million*
Ding ware bowls are valuable Chinese ceramics that date back to the Tang and Yuan dynasties. These bowls were made of thin porcelain with white glaze and were often decorated with intricate designs. They were a status symbol of upper-class merchants and scholars, and today, they are considered important pieces of Imperial Chinese history.
If you’re lucky enough to own one of these valuable bowls, you can expect to pay a pretty penny for it. So, if you spot a Ding ware bowl at a garage sale or thrift store, be sure to snatch it up! You may just have yourself a valuable piece of history.
Sheet Music Cabinets
Maker: Late 1800s English Artisans
Original Price: $100-$500*
Worth Today: $2,500*
If you’re lucky enough to own a valuable sheet music cabinet from the late nineteenth or early twentieth century, you may be wondering how much it’s worth. These cabinets were used to store and organize classical music sheets, and they often featured Neoclassical details like carved columns and pediments.
While the value of your cabinet will depend on its condition and provenance, a well-preserved example could be worth tens of thousands of dollars. So if you think you might have a hidden treasure on your hands, it’s time to do some research and find out for sure.
Ansel Adams’ Photography Negatives
Maker: Ansel Adams
Original Price: $45*
Worth Today: $200 million*
Some of the most valuable collectibles in the world are those that are found in garage sales. This is certainly the case for a set of negatives from famed photographer Ansel Adams, which were discovered at a Los Angeles garage sale. Experts estimate that the negatives are worth around $200 million.
Ansel Adams was a landscape photographer who was best-known for his black-and-white pictures of the American West. How his negatives ended up at a garage sale is a mystery, but forensic, weather, and handwriting experts have authenticated the box of 65 glass plates, confirming that Adams photographed them more than eighty-five years ago.
Signed Copy of Hemingway’s The Old Man and the Sea
Maker: Scribner (Publisher), Ernest Hemingway (Author)
Original Price: $5*
Worth Today: $30,000*
If you’re a Hemingway fan, then you know that a signed, original copy of The Old Man and the Sea is a valuable item. But did you know that those copies can sell for tens of thousands of dollars? That’s right – if you have a copy of this classic novel from 1952, you could be sitting on a small fortune.
The story of an old fisherman’s struggle with the catch of a lifetime, The Old Man and the Sea is considered one of Hemingway’s greatest works. So it’s no surprise that original copies of the book are worth so much.
Diamond-Encrusted Lebron James Jersey Pendant
Maker: Unknown
Original Price: $5* (Allegedly)
Worth Today: $10,000*
When it comes to valuable items, few are more valuable than those associated with LeBron James. The NBA superstar is one of the most famous athletes in the world, and merchandise with his name and likeness sells for thousands of dollars. In fact, he is the first player in the NBA to earn $1 billion while still playing.
So when an Ohio woman claimed she found a $10,000 diamond-studded pendant in the shape of James’ #23 Cavaliers jersey at a yard sale, she was understandably excited. The buyer said she’d bought the pendant for just $5, not realizing its value until she took it to get appraised years later.
Original Easy-Bake Oven
Maker: Kenner Products
Original Price: $15.95*
Worth Today: $300*
If you’re a ’60s kid, chances are good that you lusted after an Easy-Bake Oven. These miniature ovens were all the rage, and everyone wanted one. Though they’ve gone through some changes over the years, the Easy-Bake Oven is still a popular toy – and if you have an original model, it could be worth some serious cash.
The first Easy-Bake Oven was introduced in 1963, and it quickly became a must-have item. Though the oven has changed quite a bit since then, the original models are still valuable – especially if they’re in good condition.
2001 iPod Classic
Maker: Apple
Original Price: $399*
Worth Today: $20,000*
The first-generation iPod is a valuable item that was introduced to the public on October 23, 2001. It went on sale less than one month later, on November 10, 2001. The M8541’s tagline was “1,000 songs in your pocket.”
Nostalgic collectors of early tech have paid tens of thousands for these day-one iPods. The first-generation iPods could store 1,000 songs, which seems like chump change, compared to what Apple’s iPhones can do now. The first iPod came with a monochromatic LCD screen and a 5GB hard drive, and its small size was one of the innovations that put it above its competitors.
Original Tamagotchi
Maker: Bandai
Original Price: $18*
Worth Today: $2,250*
Are you feeling nostalgic for the late 1990s? If so, you’re not alone. Many people are looking back fondly on that decade, and one of the things that many people remember is the Tamagotchi.
For those who don’t know, a Tamagotchi is a digital pet that was first released in Japan in 1996. These pets quickly became a huge fad in the late 1990s and early 2000s, with over 82 million being sold worldwide. Original 1996 Tamagotchis have sold for over $2,000 on eBay and other auction sites.
The First Christmas Card
Maker: Summerly’s Home Treasury Office (Publisher), Sir Henry Cole (Creator)
Original Price: $0.08*
Worth Today: $28,000*
In 1843, the first Christmas card was invented by Sir Henry Cole. He hired an artist named John Horsley to design a three-panel card with scenes of a Christmas dinner and people caring for the poor.
The original cards were hand-painted and sold for one shilling each ($0.08). Today, Christmas cards are valuable items that can be worth a lot of money. The most valuable Christmas card ever sold was from 1843 and it sold for $28,000! So if you have an old Christmas card, it might be worth checking to see how much it’s worth.
1933 Lou Gehrig Baseball Card
Maker: Goudey
Original Price: $0.05*
Worth Today: $192,000*
One of baseball’s most valuable items is Lou Gehrig’s 1933 Goudey baseball card. This card is so valuable because it is in mint condition and represents one of baseball’s most famous players. The PSA 9 cards are the top sellers, as they’re in mint condition.
These cards are found with white borders and light blue coloration, and the #160 (rarer than the #92) has been described as “unappreciated” because of its lack of focus and color. Still despite these flaws, the 1933 Goudey still sold for a high price.
Madame Alexander Vintage Happy Meal Toys
Maker: Madame Alexander, McDonald’s
Original Price: N/A (Free with Happy Meal)
Worth Today: $80*
If you’ve ever had a McDonald’s Happy Meal, chances are you’ve gotten a Madame Alexander doll at some point. These dolls are actually quite valuable, with full-size ones selling for over $1,000.
The miniature dolls given out with Happy Meals aren’t worth as much, but you can still get $50-$80 for them. The Wizard of Oz Happy Meal toys from 2007 and 2008 seem to be the best-sellers, with some selling for over $80 on sites like eBay.
Dallas Cowboys Wheaties Box
Maker: General Mills
Original Price: $3*
Worth Today: $119*
When it comes to valuable cereal boxes, Wheaties boxes featuring the Dallas Cowboys are at the top of the list. These boxes were released after each of the Cowboys’ Super Bowl wins in the 1990s, and they feature some of the team’s most popular players.
Troy Aikman, Daryl Johnston, and Michael Irvin are just a few of the athletes featured on these valuable boxes. If you’re lucky enough to have one of these boxes, you could be looking at a serious payday. One Wheaties box featuring the Dallas Cowboys was recently sold for $100 or more!
Space Age Chic 1958-59 Gibson Explorer
Maker: Gibson
Original Price: $55-$75*
Worth Today: $300,000*
If you’re a guitar collector, then you know that one of the most valuable and sought-after instruments is the Space Age Chic 1958-59 Gibson Explorer. This guitar is extremely rare, with only a handful being made, and it’s estimated to be worth between $250,000 and $310,000.
The Space Age Chic is a truly unique and special guitar, and owning one would be a real privilege. If you’re lucky enough to have one of these in your collection, then you can consider yourself a very lucky person indeed.
1939 DC “Detective Comics” Batman
Maker: D.C. Comics
Original Price: $0.10*
Worth Today: $1.38 million*
As comic book collectors know, some comics are worth a lot of money. In 2020, for example, a copy of Detective Comics #27 sold at auction for $1.27 million. This particular copy was in good condition, despite being unrestored, and is one of only two known copies in existence.
Detective Comics #27 is valuable because it is a debut issue from D.C., as it was released the year after Action Comics #1. The featured story in Detective Comics #27 is “The Case of the Chemical Syndicate,” a murder mystery involving the Apex Chemical Corporation. This story is significant because it marks the first appearance of Batman.
The Simpsons Game Arcade Cabinet
Maker: Konami Digital Entertainment
Original Price: $300*
Worth Today: $4,000*
The Simpsons Arcade Game is a valuable item that has been around for several decades. The original game can resell for $4,000, but a newer version will cost around $300. The four-person brawling game was made by Konami and lets you play as Homer, Bart, Marge, or Lisa to save Maggie.
The game is getting a re-release to celebrate the thirtieth anniversary of the game. Vintage arcade cabinets sometimes cost thousands, but a newer one will cost around $300. The game is a valuable item that is worth the price.
L’Oiseleur Doll
Maker: Christian Bailly
Original Price: $6.25 million*
Worth Today: $6.25 million*
What is the most valuable item you own? For many people, it might be a family heirloom or a piece of jewelry with sentimental value. But for Swiss artisan Christian Bailly, his most valuable item is his L’Oiseleur doll – which holds the record for being the most expensive doll in the world.
Bailly spent 15,000 hours creating the L’Oiseleur, which is made from 2,340 polished steel or gilt parts. These parts include spring-driven gears and cogs, which power the doll’s many features. The four-foot-tall doll comes with an actual sword, as well as a pair of singing birds, a flute, and an embroidered outfit straight out of the Renaissance period.
G1 Jetfire Transformer
Maker: Hasbro
Original Price: $20*
Worth Today: $25,000*
Jetfire is a valuable item from the Generation 1 Transformers era. He was one of the most sought-after Transformers in the line-up and his design was way more intricate than a lot of other Transformers. His steps had to be completed in the exactly correct order, otherwise, he wouldn’t work.
Original G1 Jetfire Transformers from the 1980s are worth a lot of money today. Prices vary depending on condition, but you can expect to pay several hundred dollars for a mint condition figure.
Dinosaucers Action Figure
Maker: Glasslite
Original Price: $10-$15*
Worth Today: Up to $750*
Dinosaucers toys are valuable items that can fetch high prices at auction. The 1980s was a heyday for toys, and the Dinosaucers line was one of many that were produced. However, the Dinosaucers TV series did not do well and the toy lineup was scrapped before all the planned products were released.
The molds and patents were sold to a Brazilian company, which has since produced some of the missing Dinosaucer toys. Despite their lackluster debut, these toys are now highly sought-after by collectors.
Be a Manager Board Game
Maker: BAMCO
Original Price: $1*
Worth Today: $1,500*
If you’re a fan of vintage board games, then you’ll be interested to know that Be A Manager is actually quite valuable. This rare game can sell for upwards of $1,500, making it a prized possession for collectors.
So what makes Be A Manager so valuable? Well, not much is known about the game itself. It’s believed that only two players could play at a time, and that it was originally named “Hank Bauer’s Be A Manager.” Players would assume the role of a baseball sports agent during the game, coming up with strategies and calling the players.
Steiff Limited Edition “Diamond Eyes Bear”
Maker: Steiff
Original Price: $35,000*
Worth Today: $193,000*
Valuable items don’t have to be expensive. In fact, some of the most valuable items are actually quite affordable. Take Steiff Bears, for example. These cuddly teddy bears are not only valuable, but they are also quite collectible. In fact, Steiff is the company that actually invented the teddy bear back in 1902.
Today, Steiff “Diamond Eyes” Bears are some of the most valuable and sought-after teddy bears on the market. Only 125 of these luxury teddies were produced back in 2008 and they now cost upwards of $35,000.
Matchbox 1967 Magirus Deutz Crane (No. 30)
Maker: Mattel
Original Price: $0.98*
Worth Today: $13,000*
If you’re a fan of vintage toys, then you’ll know that some of them can be worth a small fortune. The Magirus-Deutz Crane Truck is one such example. This limited-edition truck was first released in 1961 and has since gone on to sell for $13,000.
The truck, which was built at 1:128 scale, was grey with an orange boom. The Series 1-75 ran for three years, ending after 1964. The Crane Truck had the same functions as one 128 times its size. It was a little grey pickup truck with an orange crane attached to it, with which you could lift and move small objects.
1909-S V.D.B. Lincoln Cent
Maker: U.S. Mint
Original Price: $0.01*
Worth Today: $6,600*
The 1909-S VDB 1C is one of the most valuable and collectible wheat pennies in existence. It was designed by Victor David Brenner for the U.S. Mint, and only 484,000 were ever produced. The penny is made of 95% copper, and it sold at Heritage for a record-breaking $6,600.
The reason behind the coin’s expensive price is twofold: its rarity and the crazy story behind it. The engraver, Brenner, put his initials on the penny. Newspapers at the time took issue with this, claiming that the initials were too large and amounted to illegal advertising.
24c Declaration of Independence Stamp
Maker: National Bank Note Company
Original Price: $0.24*
Worth Today: $625,000*
The 24c Declaration of Independence stamp is one of the most valuable items in the United States Postal Service. First released in 1869, the green and violet stamp was a fine example of engraving. Made by James Smillie, the stamp had forty-two people on them, all of which you’d need a magnifying glass to see. The 24c stamp was one of the first U.S. pictorial stamps ever issued.
The new series wanted to honor the history of the U.S. Postal Service, beginning with Ben Franklin and ending with Abraham Lincoln. Part of the reason for this renewed focus was in response to the ugliness of the Civil War.
157.‘W.E. Boyce’ Dinky Pre-war No.22D Delivery Van
Maker: Meccano Dinky Toys
Original Price: $0.50*
Worth Today: $26,000*
The W.E. Boyce Dinky Pre-War No.22D Delivery Van is a valuable item that was made by Dinky Toys. The van is a “Type 1” and has “Hornby Series” embossed onto the cab’s underside. The fan has “W.E. Boyce” written on the side of the van. W.E.
Boyce was a bicycle shop located on Archway Road in the 1930s. The pre-WWII toy was used to promote the cycling company, and it was never meant to be a widely-produced toy by Dinky. As a result, the limited-edition nature of the No. 22 van made it super-exclusive. The lone example sold for $26,000 at auction.
Yu-Gi-Oh! The Black Luster Soldier
Maker: Konami
Original Price: $0* (Awarded as a Prize)
Worth Today: $2 million*
If you’re a fan of the Yu-Gi-Oh! trading card game, then you know that the Black Luster Soldier is one of the most valuable cards in existence. This rare card was awarded to one lucky player at the first Yu-Gi-Oh! tournament back in 1999.
Printed on stainless steel, the Black Luster Soldier is the only one of its kind in existence, which makes it highly coveted by collectors. Its estimated value is a whopping $2 million! The card can be summoned using a Beginning and Evening Twilight Knight as a Tribute.
Madame Alexander Eloise Doll
Maker: Madame Alexander
Original Price: $200*
Worth Today: $5 million*
The Madame Alexander Eloise Doll is one of the world’s most valuable toys. It is worth $5 million if it is the original, limited-edition version. Just five of these dolls were created by famous dollmaker Madame Alexander. The high price tag is due to the exclusivity of the doll and its luxurious clothing.
Eloise is wearing nine carats’ worth of diamonds, Oscar de la Renta fur, Katherine Baumann accessories, Christian Dior clothes, and Swarovski crystals. Any collector would be lucky to get their hands on this valuable item.
Transformers #1 Signed by Stan Lee
Maker: Marvel
Original Price: $0.10*
Worth Today: $9,500*
An original, signed copy of the Transformers #1 comic book can be worth up to $10,000. The comic book was released in 1984 as part of a four-issue limited series.
However, due to the popularity of the Transformers franchise, the series was extended to 80 issues. The first generation of Transformers comics ran from September 1984 to January 1991. The second generation followed in 1993. The Transformers comics are some of the most famous and well-loved comics in the world.
1935 Fortune Board Game
Maker: Parker Brothers
Original Price: $1*
Worth Today: $1,360*
If you’re a fan of Monopoly, then you’ll definitely want to get your hands on a copy of Fortune. This valuable game is a pre-cursor to the modern Monopoly game, and it’s quite rare. In fact, only 5,000 copies were ever made.
Fortune was created by Parker Brothers, and it’s full name is actually Fortune: The Game of Trading and Speculation. Just by looking at it, you can easily see the resemblance to Monopoly. However, Parker Brothers only had a Darrow file for the patent at the time Fortune was made. They didn’t want to risk the patent not going through, so Fortune was created as a place-holder.
Beatnik Bandit Hot Wheels
Maker: Mattel
Original Price: $0.98*
Worth Today: $15,000*
If you’re a Hot Wheels fan, then you know all about the Beatnik Bandit. This valuable item is part of the Sweet Sixteen, also known as the Original 16. These cars were part of Hot Wheels’ first generation and are highly sought after by collectors. The real-life Beatnik was a hot rod, built on a 1950 Oldsmobile chassis that had been shortened.
It had a fiberglass body with a bubble top. The original car still exists at the Reno, Nevada National Automobile Museum and is worth up to $15,000 at auction. So if you see a Beatnik Bandit for sale, don’t hesitate to snatch it up!
1962 Barbie Doll Case
Maker: Mattel
Original Price: $5*
Worth Today: $375*
One of the most valuable Barbie accessories is the 1962 Barbie Doll Case. This case was designed to hold all of Barbie’s clothes, shoes, and accessories, and it can be worth a lot of money. If you have a case in good condition, you could make several hundred dollars from it.
The key to getting a high price for your case is to make sure it is in good condition, with minimal wear and tear. If you have a case that meets these criteria, then you could be sitting on a valuable collectible.
Hawaiian Missionaries Stamp
Maker: The Kingdom of Hawaii
Original Price: $0.02* (Domestic)
Worth Today: $600,000*
If you’re a stamp collector, then the Hawaiian Missionary stamp is definitely a valuable item that you’ll want to add to your collection. These stamps were first issued in 1851, and only fifteen are known to exist today.
That makes them very rare and very expensive. In fact, the last time one of these stamps was sold, it went for over $1 million! So if you ever come across a Hawaiian Missionary stamp, be sure to hold onto it tightly – it could be worth a fortune!
Spice Girls Doll Set
Maker: Galoob Toys
Original Price: $30*
Worth Today: $300*
The Spice Girl Dolls produced by Galoob Toys in the late nineties are valuable items that can resell for hundreds of dollars on auction sites. The original release date was in 1997, but the band was so popular that production was rushed to Christmas of that year.
The “Girl Power” series had a limited supply because of this rush, and the range had Geri Halliwell in a Union Jack dress. There were eight different sets of Spice Girl dolls released in total, but the originals are the most valuable. If you have a set of these dolls in mint condition, you could be sitting on a goldmine!
The Elvis Presley Game
Maker: Teen-Age Games
Original Price: $1.50*
Worth Today: $799*
The Elvis Presley Game, released in 1957, is one of the most valuable pieces of memorabilia from the legendary musician. The game comes with a two-sided game board and 110 cards, and can fetch up to $799 in resale value.
In addition to the game, there are also many other valuable items associated with Presley, including autographed photos and clothing. Even though Presley has been gone for decades, his estate still rakes in millions of dollars every year from sales of merchandise.
1992 Close AM Penny
Maker: U.S. Mint
Original Price: $0.01*
Worth Today: $2,000-$20,000*
1992 pennies might not exactly seem like valuable items. Printed by the U.S. Mint, of course, these pennies have a $0.01 value that almost always stays that way throughout the decades.
However, there are a few 1992 pennies that resell for thousands because of an error. In the 1990s, the U.S. Mint used different dies to produce circulation and proof coins. There was a mix-up at the Mint in 1992, and a proof die was used to make the “tails” side of a few 1992 pennies. As a result, certain spacing on the coin was off in the “AM” in America and the “FG” initials.
1969 Pink Rear-loading Volkswagen Beach Bomb
Maker: Mattel
Original Price: $2-$3*
Worth Today: $125,000-$150,000*
If you’re a Hot Wheels collector, then you know that the Rear-Loading Beach Bomb is one of the most valuable items out there. Made in 1969, these pink VW vans are incredibly rare, with only two confirmed in existence today.
Bruce Pascal, a Hot Wheels collector with 7,000 pieces in his collection, owns one of these valuable Beach Bombs. He sold another to his friend, but he’s holding on to his personal copy. These pink hot wheels are estimated to be worth $125,000-$150,000 – making them some of the most valuable Hot Wheels ever made.
Lost in Space 3D Action Fun Game
Maker: REMCO
Original Price: $10*
Worth Today: $125,000*
The Lost in Space 3D Action Fun Game is a valuable item that was released in the 1960s. The game is now worth a lot of money, and it is a must-have for any fan of the show. The game has three levels, and you have to move through the levels of “space” to win the game.
The vintage board game is now worth hundreds of dollars, and it is a valuable piece of merchandise. If you are a fan of the show, then this is a must-have item for your collection.
He-Man: Masters of the Universe – Faker
Maker: Mattel
Original Price: $10-$15*
Worth Today: $200-$2,000*
If you’re a fan of He-Man and the Masters of the Universe, then you know that Faker is basically the evil version of He-Man. And if you’re a fan of valuable toys, then you know that original copies of the Faker action figure from 1982 can sell for $200-$2,000 at auction.
But did you know that this valuable item actually contains not one, but two collectibles? In addition to the Faker figure itself, each toy comes with a sword and a miniature comic book.
MacGyver Action Figure
Maker: Glasslite
Original Price: $10-$15*
Worth Today: $400-$900*
If you’re a child of the 80s, then chances are you fondly remember the TV show MacGyver. The title character was a problem-solving genius who worked for the Phoenix Foundation, a think tank. He was also known for refusing to carry a gun.
The original MacGyver series aired in 1985, and ten years later, Glasslite released an action figure of the character. Despite the show being off the air by that point, the figure was a big success. It’s now become a valuable item, with some selling for hundreds of dollars on resale sites.
G1 Pepsi Optimus Prime
Maker: Hasbro
Original Price: $10-$20*
Worth Today: $10,000*
The G1 Optimus Prime Pepsi toy is a valuable item that has been released three times: in 1985, 2005, and 2014. Each release has seen an increase in price, with the most recent release costing upwards of $1000. The toy is a reissued Optimus Prime figure, with some blue, Pepsi-brand updates.
The Prime toy got a blue plastic head, legs, and hands. Pepsi logos replaced the Autobot symbols, and the Pepsi waves were added to Prime’s legs and arms. The Pepsi Convoy even got its own catchy slogan. Collectors consider this toy to be valuable due to its rarity and association with two major brands.
Claude the Crab Beanie Baby
Maker: Ty Beanie Baby
Original Price: $5*
Worth Today: $529*
Looking for something valuable to add to your collection? Claude the Crab just might be the perfect item. This Beanie Baby was released on May 11, 1997 and quickly retired due to errors on the tush tag and swing tag.
However, these errors are what make Claude so valuable today. If you own this Beanie Baby, you could resell it for over $500 – not bad for a toy that originally cost less than $10! So if you come across Claude the Crab, don’t let him get away!
E.T. Action Figure
Maker: Hasbro
Original Price: $70*
Worth Today: $700-$900*
If you’re a fan of the iconic 1980s movie E.T., you might be able to resell your valuable life-size E.T. doll for a pretty penny. Measuring thirty-eight inches tall, the vintage toy was released in the early 1980s and wasn’t cheap then.
Now, you could resell it for up to $900 on eBay. The life-size puppet is a big seller among fans of the movie, so if you have one in good condition, it’s definitely worth considering selling it!
Cabbage Patch Kids – James Dudley
Maker: Xavier Roberts
Original Price: $25*
Worth Today: $1,500-$3,000*
Cabbage Patch dolls can be quite valuable, depending on the model. James Dudley is one of the rarest, and he can sell for up to $3,000 on eBay and other auction sites. Released in 1985, the James Dudley sells for its highest price point when it’s in mint condition and hasn’t been taken out of its box.
It’s best if it has the original papers that came with it, for authenticity’s sake. However, even when used, it still sells for $500-$600 on eBay.
Teddy Ruxpin
Maker: Worlds of Wonder (1985-1990)
Original Price: $69.99*
Worth Today: $95*
Teddy Ruxpin is a valuable item that was released in 1985. He is an animatronic talking bear that reenacts stories from a tape set in his back. Teddy Ruxpin was the best-selling toy of the mid-eighties, and it has won a lot of awards for being innovative.
Released in 1985, original Teddy Ruxpins created by Worlds of Wonder sell for up to $100. At the peak of their popularity, Teddy Ruxpins were able to buoy the launch of Nintendo’s Entertainment System, which was also sold by Worlds of Wonder.
Strawberry Shortcake Dolls
Maker: Muriel Fahrion
Original Price: $5-$10*
Worth Today: $40*
The Strawberry Shortcake dolls are valuable items that were first released in 1979. Kenner Products originally created them as decorations for cards sold by American Greetings. Over time, Strawberry Shortcake became an icon, with a range of merchandise including posters, dolls, TV series and movies.
The dolls can be worth a lot of money; some sources suggest that the originals could fetch up to $500 USD each at auction. Whether you’re a collector or just a fan of this classic character, it’s clear that the Strawberry Shortcake dolls are valuable items indeed!
Moon Shoes
Maker: Nike
Original Price: $80,000* (Starting Price)
Worth Today: $437,500*
The Moon Shoe is one of the most valuable items in the world. Recently, one pair was auctioned off for nearly half a million dollars. The shoe was designed by Bill Bowerman, one of the co-founders of Nike. The waffle-soled running shoe was made for the 1972 Olympic Trials, and only twelve pairs were ever created.
Bowerman created the waffle pattern using his wife’s waffle iron, into which he poured rubber. Decades later, the waffle-sole traction would be a well-known staple of Nike shoes. The Moon Shoe is a valuable piece of history that is worth a great deal of money.
Original Rubik’s Cube
Maker: Spin Master
Original Price: $1.99*
Worth Today: $100*
The Rubik’s Cube is one of the most valuable items on the market today. Originally created in Hungary, the Cube has been sold all over the world and has become a true phenomenon. If you’re lucky enough to have one of the original test batches’ cubes, you could be looking at a resale price of $100 or more!
The Cube Craze swept the eighties and continues to be a popular item today. Whether you’re a seasoned solver or just getting started, the Rubik’s Cube is a great addition to any collection.
Chatty Cathy
Maker: Mattel
Original Price: $10-$18*
Worth Today: $300*
Did you know that your Chatty Kathy doll could be worth up to $300? Though Chatty Kathy dolls didn’t reach the worldwide ubiquity of Barbies, they were still one of Mattel’s most popular toys for a time. Made by Ruth and Elliot Handler for Mattel, the Chatty Kathy was a pull-string talking doll sold from 1959 until 1965.
The doll’s retail price was $18, but more stores sold it for $10 or less. Chatty Cathy was the second-most-popular doll of the sixties (next to, of course, Barbie). It went through a few restyling periods, but the first Chatty Kathy had blonde hair in a bob.
LEGO Ultimate Collector’s Series Millennium Falcon
Maker: LEGO
Original Price: $500*
Worth Today: $3,400-$5,700*
If you’re a Star Wars fan with some extra cash to spend, you might want to consider investing in a LEGO Millennium Falcon set. These sets are very valuable, and can often be resold for a high price. The first-edition Millennium Falcon is particularly valuable, fetching prices of up to $5,700 on some auction sites.
The price of these sets can fluctuate, but they generally remain valuable items. So, if you’re looking to invest in a LEGO set, the Millennium Falcon is a good option.
1963 Topps Pete Rose Baseball Card
Maker: Topps
Original Price: $0.05*
Worth Today: $44,225-$70,000*
Pete Rose’s 1963 Topps rookie card is one of the most valuable baseball cards in existence. It routinely resells for tens of thousands of dollars, and is the key to the 1963 Rookie Stars set.
Though Rose was not in the best of shape and was later banned from the sport, he is still one of Major League Baseball’s most beloved players. His valuable rookie card is a testament to his greatness on the diamond.
The Football Association Challenge Cup (English FA Cup)
Maker: Football Association
Original Price: $30*
Worth Today: $977,000*
The FA Challenge Cup is a valuable item indeed – especially if you’re a fan of English football. The cup is the oldest national soccer competition in the world, and it holds a lot of history within its silver trophy. In September of 2020, the trophy was sold at auction for a whopping $977,000.
The man who sold it was none other than David Gold, co-owner of West Ham United. Gold bought the trophy back in 2005 for $613,000 when he was the chairman of Birmingham. At the time, he claimed he was preserving a piece of history. And now, 15 years later, that history has been realized in the form of a big payday.
Evel Knievel “Stunt Cycle”
Maker: Ideal Toys
Original Price: $10-$20*
Worth Today: $1,500-$5,000*
If you’re a fan of daredevil stuntman Evel Knievel, then you know that his merchandise was always in high demand. The Evil Knievel stunt cycle was no exception.
First released in 1973 by Ideal Toys, the toy quickly became a valuable item among collectors. In fact, Ideal Toys claimed that it sold over $125 million worth of Evel Knievel toys – making it one of the most successful toy lines of all time.
Muhammad Ali’s 1965 Floyd Patterson Fight Gloves
Maker: Everlast
Original Price: $20-$50*
Worth Today: $550,000*
Some of Muhammad Ali’s most valuable memorabilia are his gloves. In 2012, a pair of his gloves sold for $385,000 each. One was worn in a fight against Sonny Liston, while the other was worn in a loss to Joe Frazier.
However, that was chump change compared to the $1.1 million that UFC CEO Lorenzo Fertitta paid for a pair of gloves that the famed boxer wore in 1965 against Floyd Patterson. Fertitta bought the gloves at Ali’s 70th birthday celebration.
Lite-Brites
Maker: Hasbro
Original Price: $5-$10*
Worth Today: $330*
If you have a Lite-Brite from the 1960s, you might be able to resell it for up to $330, assuming it’s in decent condition. That’s because the original Lite-Brights are quite valuable, thanks to their nostalgia factor.
The Lite-Brite was invented in 1967 and was originally just a lightbox with plastic pegs fitted into a panel. You could create an image using the included templates, or you could come up with your own “freeform” picture. There were eight peg colors in total” violet, pink, yellow, green, clear, orange, blue, and red. Hasbro would provide new colors and refills in the event that kids lost the pegs (which they often did).
Jordan 1 Retro Legends of Summer Red Glitter Sneakers
Maker: Nike
Original Price: Unknown
Worth Today: $15,120*
Nike’s Air Jordan 1 Retro High “Legends of the Summer” Glitter shoes are some of the most valuable sneakers in the world. A series of these glittery red shoes were worn by Justin Timberlake on his “Legends of Summer” tour with Jay-Z in 2013. Timberlake gave the shoes to a select group of people, and their rarity (and celebrity history) led to them being prized by collectors.
Sotheby’s recently sold one pair for $56,000, setting a new record for the most expensive sneakers ever sold at auction. If you’re lucky enough to own a pair of these valuable sneakers, you can be sure that you have a true collector’s item.
1908-14 Lionel 8 Trolley
Maker: Lionel Standard
Original Price: $10*
Worth Today: $8,500*
If you’re a fan of model trains, then you know that they can be valuable items. But did you know that some models can be worth a small fortune? Take the Lionel 8 Trolley, for example.
This train was produced in the early 1900s and there are only a few known to exist from the first generation. The train is marked with an “8” on the side, and it measures 20.25 inches long. It’s also notable for its “Pay as You Enter” sign.
LEGO Taj Mahal, First Edition
Maker: LEGO
Original Price: $299.99*
Worth Today: $4,450*
The LEGO Taj Mahal is a valuable item that was released in 2008. It cost around $300 when it was first released, but it now costs $4,450 on eBay. The set was part of the Exclusive Sculptures set and it contains a large model of the famous World Heritage Site.
The LEGO Taj Mahal weighs over fourteen pounds when it’s fully assembled and it has 5,923 pieces in total. It was retired in 2020, along with a few other sets, such as the Winter Village Fire Station, Downtown Diner, Volkswagen Beetle, and Volkswagen T1 Camper Van. The LEGO Taj Mahal is an amazing feat from LEGO.
1888 Louis Vuitton Explorer Trunk
Maker: Louis Vuitton
Original Price: $100-$200*
Worth Today: $128,000-$192,000*
Louis Vuitton is known for its high-quality, luxurious items – and some of its older pieces can be worth a pretty penny. One example is the Explorer Trunk, which was released in 1888. This rare trunk is covered in brass sheeting, with brass locks and corners – features that Louis Vuitton still uses today.
The Explorer Collection was designed for adventurers travelling the world, who needed sturdy, reliable trunks that could withstand any conditions. Recently, one of these trunks sold at Christie’s for $128,000-$190,000. So if you come across an old Louis Vuitton trunk, it might be worth your while to get it appraised!
Babe Ruth 1920 Jersey
Maker: MLB
Original Price: Unknown
Worth Today: $5.64 million*
Babe Ruth is one of baseball’s most valuable players, so it’s no surprise that one of his jerseys sold for a record-breaking price in 2019. The jersey, which was worn by Ruth from 1928 to 1930, went for $5.64 million at Hunt Auctions.
According to Hunt, the company partnered with Ruth’s family and “elite third-party collectors” to get the jersey. The Sultan of Swat’s artifacts were also on display along with the jersey. This makes the piece of memorabilia one of the most expensive ever sold.
1920 Patek Philippe Supercomplication Pocket Watch
Maker: Patek Philippe
Original Price: $15,000*
Worth Today: $24 million*
The 1920 Patek Philippe Supercomplication Watch is one of the most valuable items ever sold at auction. The watch was made for around $15,000, but it sold for an incredible price of $24 million at a Sotheby’s auction in Geneva, Switzerland.
The anonymous buyer paid tens of millions of dollars for the famed timepiece, making it the most expensive timepiece ever sold. This record-breaking price is a testament to the Supercomplication’s “unattainable” and “unique” character. Patek Philippe watches are known for their high prices, with auction prices reaching $10 million and $11 million in the late 1990s. However, the Supercomplication’s $24 million price tag is truly astounding.
Vintage O’Keefe & Merritt Stove
Maker: O’Keefe & Merritt
Original Price: $300*
Worth Today: $7,600*
Vintage stoves can be valuable items, selling for thousands of dollars on the market. The O’Keefe & Merritt brand was particularly popular in the 1950s, and vintage models can be especially valuable. Features like the Grillevator and built-in barbecue cooktop make these stoves unique and sought-after by collectors.
If you have an old stove that you’re thinking of selling, do your research to find out its value on the market. You may be surprised at how much it’s worth!
Remington No. 1 Typewriter
Maker: Remington Rand
Original Price: $47.50*
Worth Today: $27,000*
If you have an old Remington typewriter, you may be sitting on a valuable item. The price of Remington typewriters can vary, but if your machine is in good condition, you could stand to make a few hundred dollars.
The Remington Typewriter Company was founded in 1886 when E. Remington & Sons sold their typewriter business to Standard. However, the company was bought by former Remington employees who had started their own typewriter business. The company was renamed the Remington Typewriter Company in the early 1900s. Some of its earliest iterations were the Remington No. 1 Typewriter, a version of which sold for thousands at auction.
195. Lalique’s “Les Sirenes” Flacon Collection Perfume Bottle
Maker: Lalique
Original Price: $615*
Worth Today: $1,479*
The Lalique Les Sirenes Parfum Flacon is a valuable item that sells for almost $1,500. Lalique has been creating perfumes since 1992 and celebrates each year with a different Flacon Collection. The bottles from this collection are limited-edition, signed, and numbered. Some are invaluable, while others are simply famous, but they have all become collectors’ pieces over time.
The theme for the 2001 Flacon Collection was inspired by Sirens, which were creatures in Greek mythology. These creatures would sing to sailors, enchanting them with their beautiful voices. The Lalique Les Sirenes Parfum Flacon captures the beauty of these mythological creatures in a bottle.
Mario Kart 64
Maker: Nintendo
Original Price: $69.95*
Worth Today: $100-$200*
If you’re a fan of the classic Mario Kart 64 game, you may be interested in knowing that original copies of the game can be quite valuable. A mint condition game can resell for upwards of $100 to $200, making it a valuable item for collectors.
The game was first released in Japan on December 14, 1996 and was published by Nintendo. It was the second game in the Mario Kart series and succeeded Super Mario Kart for the N.E.S. The game then made its way to North America in February of 1997 before being released in the U.K. and E.U. later that summer.
1932 The Mummy Movie Poster
Maker: Universal Studios (Karoly Grosz)
Original Price: N/A (Promo)
Worth Today: $1 million*
The Mummy franchise has grossed billions of dollars over the past century, with releases stretching out all the way to 2018. An original promotional poster from The Mummy sold for $1 million at auction in 2018. The poster was designed by Karoly Grosz, who was the art director for the advertising wing of Universal Studios. The vivid color, minimal white space, and dynamic composition would go on to influence ads from other studios for years to come. Sotheby’s auctioned off the poster, which was one of the most valuable items ever sold at auction. The price tag reflects the popularity and enduring appeal of The Mummy franchise.
Jetsons 1963 Lunch Box
Maker: Aladdin
Original Price: $0.50*
Worth Today: $1,650*
If you have a vintage metal lunchbox from the 1960s, you could be sitting on a valuable item. The Jetsons first aired in 1962 and quickly became a popular cartoon. There was a lot of merchandise associated with the show, including lunchboxes from Aladdin. A mint condition lunchbox from 1963 can sell for up to $1,650. Even a gently used lunchbox can sell for around $900. This makes the lunchbox one of the most popular collectors’ items from the entire decade.
1958-1959 Gibson Explorer Guitar
Maker: Gibson
Original Price: $100*
Worth Today: $250,000-$1.1 million*
The Korina Explorer is one of the most valuable Gibson guitars on the market. It is worth between $250,000 and $1.1 million according to Vintage Guitar. The production model was built, along with the Flying V, the Korina’s counterpart, as part of Gibson’s ultra-modern design strategy of the late 1950s. The Explorer is uniquely-shaped, with sharp angles and a sleek body. It was designed by Ted McCarty, Gibson’s president at the time, and it quickly became a favorite among rock and blues guitarists.
Sega Megadrive’s Outback Joey
Maker: Western Technologies, Heartbeat Corporation
Original Price: $50*
Worth Today: $10,000*
If you’re a fan of classic video games, then you might want to start keeping an eye out for the Outback Joey. This game was produced in 1994 and is considered one of the rarest games for the Sega Mega Drive. The Outback Joey is a fitness action game that comes with a sensor which allows you to track your progress. The game was only released in the US and had a limited production run of just over 1,000 units. This makes the Outback Joey a valuable item for collectors. If you’re lucky enough to find one of these games, you could potentially fetch up to $10,000 for it!
Handel Lamps
Maker: Handel Lamps
Original Price: $500-$1,500*
Worth Today: $2,000-$5,000*
Handel lamps are valuable antique items, often selling for $2,000 to $5,000. The price of a Handel lamp is typically determined by the scene painted on the shade. Generic scenes are usually less expensive, while rarer offerings from Handel can be quite pricey. Most Handel lamps are signed on the interior rim of the shade, which is one way to authenticate them. Some are also signed on the lamp base, with a serial number following the signature. For particularly special Handels, the artist’s name may be included as well.
Postcards
Maker: Pioneer and others
Original Price: $0.05-$0.99*
Worth Today: $100-$1,000*
Pioneer manufactured cards between 1873 and 1897, and their production was limited to the United States. These cards are unique because they don’t have any message on the back – just the address. That’s because the postal service didn’t allow people to write messages on postcards for many years, only lifting the ban in the early 1900s. Vintage Pioneer cards can sell for anywhere from $100 to $1,000, so if you come across one, it’s definitely worth picking up!
Furby
Maker: Tiger Electronics
Original Price: $35*
Worth Today: $200-$500*
Did you know that some Furbys can be valuable? These electronic robots were released in the late 1990s by Tiger Electronics, and they became popular all over the world, with millions sold per year. The Furby looks like a cross between a hamster and an owl, and the brand was a “must have” toy during the 1998-2000 holiday seasons. Some limited-edition Furbys are very rare and, therefore, very valuable. Though not all Furbys will be as pricey as the FAO Schwarz $100,000 Furby, some, like the Tiger Special Millennium Edition, Orange Furby with Brown Eyes, 2006 Funky Singing and Dancing Furby, can fetch a high price
Chaplin no.1 Plane
Maker: Towers & Lyon
Original Price: $10-$20*
Worth Today: $500-$1,000*
When it comes to valuable items, hand planes definitely top the list. These simple yet essential tools have become increasingly expensive over time, with some of the most valuable models fetching hundreds or even thousands of dollars at auction.
One of the most valuable hand planes is the Chaplin No. 1. Made by Tower & Lyon in New York, the planes have flowing lines and curves that make them stand out from other designs. The first Tower & Lyon (No. 1) hand plane was produced in 1872, and it generally resells for $500 to $1,000 on auction sites.
Equestrian Paintings
Maker: Degas and others
Original Price: Varies
Worth Today: $1,000 or more*
Equestrian paintings, such as this one by Degas, can be valuable items, worth $1,000 or more. Scenes of horses and their riders have long been oil painters’ favorite topic, and the value of the painting depends on the fame of the artist and, of course, the quality of the art itself. Degas is one of the most famous racehorse painters of all time. He was also one of the earliest impressionist painters, though he would never call himself that, as he felt his work was too disciplined.
Holographic Batman Cereal Box
Maker: Ralston Cereal (now General Mills)
Original Price: $1.50*
Worth Today: $40*
If you’re a fan of Batman, then you might be interested to know that Ralston’s holographic Batman cereal boxes are now valuable items. These boxes were originally developed in 1989 and were sold for only a few dollars at the time. However, due to their limited run, they are now quite rare and can sell for around $4 on eBay. So if you have one of these boxes sitting in your cupboard, dust it off and put it up for sale! Who knows, you might just make a tidy profit.
Milton Bradley Board Games
Maker: Milton Bradley
Original Price: $10-$20*
Worth Today: $70-$100*
Texas-Opoly is a valuable item because it is not as mass-produced as the regular Monopoly board games. It first came out in 1999 and it has gone up quite a few bucks on resale.
judging from sale prices on sites like eBay, you could sell your Texas-Opoly game for a good price. The game is popular with Texans and non-Texans alike because it is a fun and unique twist on the classic Monopoly game.
Art Deco Clocks
Maker: Vienna, Tiffany & Co., and more
Original Price: Varies
Worth Today: $200-$1,000*
If you have an Art Deco clock from 1900 to 1940, you could be sitting on a valuable item. Depending on the rarity of the clock and materials used, these clocks can sell for $200-$1,000 on eBay.
Some of the big names in the Art Deco clock business are Tiffany & Co., Vienna, and Shreve, Crump, & Low. If you’re unsure whether your clock is Art Deco, take it to an appraiser for verification. Who knows, you could be sitting on a small fortune!
First Edition: A Christmas Carol
Maker: Chapman & Hall
Original Price: $0.05*
Worth Today: $75,000*
A first edition copy of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol is one of the most valuable items you could own. If you’re lucky enough to have one, it could be worth up to $75,000. The book was published in 1843 and is now nearly impossible to find – especially in good condition. Given the scarcity of these books, it’s no wonder they carry such a high price tag. Though it was published over two centuries ago, A Christmas Carol remains an iconic part of Christmas tradition. The story has been adapted countless times, proving that its timeless messages are as relevant today as they were when Dickens first wrote them.
Ozark Tourist Pottery
Maker: Ozark Pottery Company
Original Price: $20-$50*
Worth Today: $895-$1,500*
Ozark Roadside Tourist Pottery is valuable not only for its historical significance, but also for its unique style. These pieces of pottery, which were sold during the 1930s and 1950s, are now highly sought-after by collectors.
If you’re lucky enough to own a piece of Ozark Pottery Company’s output, you could be sitting on a valuable item. Prices for these pieces can range from $800 upwards, depending on the condition and authenticity of the piece.
RCA Victor Record Player
Maker: RCA
Original Price: $50*
Worth Today: $500-$2,000*
Victrolas are valuable items that can be worth a lot of money. Depending on the condition, they can be sold for anywhere between $500 and $2,000. Other antique record players from Victor and RCA can also be quite valuable, often fetching prices of $180 to $250 at auction.
The Victrola, in particular, is a rare and hard-to-find piece that often commands a higher price due to its scarcity. If you have an antique record player, it’s definitely worth getting it appraised to see how much it could be worth.
Jadeite Ball Jug
Maker: Anchor Hocking
Original Price: $15-$20*
Worth Today: $200-$500*
Jadeite is a valuable stone that is especially prized in Asian countries like China. A Jadeite Ball Jug is a tilted, globular pitcher that is made from the green mineral. Jadeite ball jugs aren’t easy to find. They are often worth anywhere from $200 to $500 at auction, and the ball jugs date between the 1920s and 1960s. Jadeite was more common in the 1940s and ‘50s, so pieces from the ‘20s, ‘30s, and ‘60s will likely sell for higher.
Advertising Signs
Maker: Coca-Cola and others
Original Price: Unknown
Worth Today: $780-$5,300*
If you have an old soda fountain in your basement or garage, you may be sitting on a valuable piece of history. These fountains were once a staple in American culture, and now they are quite rare. If you have one that is in good condition, you could sell it for a decent price.
Even if your soda fountain is not in perfect condition, it may still be valuable to collectors. If you’re not sure how much your fountain is worth, doing some research online or contacting an antique appraiser can give you a better idea. So don’t write off that old soda fountain just yet – it could be worth more than you think!
Royal Typewriters
Maker: Royal Typewriter Company
Original Price: $100-$125*
Worth Today: $500-$700*
If you have an old Royal Typewriter in good condition, you may be sitting on a valuable item. These typewriters can sell for upwards of $500 to $700, depending on the model and its condition.
The Royal Typewriter Company was founded in 1906 by Edward B. Hess in Brooklyn, New York City. The company’s first typewriter, the Royal Standard, quickly became popular thanks to its unique flatbed design.
Football Programs Harvard v. Yale
Maker: Harvard/Yale
Original Price: Free
Worth Today: $20-$100*
If you’re a fan of Harvard or Yale, then you know about the rivalry between these two schools. What you may not know is that there is a valuable item associated with this rivalry: antique football programs from the games between the Crimson and Bulldogs.
These programs can sell for hundreds of dollars on eBay, as fans seek to own a piece of history. The older the program, the more valuable it is. For example, a program from 1936 is currently selling for $100 on eBay.
Cast Iron Mailbox
Maker: Griswold and others
Original Price: $20-$40*
Worth Today: $50-$200*
When it comes to valuable items, few things are more valuable than a mailbox. Though they may seem like a simple item, mailboxes are actually quite complex and valuable. Most are made from a combination of different metals, including galvanized steel, stainless steel, Zintec steel, or aluminum.
After the mailbox is made, it is then powder-coated to fit the design requirements of its recipient. There are some mailboxes that are made of wood or plastic, but they are often less common, as they are not as durable as metal boxes. In 1924, postal officials called for mailboxes to be made of cast iron, as they were cheaper to make, more durable, and rust-resistant.
Yo-Yo Quilts
Maker: Varies (Handmade, mostly)
Original Price: Varies
Worth Today: $120*
Yo-yo quilts are valuable items because of the amount of time and effort that goes into making them. A yo-yo quilt can take weeks or even months to complete, and the finished product is often sold for around $120 on eBay. The reason yo-yo quilts are so expensive is because they are such labor-intensive items.
Each individual circle of fabric must be gathered and stitched by hand, and then the circles are all attached to create the final quilt. This process is extremely time-consuming, but the result is a beautiful and unique quilt that is definitely worth the price.
Rubik’s Siamese Mate Cube
Maker: Tony Fisher
Original Price: $4*
Worth Today: $100-$125*
If you’re a fan of Rubik’s Cube, you may know that there are many different variations of the puzzle. One of the most valuable and difficult to solve is the Siamese Mate Cube.
Developed by Tony Fischer in 1982, the Siamese Mate Cube consists of two Rubik’s Cubes attached at an angle. The side on which they are attached cannot be solved, but the other sides have to be.
This makes for a very challenging puzzle indeed! Original Siamese Mate Cubes from the 1980s are quite valuable, selling for around $100-$125 on eBay. That’s quite a price increase from the original $4!
Pogs
Maker: Passion Orange Guava
Original Price: Free
Worth Today: $10 for a large collection*
Do you have a bunch of old POGs taking up space in your attic or basement? Believe it or not, those bottle caps could be valuable! POGs were a drink called Passionfruit Orange Guava. The caps on the juice bottles were free, but people came up with a game based on them. Interestingly, the game was invented long before it was commercialized.
Now, collections of these bottle caps aren’t exactly worth a million bucks. But, you can sell a large collection of Pogs to 1990s nostalgia collectors for around $10. Individually, these caps sell for under $1 each.
Tamagotchi Plus Color
Maker: Bandai
Original Price: $45.85*
Worth Today: $200-$400*
If you’re a Tamagotchi fan, then you know that the TMGC+C is a valuable item. This is because it was the first-ever Tamagotchi to come with a color LCD screen. The early release of this toy was held in 2008 in Japan, and fans were able to purchase the TMGC+C one week before its actual release. The shell of this Tamagotchi was bigger than other versions, and it came in eleven colors. The first wave’s colors included white, pink, black, green, magenta, orange, and blue. The second wave added some new colors, including yellow, navy, cream and pink, and green and white.
Original Titanic T-Shirt
Maker: Unknown
Original Price: $15-$20*
Worth Today: $150*
If you’re a fan of the Titanic movie, then this t-shirt is a valuable item to have in your collection. Released at the time of the movie, the shirt was part of a promotional campaign by Paramount Pictures. It’s made from 100% cotton and is machine washable. The price of the shirt varies depending on where you purchase it, but expect to pay around $20 for it. Whether you wear it as a conversation starter or simply to show your love for the movie, this t-shirt is a must-have for any Titanic fan.
Beanie Babies Patti the Platypus
Maker: Ty Warner
Original Price: $5-$10*
Worth Today: $9,000*
If you’re a fan of Beanie Babies, then you know that some of them can be valuable. But which ones are worth the most? According to Plush Collector, the rarest Beanie Baby is Patti the Platypus, which can sell for up to $9,000. Patti was first released in 1993, and only a limited number were made. So if you have one from that year, you could be sitting on a gold mine. Other Pattis from later years are still valuable, but not as much as the original.
Nike Air Yeezy
Maker: Nike/Kanye West
Original Price: N/A (Sample Shoe)
Worth Today: $100,000*
This valuable item has surfaced for sale a few times, always for a high price. This is the Air Yeezy 1, the first signature Kanye West and Nike collaboration. Rare Pair, an NYC consignment store, put this up for sale on eBay six years ago for $65,000. They didn’t sell the shoe. A year later, Flight Club, another consignment shop, put it up for $100,000. The sneaker is a one-of-a-kind size-twelve, and it was the first Air Yeezy sample that Nike ever made. Despite this rarity, the sneaker’s appearance doesn’t have many changes that set it apart from the retail shoe that dropped in ’08.
Vintage Champion Red Chicago Bulls Jersey
Maker: NBA
Original Price: $20-$30*
Worth Today: $60*
Did you know that vintage Chicago Bulls jerseys from the 1990s are valuable items? If you have one, it could be worth a lot of money – even if it’s not in perfect condition. On Worthpoint, you can find these jerseys on sale for around $60.
But on eBay, they tend to sell for $100-$150 or more. It all depends on the player whose jersey it is. Of course, jerseys bearing the names of Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and Dennis Rodman are usually worth the most.
American Girl Doll – Felicity Merrima
Maker: Mattel
Original Price: $82*
Worth Today: $6,000-$9,000*
If you’re lucky enough to have an original Felicity “Lissie” Merriman doll from 1991, you could be sitting on a valuable item. These dolls can be worth as much as $6,000 to $9,000, according to PBA Galleries.
That’s quite a price tag for a toy! But if you’re a fan of the American Girl franchise, then you know that these dolls are iconic pieces of the collection. If you take good care of your doll, she could be worth a lot of money one day. Who knows, she might even be worth more than $9,000! So if you have a Felicity doll, be sure to take good care of her.
The A-Team 6″ Figures
Maker: Galoob
Original Price: $5-$10 per figure*
Worth Today: $40-$150 per figure*
If you’re a fan of the A-Team, then you know that these Galoob action figures are valuable items. Based on the characters from the popular TV show, these figures were originally produced in 1983. Because they’re not easy to find, a single figure can sell for anywhere from $40 to $150.
And if you’re lucky enough to find an entire set of six figures, it could cost you up to $900. So if you’re looking for a valuable addition to your collection, keep your eyes peeled for these hard-to-find action figures.
Marilyn Monroe’s White Dress
Maker: William Travilla
Original Price: Unknown
Worth Today: $5.6 million*
The white dress worn by Marilyn Monroe in the movie Seven Year Itch is one of the most valuable items in pop culture. The dress was created by William Travilla and it was worn in one of the 1955 movie’s most iconic scenes. The image of Monroe’s white dress standing above a subway grate has been described as one of the twentieth century’s most iconic images.
As you can imagine, the value of this dress has skyrocketed over the years. In 2011, actress Debbie Reynolds sold the dress for $5.6 million (including a $1 million commission), a number that far exceeded its $1-$2 million estimate.
Nancy Drew Lunchbox and Thermos
Maker: King Seeley
Original Price: $1-$10*
Worth Today: $100*
This Nancy Drew lunchbox and thermos set from the late 1970s is valuable for a few reasons. First, the set is now considered a collectors item. It’s not easy to find one in good condition, so if you do come across one it could be worth around $100. Second, the lunchbox and thermos are iconic symbols of Nancy Drew herself.
The teen detective has been around for decades, and she’s most recently enjoyed a revival thanks to a 2019 CW show. Millions of kids have grown up dreaming of being just like her, and this lunchbox and thermos set was a way for them to feel like they were one step closer to that goal.
Old Magazines
Maker: Conde Nast
Original Price: $5-$10 per issue*
Worth Today: $10-$20 per issue*
If you’re the owner of a bunch of vintage Vogue magazines, you might be surprised to learn that they can be quite valuable. These issues sell for $10-$20 each, and the older the issue or the more famous the person on the cover, the more they sell for.
Published by Conde Nast, Vogue has become one of the most iconic magazines in the world. The magazine was first issued in 1892, and it has grown to become a global phenomenon, featuring some of the biggest celebrities in the world on its covers.
Nirvana Oakland Concert Ticket Stub
Maker: Oakland Coliseum
Original Price: $26*
Worth Today: $125*
If you happen to have a ticket stub from Nirvana’s iconic December 31, 1993 concert at the Oakland Coliseum, you may be sitting on a valuable item. That’s right – the ticket stub from this particular show now sells for $125, making it a valuable collectors item for Nirvana nostalgists and Kurt Cobain fans.
So if you’ve got a box of old concert tickets hidden away somewhere, it might be time to go through them and see if you’ve got a valuable piece of history in your hands!
Antique Trunks
Maker: Tudor-Era Carpenter
Original Price: Unknown
Worth Today: $8,500*
Vintage trunks and chests can be valuable items. This oak chest, for example, was made during the Tudor Era. It has a single-piece lid, molded carved edge, and intricate floral and leaf carvings embedded in the oak.
Its seller, Period Oak Antiques, says that the Henry VIII oak plank chest dates back to the 1500s, which means it is nothing short of a miracle that it has held up so well over the centuries. This chest is currently selling for $8,500.
The OG Sony Walkman
Maker: Sony
Original Price: $200*
Worth Today: $951*
Sony Walkman was introduced in 1979, the Walkman was a technological revolution that changed the way people listened to music. Since then, all editions of the Walkman have sold around 385 million units, making it one of the most successful portable audio players ever made.
Despite being mass-produced, Walkmans from the late 1970s can cost as much as $1,000 today. This is because the Walkman has become a highly sought-after item among collectors.
233. 70s Boy Scouts Memorabilia
Maker: The Boy Scouts of America
Original Price: $0*
Worth Today: $20-$125*
The Boy Scouts of America is one of the most valuable organizations in the world. Founded in 1910, it has had 110 million participants over the years. The Boy Scouts is headquartered in Irving, Texas and is known for handing out badges, patches, and books. These pieces of memorabilia can be valuable to collectors and can fetch a high price on the resale market. The Boy Scouts have gone through lawsuits, potential bankruptcies, and member decline, but they are still standing strong today. If you have any valuable items from the Boy Scouts, be sure to hold onto them! They could be worth a lot of money someday.
Dungeons and Dragons Toys
Maker: Tactical Studies Rules, Inc., Wizards of the Coast
Original Price: $1-$10*
Worth Today: $5-$20*
The game of Dungeons & Dragons has been around for decades, and it shows no signs of slowing down. Part of what keeps this game going is the vast array of different characters and creatures that you can encounter. From wizards to dragons, there’s something for everyone in this fantasy world.
One thing that many people don’t know about Dungeons & Dragons is that there is a whole line of toys associated with the game. These toys can be valuable items, depending on their condition and rarity. For example, a figure from the 1980s can sell for as much as $20.
Old Fisher-Price Toys
Maker: Fisher-Price
Original Price: $5-$50*
Worth Today: $5-$500*
Fisher-Price has been around for almost a century, and in that time, it has produced some of the most valuable toys in the world. Dr. Doodle, the company’s first toy, is now worth $100. And vintage Fisher-Price toys can sell for hundreds of dollars online.
If you own any vintage Fisher-Price toys, it’s important to get them appraised so you know how much they’re worth. Some of the most valuable items include the Dancing Russian Doll and Punch and Judy bank, which can sell for thousands of dollars.
Dionne Quintuplets Calendar
Maker: Home Light & Power Co.
Original Price: $5-$15*
Worth Today: $35-$45*
The Dionne Quintuplets were born in 1934 in Canada and quickly became a media sensation. The girls appeared in three films for Twentieth Century Fox and also made money from endorsements.
Today, items associated with the sisters are valuable collectors’ items. For example, a Dionne Quintuplets calendar is worth $35-$45.
Rolex Daytona Stainless Steel
Maker: Rolex
Original Price: $13,150*
Worth Today: $13,000-$50,000*
If you happen to own a Rolex Daytona, congratulations – you’ve got your hands on a valuable piece of history. The Daytona is one of the most collectible watches around, and its value has only gone up in recent years.
Even if you don’t have the celebrity pedigree of Paul Newman (whose Rolex Daytona was sold at auction for a record-breaking $17.5 million), you can still expect to get a handsome sum for your watch. Most Daytonas sell for between $13,000 and $50,000, making them a valuable investment indeed.
Vintage Campervans
Maker: Volkswagen and more
Original Price: $1,000-$5,000*
Worth Today: $6,000-$10,000*
If you have an old camper van that you’re thinking of getting rid of, you may be surprised to learn that it could be worth a lot of money. Vintage camper vans are highly sought after by people who appreciate their unique style and charm, and they can fetch a pretty penny on the resale market.
According to GoDownSize.com, a vintage RV in good condition can sell for anywhere from $6,000 to $9,000. Even if your camper van needs some work to make it habitable, it could still be valuable to the right buyer. So before you get rid of your old camper van, see if there’s any interest in reselling it first – you might be pleasantly surprised at how much it’s worth.
Thor Pez Dispenser
Maker: Marvel, Pez
Original Price: $1-$5*
Worth Today: $10-$30*
One valuable item that you might not expect to be valuable is a vintage Thor Pez dispenser. These dispensers, which feature Thor’s helmeted head at the top, can sell for $10-$20.
Though this may not seem like a lot, it is more than what you would typically expect to pay for a Pez dispenser. Additionally, one in three of these toys from the 1960s is worth $100. So, if you come across a vintage Thor Pez dispenser, it may be worth your while to check its value.
Glidden Pottery
Maker: Glidden
Original Price: $14.50 for a starter set*
Worth Today: $15-$100 per piece*
Glidden Pottery is an interesting chapter in the history of stoneware. Glidden Pottery was produced from 1940 to 1957 in Alfred, New York. Its production was enormous, as Glidden made 6,000 pieces every single week by the time 1953 hit.
Gliddenware skyrocketed in popularity when it was featured on I Love Lucy. An undecorated starter set sold for $14.50, so the pottery was very affordable for people. Now, on eBay, you’ll find that pieces of Glidden sell for anywhere from $15 to $100. Decorated pieces of Gliddenware tend to sell for a higher price.
Gremlins Puppet Prop
Maker: Rick Baker’s Cinovation Studios
Original Price: N/A (Prop Not For Sale)
Worth Today: $300*
Looking for a valuable piece of movie history? Check out this Gremlin prop from the 1984 classic film! This lifelike puppet was designed by Rick Baker and used in the movie to create the iconic Gremlin character.
It’s an amazing piece of movie memorabilia, and it’s available for purchase at Just Geek. But be warned – these props are not cheap. They cost around $300 each. So if you’re brave enough to buy one, be prepared to open your wallet!
Old Igloo Coolers
Maker: Igloo
Original Price: $15*
Worth Today: $25*
If you have an Igloo Polar 6 cooler, you may be sitting on a valuable item. These coolers are now worth around $25 on sites like eBay and Etsy, as people often nostalgic for the nineties. If you have a Polar 6 or another “vintage” Igloo in good condition, consider putting it up for resale. Chances are, you’ll make some cash.
Igloo Products Corp. has been making ice chests, coolers, and cooler bags since 1947. Headquartered in Katy, Texas, Igloo has 1,200 employees, and it brings in hundreds of millions in revenue every year. In 2008, Igloo announced that it would be moving some of its manufacturing operations from the United States to China, in order to reduce costs.
Little Snoopy
Maker: Fisher-Price
Original Price: $5-$10*
Worth Today: $20-$50*
When it comes to valuable collectible items, the Little Snoopy Pull Toy is definitely up there. This iconic toy was first introduced in 1968 and quickly became a hit with kids all over America. Made by Fisher-Price, the toy featured plastic wheels that allowed the dog to wobble and swing when pulled.
Despite being produced nearly 50 years ago, these vintage pull toys are still highly sought after by collectors. In fact, according to This Old Toy, the Little Snoopy Pull Toy is pretty much a staple of every Fisher-Price toy collector’s personal collection. If you’re lucky enough to find one of these coveted toys, you can expect to pay anywhere from $20-$50.
Happy Days Lunchbox
Maker: Thermos
Original Price: $1-$5*
Worth Today: $100*
This lunch box is valuable because it is a piece of pop culture history. The show Happy Days was a fan-favorite and ran for 11 seasons. This lunch box is from the 1970s and features the show’s beloved characters.
On eBay, you can find this 1970s toy for $100. The pricier lunch boxes are those that can be opened and closed easily, without rusting or damage.
Ercol Furniture
Maker: Ercol
Original Price: $1,000-$5,000*
Worth Today: $500-$2,000*
Whether you’re looking for a valuable item to add to your collection or simply want a piece of furniture that looks great in any room, Ercol is a great choice. This British company has been designing and manufacturing unique pieces of furniture for over 100 years, and their products are now sought after by collectors and design enthusiasts alike.
If you’re lucky enough to own an Ercol piece, you may be able to sell it for a high price – even if it’s second-hand. That’s because these pieces are well-made and built to last, so they retain their value over time. Plus, with such a long history, there’s always someone out there who’s looking for a particular item from a specific era.
1980s The Simpsons Bedding
Maker: DreamStyles
Original Price: $20-$50*
Worth Today: $175*
One of the most valuable items from The Simpsons franchise is the bedding from the 1980s. A three-piece twin sheet set from that era can be priced as high as $175 on eBay, making it a valuable item for any fan of the show. If you’re lucky enough to have one of these sets, you could make a good profit by selling it online.
Of course, new and used sheets will be priced differently, but you might still be able to get more than you paid for even if you have the latter. So if you’ve got an old set of The Simpsons sheets lying around, it’s worth checking to see how much they’re worth before you get rid of them!
The Dukes of Hazzard Lunchbox
Maker: Aladdin
Original Price: $10-$20*
Worth Today: $50-$300*
Looking to make some quick cash? Check your attic for a valuable piece of ’80s and ’90s nostalgia: the Dukes of Hazzard lunchbox. These lunchboxes can sell for a pretty penny on eBay. For example, there is a 1983 Dukes lunch box and thermos, both unused, for $250. Another vintage lunchbox from 1990 is up for $300.
Generally, the price range for these lunchboxes ranges from $50 to $300, depending on the condition and whether they have been used or not. Additionally, if you’ve managed to hang onto your thermos (the one with the Confederate flag on it), that will up the sale price, too.
Vintage Postcards
Maker: Various
Original Price: $0.01-$0.05*
Worth Today: $10-$100 per lot*
If you’re a fan of both nostalgia and vintage postcards, you’re in luck, as there is a market for these cards. It doesn’t matter the era, either. Generally, these postcards are sold in lots, especially if they’re from the twentieth century.
On eBay, there is a lot of fifty-three vintage 1900s Christmas cards, including themes like Santa and angels, for $60. Lots range widely in size, date, theme, and more. The variety is good news for both collectors and sellers, as that means that both will be able to buy and offload without being unable to find a market.
Leonard Refrigerators
Maker: The Leonard Company
Original Price: $35-$170*
Worth Today: $4,800*
If you’re a collector of vintage kitchen appliances, then you might want to consider adding a Leonard refrigerator to your collection. These fridges are valuable items, with prices ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 depending on their condition and whether they can actually be used.
So why are Leonard refrigerators so valuable? Well, for one thing, the company was founded by Charles H. Leonard in the late 1800s. In 1925, the Leonard Company produced a full 20% of all refrigerators in America. That means that there’s a lot of history behind these fridges.
Mantel Clocks
Maker: Seth Thomas, Gilbert, Boston, and more
Original Price: $10-$100*
Worth Today: $50-$500*
There are a few places where the name may be printed or engraved, including near the dial’s center face, around the edge of the face, on the clock movement backplate, or on a paper or plastic label attached to the back of the clock. Rare and unique clocks, such as an antique Boston #11 clock, can sell for thousands (the Boston sold for nearly $3,000).
Mass-produced mantel clocks, judging from the price range on eBay, sell for $50-$500, depending on make, model, and whether it is actually a working clock or just a decoration.
Bottle Caps
Maker: Coke, Pepsi, and more
Original Price: $0*
Worth Today: $10-$50 per collection*
Did you know that your old bottle caps could be valuable? If you have a collection of beer, soda, or water bottle caps, you could sell them on eBay and make some extra money. Bottle cap collectors are always on the lookout for unique and rare caps, so your collection could be worth more than you think.
To get started, simply create a listing on eBay and include at least 50 caps in your lot. The more unique and rare your caps are, the higher the price you can charge. So don’t be afraid to let your collection go for a good price!
Nice Franklin Mint Plates
Maker: Franklin Mint
Original Price: $50-$200*
Worth Today: $10-$230*
The value of your Franklin Mint plates depends on what type of plate it is. Sterling silver plates are valuable items, while single collector plates, which have less-desirable designs, are worth less.
Most Franklin Mint dishes sell for less than ten, but there are a few that can reach the hundreds. For example, the Franklin Mint Presidential Plate featuring Gerald R. Ford is worth $220-$230 on Replacements.com. By contrast, a Little Rascals limited-edition plate is up for just $11.25 on eBay.
Nokia 3310
Maker: Nokia
Original Price: $160*
Worth Today: $80-$110*
Did you know that you can still get your hands on a Nokia 3310? That’s right, the classic brick phone that was introduced way back in 2000 is still available today. And believe it or not, people are actually willing to pay good money for it.
You see, the Nokia 3310 was known for being an incredibly valuable phone. It had a week-long battery life, a classic Snake game, and a resilient structure. You could throw the 3310 off a building and it wouldn’t even make a dent.
Retro Tea Chests
Maker: East India Trading Company, Salada, Van Nell, and more
Original Price: N/A
Worth Today: $50-$1,000*
If you’re a coffee drinker, you may be surprised to learn that your favorite beverage has a long and storied history. Tea chests, which are wooden cases originally used to ship tea to Australia and the UK, are a key part of that history.
These square cases were often lined with tin or lead in order to keep the tea from breaking during shipping. Today, vintage tea chests can be quite valuable – on 1stdibs.com, for example, a Van Nell Voor Koffie en Thee is on sale for $644.
Salesman Sample Calendars
Maker: Salesman Sample
Original Price: $5-$15*
Worth Today: $10-$400*
Salesman Sample Calendars from the 1950s are valuable items that can sell for $10-$50 online. However, there are some standouts that can be worth much more. For example, the NOS Salesman Sample Framed Calendar from 1956 is currently up for auction at $400.
If you have a calendar from the 1950s or earlier, or one featuring artwork from a well-known artist like Philip R. Goodwin, you could fetch a higher price.
Sex Pistols God Save The Queen Record
Maker: A&M
Original Price: $6-$7*
Worth Today: $15,880*
When the Sex Pistols released “God Save the Queen” in 1977, it was clear that they were a valuable item. The single was banned by the BBC and only a few copies from the original A&M release are still around.
One of these valuable items sold in 2019 for $15,880. The Sex Pistols were a valuable item because they were one of the most groundbreaking bands in the history of pop and punk music. They were valuable because they were entertaining and informative.
Funtastic World of Hanna Barbera Lunch Box
Maker: Hanna Barbera
Original Price: $5-$10*
Worth Today: $50-$130*
The Funtastic World of Hanna Barbera lunch box is a valuable item that was released in the 1970s. The lunch box features Hanna Barbera’s major characters in live-action costumes.
The price of the lunch box depends on its condition and where it is being sold. Generally, the lunch box is worth around $200. However, if the lunch box is in mint condition, it could be worth up to $1,000.
Thanksgiving Collectibles
Maker: Fitz & Floyd, Dennison, Enesco, and more
Original Price: $10-$30*
Worth Today: $20-$60*
Thanksgiving is one of America’s most beloved holidays, and there are plenty of collectors who are willing to pay top dollar for the right items. Vintage figurines, dishes, and postcards are all highly sought-after, and can easily fetch $20-$60 on secondhand marketplaces like eBay.
So if you’ve got any old Thanksgiving decorations hanging around, it might be time to do some digging and see what they’re worth! Who knows, you could end up cashing in on a real windfall.
Hummel Figurines
Maker: The Goebel Company
Original Price: $10-$20*
Worth Today: $20-$40*
Hummel figurines are valuable items that were first created in the 1930s. They are based on the drawings of a nun named Sister Maria Innocentia and were initially only popular in Germany and Switzerland. However, during WWII, American troops discovered them and began sending them back to the States as Christmas gifts.
This is how Hummels became popular across the ocean. Nowadays, there are many Hummel figurines up for resale. They generally resell for $20 to $40 per figurine (not in lots).
Squishmallows
Maker: Kelly Toys Holdings LLC
Original Price: $9.99*
Worth Today: $3-$50*
Squishmallows are a newer toy, but they’ve already become hugely popular. The brand has sold more than 50 million of these soft, squishy, colorful stuffed animals since 2017. And the Squishmallows hashtag on TikTok has racked up more than half a billion views!
You can find basic Squishmallows collections for as little as $3-$5. But if you’re looking for one of the rarer animals, like Jack the Black Cat or Blossom the Sheep, you could be paying $50 or more.
Vintage Christmas Ornaments
Maker: Dresden and others
Original Price: $1-$10*
Worth Today: $10-$50*
Christmas ornaments are big business. Millions are sold each year, and some even fetch high prices on the resale market. Dresden paper ornaments, for example, can go for hundreds of dollars due to their rarity and condition. Other brands of vintage ornaments typically sell for $10-$50. The most valuable ornaments are those made before 1950.
These pieces are not only rarer but also tend to be in better condition than newer items. If you’re lucky enough to own a set of vintage Christmas ornaments, you may want to consider selling them! With the right buyer, you could get a nice chunk of change for your holiday decorations.
Antique Swords
Maker: Craftsmen, blacksmiths
Original Price: Unknown
Worth Today: $100-$10 million*
What’s the most you’ve ever paid for an item? A few hundred dollars? A couple thousand? Well, for some people, those numbers are a drop in the bucket. For them, only the most valuable items will do – and they’re willing to pay top dollar to get their hands on them.
Take swords, for example. Some of the world’s most valuable swords have sold for millions of dollars. The Boateng Saber, from the 1700s, sold at auction for $7.7 million. A 1400s-era Nasrid Period Ear Dagger went for $6 million. And Napoleon Bonaparte’s sword was sold at auction for $6.5 million.
Easter Collectibles
Maker: Various
Original Price: $10-$200*
Worth Today: $10-$90*
Bunny statues are a popular choice, and you can find them in a range of prices. A pair of brown Walker Pottery bunnies are for sale on eBay for $15, while a vintage handmade bunny rabbit sculpture is up for sale for $180. Whether you’re looking for something mass-produced or one-of-a-kind, there’s sure to be a bunny statue that fits your budget.
Easter eggs are another classic collectible, and again, you can find them at a wide range of price points. A set of six blown glass eggs is currently going for $20 on Etsy, while a Faberge-style egg pendant is on sale for $90.
Disney Pins
Maker: Disney
Original Price: $5-$20 per pin*
Worth Today: $20-$300*
If you’re a Disney fan, then you know that the company produces some of the most valuable and iconic items in the world. From classic characters to new favorites, Disney has a character for everyone – and a corresponding collectible item to go along with it.
Pins are one of the most popular collectibles among Disney fans, and can be worth a lot of money depending on the design and rarity. For example, the Wishables Mystery Collection – a set of 16 pins from a Disney park – can sell for over $300 on eBay. Other less rare sets can go for anywhere from $20-$100.
Pinball Machines
Maker: Williams, Bally, Gottlieb, etc.
Original Price: $500-$2,000*
Worth Today: $800-$3,000*
Pinball machines are valuable items that can be found for sale anywhere from $800 to $3,000. The price of the machine is largely dependent on how well it works. If it has been restored and is free of any glitches, it will likely be on the higher end of the price range. Famous characters on the machine can also affect the value.
Pinball machines are a classic form of arcade entertainment that date back to the Great Depression. They provide a cheap form of entertainment that people of all ages can enjoy.
Vintage Ikea Furniture
Maker: IKEA
Original Price: $50-$500*
Worth Today: $1,000-$15,000*
Though IKEA is now known for its simple, modern designs, it’s important to remember that the company has been around since 1943. There are vintage IKEA pieces out there that can be quite valuable – some more than others.
The Ikea Rich Ake Easy Chair from the late 1960s, for example, can sell for over $10,000. Similarly, the Kroken Easy Chair with Footstool costs around $1,100. So if you come across any old IKEA furniture, it might be worth checking to see how much it’s worth on the vintage market. Who knows – you could be sitting on a goldmine!
Indian Head Pennies
Maker: U.S. Mint
Original Price: $0.01*
Worth Today: $25-$3,000*
If you’re a coin collector, then you know that the Indian Head Cent is a valuable item. But just how valuable is it? Well, that depends on the year. An 1859 Penny in Fine Condition can retail for $25, while one from 1909 in Mint Condition can go for as much as $850.
The 1873 and 1877 Indian Head Pennies are also quite valuable, selling for $1,235 and $3,000, respectively, if they’re in Uncirculated Condition.
Wrestling Toys
Maker: Hasbro and more
Original Price: $10-$15*
Worth Today: $5-$25,000*
If you’re a wrestling fan, then you know that there are some valuable items out there. Whether it’s an action figure or something else, some of these items can sell for a lot of money.
One of the most valuable wrestling items is the Jakks Limited Edition Marble Ultimate Warrior. This figure is very rare and can sell for tens of thousands of dollars. Other valuable figures include the BIG BOSS MAN 89 Black Card, Andre the Giant Black Card, and Greg Valentine Hasbro Prototype. These figures are also rare and can sell for a high price.
The Beatles Bobbleheads
Maker: Hallmark and others
Original Price: $10-$15*
Worth Today: $800-$1,000*
Did you know that some Beatles bobbleheads from the 1960s and 1970s are valuable items? If you have one of these, you could be sitting on a pretty penny. Even now, sixty years after the band’s inception, the Beatles are still a household name.
Millions and millions of fans went nuts for Ringo, George, John, and Paul, and there are certain Beatles collectibles that can net a nice price for sellers. So if you have any old Beatles memorabilia lying around, it might be worth checking to see if it’s valuable!
Original 1959 Barbie
Maker: Mattel
Original Price: $3*
Worth Today: $27,450*
If you’re a Barbie fan, then you know that the dolls are valuable items. But did you know that the original 1959 Barbie is worth a small fortune? In fact, if you can get your hands on one of these rare dolls, you could see a great return on investment.
So what makes the original Barbie so valuable? Part of it has to do with the history of the doll. Barbie was the first toy company to advertise to children, and this helped boost sales of the doll. However, Barbie also faced criticism due to lack of diversity and polarized gender roles. Today, Barbie dolls are highly collectible items. And if you have an original 1959 Barbie in pristine condition, you could be sitting on a goldmine.
1927 World Series Ticket Stub
Maker: Major League Baseball
Original Price: $1*
Worth Today: $41,825*
A ticket stub from the first ever Super Bowl is valuable enough to fetch over $40,000 from collectors. This just goes to show that it isn’t always about the item itself, but what the item represents. In reality a ticket stub is just a flimsy piece of card, but the historical connotations can’t be underestimated.
Any self-respecting sports collector would love to have this in their cabinet. So if you happen to have a ticket stub from the first Super Bowl, hang on to it – it could be worth a small fortune!
The Elvis Presley Board Game (1957)
Maker: Teen-Age Games, Inc.
Original Price: $1.50*
Worth Today: $2,150*
The Elvis Presley Game is a valuable collectible item that has continued to increase in price over the years. The game was originally created by Teen-Age Games, Inc. as a “love prediction” board game that would let players find out who loved them, who would “go steady” with them, and who would marry and elope with them.
Sadly, Elvis Presley passed away just 20 years after the game was released. His death no doubt caused the price of the game to increase at the time, but it is the rarity of the game itself that has made it continue to rise in value for collectors.
New York Yankee Bobblehead 1961-62
Maker: New York Yankees
Original Price: Unknown*
Worth Today: $59,750*
If you’ve got a valuable item, you know the importance of taking good care of it. After all, if it’s valuable now, just imagine how valuable it could be in the future. This is especially true for rare collectibles, like this particular bobblehead.
Only two of these were ever made, and they’re hand-painted with ceramic and paper-mâché. In pristine condition, they could be worth $60,000 each! However, finding one in such good shape can be difficult. Bobbleheads are often very intriguing to kids, who may not realize their value. As a result, they can end up being damaged quite easily.
1959 Pyrex Casserole Dish
Maker: Pyrex
Original Price: $15*
Worth Today: $4,000*
Vintage Pyrex dishes are valuable items, with some fetching thousands of dollars at auction. The 1959 Pyrex Casserole Dish is one of the most sought-after pieces, and Pyrex announced that it would be relaunching the design in 2018.
The Lucky in Love casserole dish is another popular vintage design, adorned with green four-leaf clovers and a pink heart garden. Given their popularity, these dishes are sure to continue increasing in value.
First Edition Boy Scout Handbook
Maker: Boy Scouts of America
Original Price: Free to Boy Scouts
Worth Today: $2,200*
For the collector who wants to always “be prepared,” the Boy Scout Handbook is a valuable item. First printed in 1908, the handbook is a descendant of Scouting for Boys, which was written by Boy Scout founder, Lieutenant General Robert Baden-Powell.
There is a current first edition of BSH for sale on ScoutStuff4Sale.com for $3,500. While not much has changed in the book since its initial print, owning a first-edition is a pretty cool bragging right.
Action Comics No.1 Comic Book
Maker: Jerry Siegel and Joe Schuster
Original Price: 10c*
Worth Today: $3.2 Million*
A copy of the first issue of Superman comic book can be worth up to $3.2 million, making it a valuable item indeed. The comic book was published in 1938 and featured Superman lifting a green car on the cover. 200,000 copies of the first issue were printed and sold out quickly. It soon became apparent that Superman was the reason for the comic’s success, and sales reached a million copies per month.
Comic books have become even more popular in recent years, thanks to the work of Disney and Sony. Even though an original issue of Superman cost just 10 cents, its value has skyrocketed over the years.
1856 1-Cent Magenta Stamp from British Guiana Stamp
Maker: British Guiana
Original Price: 1c*
Worth Today: $9.5 Million*
The 1c stamp from British Guiana is one of the most valuable items in the world. It has been sold four times, breaking the record for the highest amount paid for a single stamp each time. The last sale was for an incredible $9.5 million. Stamp collectors are willing to pay a fortune for something rare and unique.
Why are stamps so valuable? It all comes down to rarity and demand. There are only a handful of 1c stamps from British Guiana in existence, so their value is sky-high. Collectors are always on the lookout for new and interesting items to add to their collections, so the demand is always high. When there’s high demand and low supply, prices go up.
Macallan Peter Blake Whiskey 1926
Maker: Macallan
Original Price: $20,000*
Worth Today: $1.1 Million*
It’s no secret that valuable items can fetch a high price tag. But the Michael Dillon bottle is in a class all its own. Recently selling at auction for $1.52 million, this bottle holds the record for the most expensive whiskey ever sold.
So what makes this whiskey so special? For starters, it’s rare – there are only a handful of these bottles in existence. And since they’re original bottlings from the early 1900s, they’re naturally well-aged. But perhaps the biggest factor in its price tag is the fact that an artist was commissioned to design the label.
2018-19 Luka Doncic Basketball Card
Maker: Rookie Card
Original Price: $16.99*
Worth Today: $4.6 Million*
Collectible items can be valuable, and sometimes even worth more than the person who is featured on them. A recent example is the record-breaking rookie card of Luka Doncic, which sold for $4.6 million. This is an unprecedented amount for a rookie card, and it is unlikely that the record will be broken anytime soon.
Other rookie cards have also been known to sell for high prices, such as Tom Brady’s card which went for $1.32 million. These items can be almost as valuable as the player themselves – although not quite. For example, Brady is currently worth $145 million while Luka Doncic is only worth $5 million.
11.“Birds of America” by James Audubon
Maker: John James Audubon
Original Price: $126*
Worth Today: $10.27 Million*
The item in question is a book called “Birds of America” by James Audubon. The book was purchased by Carl W. Knobloch, Jr and gifted to the foundation run by his family, the Knobloch Family Foundation (KFF), which is focused on conservation. All of the money from the book will be invested in environmental causes.
It’s not very often that items like this come up as they’re so rare and unique. It’s even less common to see them auctioned off for charitable purposes, so “Birds of America” gets double points for this one. It’s unlikely James Audubon could have envisioned such great things for his work.
The Beatles’ White Album
Maker: Apple Records
Original Price: $11.28*
Worth Today: $790,000*
This record is valuable for a couple of reasons. Firstly, it was owned by Star himself and was in his personal collection. He is quoted as saying that the new owner of the record will receive it with his fingerprints on the vinyl. Secondly, the record was numbered No.0000001. Each of the records were numbered and this was the very first one ever made.
The price for this item is unknown, but considering the value of Beatles memorabilia, it is likely to be in the hundreds of thousands (if not millions) of dollars range. This particular sale is notable because it is the very first copy of an iconic album.
First Edition Where The Wild Things Are
Maker: Harper & Row
Original Price: $1.99*
Worth Today: $20,000*
If you’re a fan of Where the Wild Things Are, then you know that the book is valuable both for its content and as a collectible item. But did you know that a signed first edition of the book can sell for as much as $25,000?
That’s right – if you have a copy of Where the Wild Things Are that was signed by author Maurice Sendak, then you have a valuable item on your hands. If you’re looking to sell, then Abebooks.com is a great resource – they recently sold a signed first edition for $25,000.
Nike Air Jordan 1s
Maker: Nike
Original Price: $65*
Worth Today: $560,000*
The Air Jordan 1s are one of the most valuable items on the market today. Originals from the 1980s can sell for over half a million dollars, while retros go for around $200-$400.
Even new releases are highly sought after, making them some of the most coveted sneakers around. No matter what your budget is, owning a pair of Air Jordan 1s is sure to put a smile on your face – and everyone else’s who sees them.
First Edition G.I. Joe Action Figure
Maker: Hasbro
Original Price: $4*
Worth Today: $200,000*
G.I. Joe is one of the most iconic American toys ever created. The original action figure was released in 1964 and quickly became a hit with kids across the country. What many people don’t know is that the success of G.I. Joe was actually due in part to a decision by Hasbro to give the character a back story.
By creating a universe for G.I. Joe, Hasbro ensured that the toy would have lasting appeal. This strategy paid off, and today G.I. Joe is still hugely popular. In fact, the original first edition figure is now incredibly valuable, selling for $200,000 at auction!
McGwire’s 70th Home Run Baseball
Maker: Unknown
Original Price: $6*
Worth Today: $3 Million
The ball that was sold for $3 million in 1999 is now considered one of the most valuable items in baseball history. The price tag was a record-breaking amount at the time, and it’s still an impressive figure today. The buyer was Todd McFarlane, who famously used his entire life savings to purchase the ball. It’s safe to say that he’s a diehard fan of the sport!
Since the sale, the ball has only increased in value. It’s a true collector’s item and a reminder of how much people can love baseball. For Todd, it was definitely worth the investment. Who knows what the future holds for this valuable piece of history?
Metropolis Poster
Maker: Heinz Schulz-Neudamm
Original Price: Unknown*
Worth Today: $690,000*
This valuable item comes from the movie world, and it’s a poster. There were only four posters created for the film, one of which is in the Museum of Modern Art. Another is in a German museum, while the fourth was sold for $690,000 in 2005 to a US collector.
This makes the item quite valuable, and if you’re looking to get into the business of collecting movie memorabilia, it’s definitely something to keep an eye out for. Who knows, you might just be able to snag one of these rare posters for yourself one day.
Princess Diana Beanie Baby
Maker: Ty
Original Price: $5-$7*
Worth Today: $22,222*
When it comes to valuable items, there are a lot of different things that can come to mind. You might think of valuable pieces of art or rare coins and currency. But did you know that there are some people who believe that certain Ty beanie babies are worth a small fortune?
The question of what the Ty beanie babies are actually worth is disputed. Some say they aren’t worth more than $5-$7 while others speculate there are some valued at over $500,000. The deciding factor is allegedly the stuffing, with the first edition filled with PVC pellets, therefore, getting a higher valuation. Either way, there’s no denying that some people are willing to pay to get the rarest babies in their collection.
Stadium Events Video Game for Nintendo
Maker: Nintendo
Original Price: Unknown*
Worth Today: $41,300*
If you’re a fan of classic video games, then you know that some of them can be valuable. But what if we told you that there’s a game out there that’s worth more than any other? Stadium Events is a rare Nintendo Entertainment System game that was only produced in 1987. There were only 200 copies made, and today, there are only 10 or 11 original American versions in existence. What makes this game so valuable is its collectability and its history.
The game includes a mat that is made to exercise on while playing. It’s the predecessor to Dance Revolution and Wii, and it has become the stuff of legends in the gaming community. Stories pop up from time to time of someone finding the game in a thrift store or in their garage.
Beauty and the Beast VHS Tape
Maker: VHS
Original Price: $50*
Worth Today: $14,500*
If you have any old Disney VHS tapes lying around, you might be in for a windfall. While most people today consider them to be worthless, some of the classics can be worth a small fortune.
For example, an old copy of Beauty and the Beast recently sold for $14,500, while 101 Dalmatians went for over $25,000. So if you have any of these tapes gathering dust in your attic, it might be time to get them appraised! Of course, since VHS tapes are no longer in use, they can be tough to come by. But if you keep your eyes open, you might just find them lurking in a thrift store somewhere.
1953 Superman Lunchbox
Maker: Universal
Original Price: $2.39*
Worth Today: $13,225*
If you happen to have an old Superman lunch box from 1953, congratulations! You may be sitting on a valuable item. The Universal-made lunch box, which features Superman fighting off robots and rescuing a damsel in distress, has been known to sell for over $13,000.
So if you’re ever feeling nostalgic and decide to dig through your old things, keep an eye out for this lunch box. Who knows, you may be able to make a hefty profit off of it!
1951 Vincent Black Lightning Motorcycle
Maker: Vincent in Stevenage, England
Original Price: Unknown
Worth Today: $929,000*
The Vincent Black Lightning is the most valuable motorbike in the world, selling for an impressive $929,000 at auction. This makes it far and away the most expensive bike ever sold.
The Black Lightning was originally built by special order by Vincent in Stevenage, England. It was made for Australian racer Tony McAlpine and went on to build an impressive record of wins, including Australia’s land speed record. The second most expensive bike is just half the value of this one, making it by far the winner on all grounds.
McDonald’s “Mulan” Szechuan Sauce
Maker: McDonald’s
Original Price: free*
Worth Today: $14,700*
In the world of collecting, some things are more valuable than others. A limited edition item, for example, can fetch a high price if it’s rare or highly sought-after. Such is the case with McDonald’s “Mulan” Szechuan Sauce.
Released in 1998 as a tie-in to the Disney film of the same name, the sauce was only available for a limited time. But in 2017, when the creators of “Rick and Morty” caused a buzz online with a petition to bring back the sauce, interest in the Mulan Szechuan Sauce spiked.
Original Levi’s 501 Jeans
Maker: Levi’s
Original Price: $3*
Worth Today: $60,000*
Did you know that some Levi’s jeans can be worth a fortune? A pair of Levi’s from the late 1800s recently sold for $46,000 at an auction. Another pair from the late 1800s fetched a whopping $60,000.
If you have a pair of Levi’s that are over 100 years old, they could be worth a fortune! So before you upcycle your jeans, you may want to consider keeping them as an investment. Who knows, in 100 years they could be worth even more!
Steiff Teddy Girl
Maker: Steiff
Original Price: Unknown*
Worth Today: $171,600*
It’s not every day that a stuffed animal travels as far as the Steiff bear. This valuable teddy bear was accompanying British Army Colonel Bob Henderson to war and survived the D-Day landings in 1962. Henderson went on to found Good Bears of the World which provides teddies for sick children.
After his passing in 1990, the beloved Steiff bear sold at auction for $171,000 setting a world record for the most expensive teddy bear. It’s nice to know that teddy bears have an endless life if they’re looked after. Henderson’s story is uplifting and remarkable, which undoubtedly added to the value of this very worthy bear.
Coca-Cola Factory Error Soda Can
Maker: Coca Cola
Original Price: $1.19*
Worth Today: $250,000*
Did you know that a Coca Cola factory error could be valuable? A closed, empty can from the Coca Cola company was recently sold at auction for $250,000. That’s right – a quarter of a million dollars!
The history of Coca Cola is undeniable, and to collectors and pop culture enthusiasts alike, spending $250,000 on an old can might seem like the best way to spend a day. However, it’s difficult not to think about all of the other things you could spend a quarter-of-a-million on.
1945 Romanée-Conti
Maker: Romanée-Conti
Original Price: $1,878 *
Worth Today: $558,000*
It’s no secret that old wine can be valuable. In fact, some bottles can sell for hundreds of thousands of dollars. But what about a whole collection? Recently, 100 bottles from a single maker sold for an incredible $7.3 million.
These bottles were originally expected to sell for around $20,000 to $30,000 each, but they surpassed expectations by far. It’s a well-established fact that old wine can be a very lucrative enterprise. Celebrities and millionaires across the globe often invest in wine sellers and stock them to the hilt with expensive and rare bottles. Not only is it a sign of wealth, it’s impressive at a dinner party.
Flowing Hair Silver-Copper Dollar
Maker: US Mint
Original Price: $1*
Worth Today: $10 Million*
This coin is valuable for a number of reasons. First, it is unique – there is no other piece like it in any museum. Second, it is steeped in history, which makes it valuable to collectors. Finally, the price tag of $10 million reflects the value that Legend Numismatics, the rare-coin firm who purchased it, places on the coin.
While $10 million may seem like a lot of money for a coin, it is important to remember that this is a one-of-a-kind item with a great deal of historical significance. For collectors and investors alike, this coin represents a wise investment that is sure to pay off in the future.
Charles Lindbergh Matchbook
Maker: Lion Match Co.
Original Price: Free
Worth Today: $6,000*
The value of a matchbook cover from Lindbergh’s 1927 flight from New York to Paris has increased significantly over the years. In the 1950s, the cover was valued at $100, and today it is worth more than $6,000.
This particular matchbook is quite valuable because only 200 were made. They were given out for free to guests at a party at the Astor Hotel in New York City. If you have one of these matchbooks, you definitely have a valuable item in your collection!
Abu Dhabi License Plate Number 1
Maker: Public Authorities
Original Price: Purchased new at auction*
Worth Today: $14.3 Million*
When it comes to valuable items, few things are more sought-after than single digit number plates. In Abu Dhabi, a man paid a staggering $14.3 million for the number 1 plate – but that’s not the end of the story.
The man issued a bounced check for the purchase, and was eventually sentenced to three years in jail for fraud. The remarkable story only adds to the notoriety of the item, but something tells us the winning bidder now wishes he had never been involved at all. As we well know, the law in Abu Dhabi doesn’t mess around, so it’s surprising the punishment wasn’t harsher.
Honus Wagner Baseball Card
Maker: Factory 25
Original Price: $50*
Worth Today: $6.6 Million*
As legend has it, just 50 of these valuable cards were made before Wagner himself pulled them from production. The reason is disputed, but it’s clear that the history behind the card makes it all the more collectible and valuable.
While the history is important, details like this often make a collectible item all the more sought after. Intriguing tales can turn into higher bids that no one saw coming. So if you’re lucky enough to find one of these cards, don’t hesitate to put in a high bid!
1933 Zippo Lighter
Maker: Zippo
Original Price: $0.74*
Worth Today: $18,000*
An old Zippo lighter can be quite valuable, depending on its condition and whether or not it actually works. Zippo lighters first came out in 1933 and originally sold for less than a dollar. Nowadays, they typically cost between $10 and $14. The very first Zippo ever produced is on display at the Zippo/Case Museum.
There are a few different types of Zippos from that first production year, including Tall, Gunmetal, Brass, Chrome, and more. These collectible lighters have sold for as high as $18,000 on auction sites.
Pikachu Illustrator Pokemon Card
Maker: Nintendo
Original Price: Free
Worth Today: $54,970*
The Pikachu Illustrator card is the most valuable item in the Pokemon world. Only a few dozen of these cards were ever printed, making them incredibly rare. The card was awarded as a prize in a competition for artists who came up with the best Pokemon fan art. CoroCoro, a Japanese Magazine, hosted the contest that produced them in 1998.
Due to its rarity, the Pikachu Illustrator card is extremely valuable. In fact, it is considered to be the Holy Grail of the Pokemon world. If you are lucky enough to own one of these cards, you can expect to receive a high price for it.
Golden Lego Brick
Maker: Legoland
Original Price: Free
Worth Today: $19,793*
A 2×4 gold Lego brick recently went up for auction, fetching a price of $205. This makes it one of the most valuable items ever produced by the company. The golden brick was originally given as a prize to outstanding employees.
The one that was auctioned off was awarded to a German employee in 1971. He had improved the software used for selling Legos and was rewarded with this unique item. Thanks to its value, the golden Lego brick is now a rare collectors item.
1982 World’s Fair Edition Pez Dispenser
Maker: Haas
Original Price: $2*
Worth Today: $32,205*
If you have a Pez dispenser that resembles the one pictured above, congrats! You may have a valuable item on your hands. This Pez dispenser’s price comes from its rarity. It never was actually a mass-production Pez dispenser. It came with a white head and green stem, and the design, as you can see from the label, was originally made for the 1982 World’s Fair, which took place in Knoxville, Tennessee.
The prototype remained just that, so only a few were ever produced. The Pez dispenser would later sell on eBay in 2006, decades after the World’s Fair, for $32,205. Considering that Pez dispensers cost only a couple of dollars.
1978 Darth Vader Action Figure
Maker: Kenner
Original Price: $4.99*
Worth Today: $44,994.40*
If you’re a Star Wars fan, then you know that the valuable items associated with the franchise can be worth a lot of money. For example, the 1978 Darth Vader action figure is worth thousands of dollars because it’s a double-telescoping lightsaber.
The “Double Telescoping” refers to the lightsaber that Kenner used to include with its Darth Vader, Obi Wan Kenobi, and Luke Skywalker action figures. “Double-telescoping” has become a pretty strong indicator that an action figure is valuable. So if you have any old Star Wars toys lying around, it might be time to do some research and see if you have a valuable item on your hands!
1985 Teresa Ann Cabbage Patch Doll
Maker: Coleco Industries
Original Price: $25*
Worth Today: $2,000*
If you’re a ’80s baby, then chances are you had a Cabbage Patch Kid. These dolls were all the rage in the 1980s, and they’re still popular today. In fact, vintage Cabbage Patch Kids from 1985 are worth a lot of money now.
One example is the 1985 Teresa Ann Cabbage Patch Doll. This doll is valuable because it has a #3 head mold, as well as a soft body, green eyes, and signature on her rear. Teresa Ann comes in a pink dress. Another valuable Cabbage Patch Kid doll is Anna Greta, who was released a year later. Anna Greta also has bright red hair, so don’t get them confused!
The Great Gatsby First Edition
Maker: Charles Scribner’s
Original Price: $2*
Worth Today: $400,000*
If you’re a fan of classic literature, then you know that a first edition of The Great Gatsby is valuable. But did you know that one sold recently for thousands of dollars?
The Jones Brothers, a rare-book hub based in the UK, made headlines when it sold a first edition of the novel for a whopping price. The book was sold in the same dust jacket it had in the 1920s and, according to Jones, the “rarity, cover art, and story” led to its valuable nature. But there’s another factor that made this particular first edition even more valuable: a typo.
Black Lotus ‘Magic: The Gathering’ Card
Maker: Wizards of the Coast
Original Price: $25*
Worth Today: $87,672-$511,100*
The Black Lotus from Magic: The Gathering is one of the most valuable cards in existence, selling for hundreds of thousands of dollars to avid fans of the game. The card was originally released in 1993 as part of the Alpha set and is highly prized for its usefulness in casting powerful spells quickly.
Although there are thousands of Black Lotus cards in circulation, they remain relatively uncommon compared to other Magic cards. If you’re lucky enough to own one of these rare cards, you can expect to fetch a high price for it!
Dunes Casino Red and Blue Card Decks
Maker: Dunes Hotel
Original Price: $1-$2*
Worth Today: $1,250*
For many people, the Dunes Hotel was the epitome of Las Vegas. The hotel and casino operated from 1955 to 1993 and was known for its vibrant atmosphere and unique architecture. Among the most valuable items associated with the Dunes are the red and blue playing cards that were used in the casino every night.
These cards are now highly sought-after by collectors and can sell for thousands of dollars at auction. They are a reminder of the nostalgia associated with the Dunes and are a valuable piece of Las Vegas history.
Garbage Pail Kid Nasty Nick #1A
Maker: The Topps Company
Original Price: $9.98/pack*
Worth Today: $7,856*
Nasty Nick, the top-most card in the Garbage Pail Kids deck, is one of the rarest and most valuable items among collectors. A well-centered card can fetch thousands of dollars at auction.
The character, decked out like a vampire holding a blond-haired doll, is even rarer than Adam Bomb, Evil Eddie, and Schizo Fran. If you’re lucky enough to have one of these cards, you can consider yourself quite fortunate – and quite wealthy!
Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime Watch
Maker: Patek Philippe
Original Price: N/A (Created For Auction)
Worth Today: $31.19 million*
The Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime is widely considered to be the most valuable wristwatch in the world. Only seven examples of this watch have ever been made, and one is permanently on display at the Patek Philippe Museum in Geneva. This leaves just six examples “on the market,” each worth tens of millions of dollars.
The Grandmaster Chime is an extremely complicated watch, with 20 complications and 6 patented innovations. It took over 100,000 hours to develop, assemble, and produce just one of these watches. Patek Philippe is a world-renowned Swiss watchmaker with a long history of producing high-quality timepieces.
43.“Inverted Jenny” stamp
Maker: USPS
Original Price: $0.24*
Worth Today: $1.593 million*
The Inverted Jenny is one of the most valuable and sought-after items in philately. The stamp, which features a Curtiss JN-4 airplane printed in error upside down, is one of the most famous errors in American philatelic history.
Only one pane of 100 of the Jenny Inverts was ever found, making the stamp extremely rare and valuable. In 2007, a Jenny Invert sold for $977,500, and in 2018, another sold for an astounding $1.593 million. If you’re lucky enough to own one of these valuable stamps, you can be sure that it will fetch a high price at auction!
Mickey Mantle Baseball Card
Maker: Topps
Original Price: $1*
Worth Today: $5.22 million*
Mickey Mantle’s 1952 Topps baseball card recently sold for a record-breaking $5.22 million at PWCC Marketplace. The card was bought by Rob Gough, who said he had been searching for a high-grade example of the card for years.
This valuable item is just one example of the many valuable items that can be found on the marketplace. Whether you’re looking for a rare piece of memorabilia or a unique item to add to your collection, you’re sure to find something of interest on PWCC Marketplace. With prices like these, you won’t want to miss out!
Post Ten Variety Pack Cereal Pack
Maker: Post
Original Price: $0.20-$0.40*
Worth Today: $2,550*
If you’re a cereal lover, then the Post Ten Variety Pack Cereal Pack from 1962 is a valuable item that you’ll want to add to your collection. This unique cereal pack includes single-serving boxes of various Post cereals, all of which can be cut open and used as bowls.
The pack also comes with a cardboard tray that features three baseball cards from 1962: Willie McCovey, Rocky Bridges, and Mickey Mantle. Complete Post Ten trays are very rare and highly sought-after by collectors, so if you come across one, it’s definitely worth the price.
Apache Export, Cone Top Can
Maker: Arizona Brewing Co. (Brewer), Continental Can Co. (Can Manufacturer)
Original Price: Unknown
Worth Today: $10,000 to $30,000*
If you’re a fan of beer, you might want to start collecting cans. Believe it or not, beer can collecting is quite the prized hobby. And this Apache Export, Cone Top Can is one of only a few in existence. Currently, beer can auction sites like Breweriana have this can listed for $28,000. That’s quite a price tag for a can of beer!
The Apache Export, Cone Top Can is in A1+ condition. The brewery is Arizona Brewing Co., located in Phoenix. The can-manufacturer is Continental Can Co., which made it in the late 1930s using a low-profile cone-top design. The twelve-ounce can is considered one of can collecting’s more “desirable” cans, according to Breweriana. Most examples of this golden-orange and black can sell for $10,000 to $30,000.
1947 World Jamboree French Maitresse Boy Scout Patch
Maker: Stadri Emblems
Original Price: Free
Worth Today: $71,000*
The 1947 World Jamboree French Maitresse Boy Scout Patch is a valuable item that has sold for thousands of dollars at auction. It was awarded at no cost to Scouts who attended the 6th World Scout Jamboree in Moisson, France.
This was the first Scout Jamboree to take place after the death of Boy Scout founder Robert Baden-Powell in 1941. The Patch is rare and highly sought after by collectors.
1971 Hidden Mickey Pin
Maker: Disney
Original Price: $5.99*
Worth Today: $12,000*
Hidden Disney Pins have become quite valuable among collectors, with the “Hidden Mickey” pin being one of the most sought-after items. Named for the tiny Mickey Mouse head present on each pin, they were originally distributed to Cast Members working at Disney parks. The only way to obtain a Hidden Mickey pin was to trade another Cast Member for one.
Twice a year, Cast Members would receive several sets of Hidden Mickey pins, and could trade them as they pleased. The first Hidden Mickey (and therefore the most valuable) can be traced back to 1971 when Disney Imagineers were designing Epcot. Today, these pins can fetch quite a high price on the secondary market!
1894-S Barber Coin
Maker: U.S. Mint
Original Price: $0.10*
Worth Today: $1.99 million*
The 1894-S Barber Coin is valuable item, with some examples selling for nearly $2 million. The coin’s rarity has caused it to be sold for thousands of times its original value of just ten cents. The S-Barber was produced in 1894 as part of the U.S. Barber coinage.
It has gone on to rival the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel and 1804 Dollar as one of the highest-prized collectors’ coins. Only twenty-four of these dimes were ever minted, and, of that number, just nine have survived. All are proof coins, and seven are heavily-worn. In 2005, one sold for $1.3 million.
Loveless Delaware Maid Knife
Maker: Bob Loveless Utility
Original Price: $28*
Worth Today: $20,500*
If you’re a fan of Bob Loveless knives, then you know that the Delaware Maid is one of his most valuable and sought-after designs. This knife was originally created for Abercrombie & Fitch Co., and it features a satin-finished drop blade with a false edge. The hidden tang construction, brass butt and guard, red/white/blue spacers, and stacked leather grip all contribute to the knife’s value and collectability.
If you’re lucky enough to own one of these knives, you can expect to pay a pretty penny for it. In fact, Loveless Delaware Maid knives often sell for significantly more than their
original retail price – especially if they come with the original zippered case.
1986 American Girl Doll Samantha
Maker: American Girl
Original Price: $89*
Worth Today: $4,200*
Samantha Parkington is a valuable item for any American Girl fan. She was released in 1986 as part of the first Historical Characters from American Girl Co. Samantha was archived in May of 2009 after selling out just a few months before. She got a re-release in 2014 with BeForever.
Parkington’s face is designed in the classic mold. She has light skin, dark brown, wavy hair, and decal brown eyes that differ from the standard brown you find on most brown-eyed dolls. The only other American Girl with decal brown eyes in Ivy Ling.
Masters of the Universe Eternia Playset
Maker: Mattel
Original Price: $19.99*
Worth Today: $9,999*
If you’re a fan of Masters of the Universe, then you know that anything related to the franchise is valuable. That includes the toys, which can sell for top dollar on auction sites.
The Eternia Playset is no exception – it’s a highly sought-after item that can fetch a high price. If you’re lucky enough to own one, you could be sitting on a veritable goldmine. So don’t let it gathering dust in your attic – get it out and put it up for sale!
Xero – Xero Cassette Tape (1997)
Maker: Xero (Now Called Linkin Park)
Original Price: $7-$9*
Worth Today: $4,500*
If you’re a Linkin Park fan, you might not know that the band was originally called Xero. Their self-titled debut demo tape was recorded in 1996 and 1997 and released in November of 1997. The cassette tape is twelve minutes, thirty-six seconds long.
Produced by Mike Shinoda, Xero was influenced by what the band was “currently listening to.” Shinoda said that all the vocals were recorded using a Shure SM58 microphone. Though Xero was a bust when it released, Linkin Park took off in 2000, which upped Xero’s value. Today, the valuable item can be yours for the right price.
David Bowie’s 1974 Diamond Dogs Vinyl
Maker: RCA Victor
Original Price: $6.50*
Worth Today: $3,550*
Diamond Dogs is one of the most valuable albums in the world, selling for $3,550 on eBay. The unique cover art is what makes this edition so rare and valuable. Only ten copies of the album were printed with this artwork, making it a highly sought-after item.
If you’re lucky enough to own one of these valuable records, you can be sure that you’ve got a real treasure on your hands.
1992 Polly Pocket Partytime Stampers
Maker: Bluebird Toys
Original Price: $9.99*
Worth Today: $5,000*
If you’re lucky enough to own a vintage Polly Pocket toy from the early 1990s, you could be sitting on a valuable item. The Partytime Stampers compact, in particular, is worth up to $5,000 on the market.
Released in 1992, the pink, heart-shaped compact had two levels when opened: a bedroom and house with a gift, and a garden with a party table set. It’s this unique feature that has made it such a valuable collector’s item over the years.
Cosden Liquid Gas Horsepower Plus Special Sign
Maker: Cosden Oil & Gas Company
Original Price: $200*
Worth Today: $21,600*
Cosden Oil & Gas Company signs are valuable pieces of Oklahoma history. The largest of the signs, measuring six feet, can sell for tens of thousands of dollars as home décor.
Josh Cosden, the founder of Cosden Oil & Gas Company, was a fascinating figure. He was born in 1881 and during his lifetime, he earned and wasted two fortunes. He started as a sales clerk and moved to Oklahoma to start a life in the oil industry. Somehow, this gamble worked. When he lost his oil fortune in 1925, he gained it back by investing in oil fields in West Texas.
1963 Ferrari 250 GTO
Maker: Ferrari
Original Price: $18,000*
Worth Today: $70 million*
It’s no secret that Ferraris are valuable cars. But the 1963 Ferrari 250 GTO takes that notion to a whole new level. This particular model of the GTO set the record in June 2018 for the most expensive car ever sold at auction, going for an impressive $70 million.
The GTO has been sought-after by collectors for some time now, and it’s not hard to see why. When it was first released, this model cost $18,000 – quite a lot of money back then. And if you wanted to get your hands on one of these gems, you needed the personal approval of Enzo Ferrari himself. No small feat!
Amazing Fantasy #15 Comic Book
Maker: Marvel Comics
Original Price: $0.05*
Worth Today: $1.1 Million*
If you’re a comic book fan, then you know that some comics are worth a lot of money. Amazing Fantasy #15 is one of those comics. It’s the most famous comic book of all time, and it’s worth millions if it’s in mint condition.
The problem is, original copies of the comic are hard to find. Decades have passed, and the paper that the comic was printed on isn’t meant to last that long. So if you want to get your hands on a copy of Amazing Fantasy #15, be prepared to shell out a lot of money.
Playboy V1 #1 (Marilyn Monroe) Mint Condition
Maker: Playboy
Original Price: $0.50*
Worth Today: Up to $635,000*
Playboy magazine is valuable for many reasons, but one of the most important is its history. The first issue of Playboy, released in December 1953, featured the iconic Marilyn Monroe on the cover. This issue has become a valuable item, worth thousands of dollars in mint condition.
Monroe and Playboy had a complicated relationship. The beautiful starlet helped launch Hugh Hefner’s career, and he became obsessed with her. The two never actually met in person, but Hefner paid $60,000 to be buried in a crypt next to her. Monroe never posed exclusively for Playboy, but her image was often used in the magazine.
Antique Tintype Photo – Billy The Kid
Maker: Unknown
Original Price: Unknown
Worth Today: $10,000,000*
If you have a tintype in your possession, it could be valuable. Tintypes were created by coating a sheet of metal with dark enamel and then taking a picture. This process was invented in 1856, and since then, tintypes have become valuable items. Depending on who is featured in the tintype, it could be worth millions of dollars.
For example, a tintype featuring Billy the Kid is worth millions. Billy the Kid was a famous gunfighter who was killed at age 21 by Sheriff Pat Garrett. If you have a tintype of Billy the Kid, it could be worth a lot of money.
Mego Elastic Batman
Maker: Mego Elastic
Original Price: $20*
Worth Today: $15,000*
One of the most valuable Mego Elastic figures is Batman, which can be worth up to $15,000 in unused condition. These toys are so valuable because they are quite rare; Mego only produced a handful of them before being sued by Kenner for allegedly stealing their idea. The rarity of these toys makes them highly sought-after by collectors.
If you’re lucky enough to own one of these valuable Mego Elastic figures, be sure to take good care of it! With proper care, your figure could be worth a fortune someday.
1934 Lionel Standard Gauge Model Train Set
Maker: Lionel Corporation
Original Price: $5*
Worth Today: $250,000*
If you’re a fan of trains, then you know that Lionel Corporation trains are some of the most valuable out there. The Standard Gauge is an early type of toy train that Lionel invented in 1906, and these pieces can fetch a pretty penny at auction.
The Standard Gauge was created on accident, according to some reports. Lionel was misreading the Marklin European Gauge 2 instructions when they created the triple-rail track for the Standard Gauge train. These trains were only produced from 1906-1934, which makes them quite rare. In fact, it’s estimated that only 500 of these trains still exist today.
1984 Hasbro Optimus Prime series 1 Transformer
Maker: Hasbro
Original Price: $10-$20*
Worth Today: $9,500*
When it comes to valuable items from our childhood, few things can compare to the original 1984 Hasbro Optimus Prime Transformer. This iconic toy was released alongside the beginning of the animated TV series, The Transformers, and quickly became a fan-favorite character.
Today, mint condition originals can sell for thousands of dollars – making them a valuable collector’s item. If you’re lucky enough to own one of these rare toys, be sure to keep it in a protective case – as this will help maintain its value. Thanks for reading and happy collecting!
1972 Blythe Doll
Maker: Kenner
Original Price: $4.50*
Worth Today: $2,000*
Blythe Dolls have been around for over 40 years, and they’re still just as popular as ever. These valuable dolls were originally created by Kenner, and they’re highly sought-after by collectors. The original Blythe Dolls are worth the most money, since they were only produced for one year.
There are four different hair colors and twelve different outfits for the original dolls, making them even more valuable. If you’re lucky enough to own one of these valuable items, you can expect to get a good price for it.
1983 Care Bears Cousins Pink Monkey
Maker: Kenner, Parker Brothers
Original Price: $20*
Worth Today: $10,000*
If you’re a serious Care Bear collector, then you know that the 1983 Cousins Pink Monkey is one of the most valuable and sought-after items from the entire Care Bear family.
The “Cousins” collection added new faces to the Care Bear lineup, including a horse, cat, dog, lamb, pig, elephant, racoon, and of course, a pink monkey. The 1983 prototype is by far the most valuable, with collectors’ sites asking for as much as $10,000 for it.
My Little Pony Princess Rapunzel
Maker: Hasbro
Original Price: $8.95*
Worth Today: $2,000*
Did you know that the toys from the Rapunzel and My Little Pony crossover episode are now worth thousands of dollars? Rapunzel, the rarest My Little Pony in America, is a valuable item that cost $8.95 and came with two Horseshoe Points.
The pink pony’s symbol is Rapunzel standing in a castle tower. The first-generation Rapunzel has hair that is double the length of the hair on regular, non-special-edition My Little Pony dolls. Today, Rapunzel is a valuable collector’s item, with some ponies selling for as much as $5,000! So if you have a Rapunzel pony from that era, be sure to hold onto it.
Classic Fisher Price Coins
Maker: Fisher Price
Original Price: $19.99* (Coins Included)
Worth Today: $777.77*
If you have a Fisher Price coin from the 1970s, you may be sitting on a valuable item. The coins were originally part of the Fisher Price cash register toy, which was a huge hit in the 1970s.
These days, the coins are worth hundreds of dollars each, thanks to the nostalgia surrounding the retro toy. So if you have one of these coins, be sure to hang onto it!
First Edition Harry Potter Set
Maker: Scholastic Press
Original Price: $39.99*
Worth Today: $56,000*
Harry Potter is one of the most valuable franchises of all time, and First-Edition box sets of the books are worth thousands of dollars. Just 500 of the original 1997 editions were published, making them a Holy Grail among Potter collectors.
The first box set of Harry Potter books was released on October 1, 2007 and included all seven titles from the series. These box sets could be worth $40,000-$56,000 today. In fact, a rare Harry Potter & The Philosopher’s Stone book that had printing errors sold for $60,000.
Sports Illustrated Nov. 29, 1963 (Roger Staubach)
Maker: Meredith Corporation
Original Price: $0.35*
Worth Today: Up to $1,800*
Roger Staubach is one of the most valuable commodities in the NFL. His rookie card from the 1963 season is worth upwards of $5,000, and a first edition of Sports Illustrated from November 29, 1963 featuring Staubach on the cover is worth a whopping $15,000.
That’s because Staubach was originally supposed to be on the front cover of LIFE magazine instead, but the Kennedy assassination occurred just days before that issue was set to go to print. Needless to say, those first editions of SI are now collector’s items. So if you happen to have one sitting around, it might be time to cash in.
1943 Copper Penny
Maker: U.S. Mint
Original Price: $0.01*
Worth Today: $60,000 – $200,000+*
If you have a steel penny from 1943, it’s not worth much – just a few dollars. But if you have a copper penny from that year, it could be worth up to $200,000!
Only forty of these coins were made, and they are extremely rare. The reason for this is that during WWII, copper was needed for the war effort. So when someone mistakenly put the wrong blanks into the press hopper, a small number of copper pennies were minted by mistake. You can determine if you have one of these valuable coins by testing it with a magnet. If it’s made of steel, the magnet will stick to it.
Super Mario Bros. Test Launch Game
Maker: Nintendo
Original Price: $24.99*
Worth Today: $140,000*
It’s no secret that video games can be valuable. But just how valuable? A recent auction saw a copy of Super Mario Bros. sell for a whopping $140,000. The cartridge, which is from the 1985 test launch of the game, is thought to be the only one in existence in such pristine condition. It’s easily identifiable by its sticker seal, which is still intact.
Nintendo sold 40 million copies of Super Mario Bros., but only a few thousand were part of the test launch. The lucky few who got their hands on these cartridges early on clearly had no idea they would one day be worth so much money!
1969 Volkswagen Beach Bomb Hot Wheels
Maker: Mattel
Original Price: $0.98*
Worth Today: $72,000+*
The 1969 Volkswagen Beach Bomb is one of the rarest and most valuable Hot Wheels cars. Only 144 prototypes were made, and only 50 are known to exist today.
The Beach Bomb is so valuable because it is so rare. collector Bruce Pascal believes that there are only two Beach Bombs left in existence, which makes it even more valuable than the estimated fifty-count. The pink VW Hot Wheels car can easily fetch at least $72,000.
1961 Matchbox No. 30
Maker: Mattel
Original Price: $1*
Worth Today: $13,000*
Although Matchbox cars are typically quite valuable, the 1961 Matchbox No. 30 is especially valuable, with some versions selling for as much as $10,000. The No. 30 is a Lesney Crane Truck, and there are a total of 27 different versions of the car.
The rarest version of the No. 30 is the one with a red crane and light brown body, which is particularly hard to find. If you’re lucky enough to come across one of these valuable cars, you could be in for a nice payoff!
Back to the Future’ Nike Air Mags
Maker: Nike
Original Price: $2,300-$9,959*
Worth Today: $92,100*
The Nike MAG is one of the most valuable items you can own. It’s an exact replica of the shoes worn in the second Back to the Future movie, and it was only released in limited quantities.
The original price was in the thousands, and all proceeds from the sale were donated to The Michael J. Fox Foundation. If you’re lucky enough to own a pair of Nike MAGs, you should cherish them because they’re truly unique and valuable items.
Babe Ruth Figurine
Maker: McFarlane
Original Price: $0.10-$0.50*
Worth Today: $13,600*
Babe Ruth is one of the most valuable items in the McFarlane collection. The figure sold at auction for $13,600. The blue hat makes this figure even more valuable.
The big-seller at auction is the rare McFarlane figure where Babe Ruth is wearing a blue hat. McFarlane figures are valuable because they are so well made and detailed. The company uses high-quality materials to make their products, which makes them worth a lot of money.
1944 Ikea Clam Chair
Maker: Ikea
Original Price: $50*
Worth Today: $64,000*
If you’re a fan of vintage furniture, then you’ll be interested to know that one of the most valuable items you can find is the Clam Chair. Designed by Danish architect Philip Arctander in 1944, the Clam Chair was first produced by Ikea in 1954.
Today, these chairs are highly sought-after by collectors and can sell for upwards of $64,000. So if you come across one of these beauties, be sure to snap it up!
1966 Shea Stadium Beatles Concert Poster
Maker: Singer Shop Record Dept.
Original Price: $0.05*
Worth Today: $137,000*
The Beatles are one of the most valuable bands in history, and even small pieces of memorabilia from their era can be worth a lot of money. A 1966 Shea Stadium Beatles Concert Poster set a world record when it sold for $135,700 at Heritage Auctions’ Entertainment Auction. The entire auction boasted $1.68 million, and the poster achieved a world record for the most expensive poster to ever be sold at a public auction. The poster’s sale more than doubled pre-auction estimates. Heritage Auctions described the poster as one of the “holy grails” for Beatles collectors.
RCA Victor Radios
Maker: RCA
Original Price: $*
Worth Today: Up to $4,000*
Though now, the technology seems practically primitive, it was cutting-edge at the time. The Radiola, which debuted in 1922, is one of the more valuable RCA brands when it comes to vintage re-selling. A mint condition Radio could go for as high as $4,000 USD.
RCA was responsible for tons of innovations in radio tech, and it made every radio imaginable. Whether you were looking for a military radio or radiotelephone, RCA could make it. What once was seen as outdated and useless technology is now being sought out by Vintage collectors worldwide.
Persian Rug
Maker: Unknown
Original Price: $1,500*
Worth Today: $33.76 Million*
When it comes to valuable items, few places are as well-known as Sotheby’s. The auction house has a long history of selling rare and beautiful collectibles, and is often the first choice for anyone looking to sell something valuable.
In June of 2013, Sotheby’s made headlines when a rare Persian rug sold for an astounding $33.76 million, setting a new world record. The rug in question was a hand-knotted, Clark-Sickle-Leaf carpet from the seventeenth century with a dark blue and red border. Mary Jo Otsea, the auctioneer, described the carpet as “extraordinary and wonderful,” and said that it “deserved” its high price tag.
Robby the Robot Movie Prop
Maker: MGM Studios
Original Price: $1.21 million*
Worth Today: $5.375 Million*
Robby the Robot is an iconic piece of movie history, and a valuable item in its own right. The robot was created for the 1956 Forbidden Planet, and it was made for $125,000 ($1.2 million in today’s money). However, on re-sale, it would far eclipse that original price.
Robby the Robot was auctioned off for over $5 million, making a fitting end to his successful Hollywood career. Bonhams, the auction house that sold it, confirmed that number was a record for a movie prop. In Forbidden Planet, a group of astronauts travels to a distant planet to find out the fate of another group sent there years earlier.
1931 Dracula Poster
Maker: Universal Studios
Original Price: $0.05*
Worth Today: $525,800*
If you’re a fan of classic horror movies, then you know all about Dracula. The 1931 movie, starring Bela Lugosi in the title role, is one of the most famous films of all time. It’s also valuable – a 1931 movie poster advertising the film sold for $525,800 at an auction house in Dallas, Texas.
That’s a lot of money for a piece of memorabilia, but it just goes to show how valuable these items can be. So if you’ve got any vintage posters, you might want to think about selling them! Who knows – you could make a pretty penny.
Breyer Model Horse
Maker: Breyer Horses
Original Price: $300-$600*
Worth Today: $22,000*
One of the most valuable Breyer Horses is the “Alborozo” model. The mold debuted in 2008 at BreyerFest, a Breyer Horses convention, as an exclusive, limited-edition mold. After the 2008 introduction, Breyer destroyed the Alborozo’s mold so that it could never be repeated.
When the sculpture went up at auction, one BreyerFest attendee said that the atmosphere felt “electric.” The bidding for the sculpture was very intense, but the final number settled at $22,000.
Nintendo PlayStation Prototype
Maker: Nintendo, Sony
Original Price: N/A (Never Sold)
Worth Today: $360,000*
The Nintendo PlayStation Prototype is valuable for a number of reasons. First, it’s one of only 200 that were made – the other 199 were destroyed after the partnership between Nintendo and Sony went downhill. Second, it’s an important part of gaming history, as it was supposed to be an add-on for the SNES. Third, it sold for $360,000 at auction, which shows its worth.
Despite its value, the Nintendo PlayStation Prototype is not without its problems. First, it was never released, so gamers never got to experience it. Second, it’s now a collectors item, so only a few people will ever get to enjoy it. Third, its high price tag means that only wealthy gamers will be able to afford it.
First Edition Julia Child’s ‘Mastering the Art of French Cooking’
Maker: Knopf
Original Price: $2-$5*
Worth Today:$2,000 and up*
If you’re lucky enough to own a copy of Julia Child’s Mastering the Art of French Cooking, then you have a valuable item indeed. First published in 1961, this cookbook was one of Childs’ most successful and it paved the way for her iconic TV show, The French Chef. As the first edition from 1961, it is now a piece of culinary history and mint condition copies can fetch upwards of $2,000.
Published by Knopf, one historian has said that Art did more to shape gourmet dining in the past fifty years than any other single event. So if you’ve got a copy lying around, it might be time to dust it off and see what it’s worth!
Suffrage Banner
Maker: Women’s Social & Political Union
Original Price: $0.05-$0.10*
Worth Today: $27,849.00*
A piece of suffragette memorabilia recently sold for tens of thousands at auction, highlighting the increasing value of such items. Suffragette memorabilia can vary in price depending on factors like condition, scarcity, and whether any notable figures have signed it.
The suffragette movement was a twentieth-century political effort to secure voting rights for white women. The most valuable suffragette memorabilia comes from the era of the Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU), the first organized group dedicated to the cause.
1972 Super Bowl Tickets
Maker: National Football League
Original Price: $94.38*
Worth Today: $3,500+*
Super Bowl tickets have become valuable items, with some old tickets from the 1972 game selling for over $3,500 at auction. The cost of a 30-second commercial during that game was just $86,600, but now the cost of a half-minute spot is $5 million.
Tickets for the 1972 game cost just $15, but now they start in the $5,000 range. Prices are still rising, so owning a piece of Super Bowl history is becoming more and more valuable.
Thomas Carver Carved Decoy Duck
Maker: Thomas Carver
Original Price: $2,500*
Worth Today: $270,000*
A decoy duck is a valuable item that people use to attract real ducks. Historically, these ducks were made from Atlantic white cedarwood, which can be found in the eastern coast of the U.S., starting in Maine and ending in South Carolina. Some early ducks were made of cork.
This decoy duck, made by Thomas Carver, broke a record when it sold for $270,000. Copley Fine Art Auctions brokered the sale, which was the highest price for a decoy duck. Other decoys also sold for big money at the Copley venue.
Chippendale-Style Kentucky Desk
Maker: Unknown
Original Price: Unknown
Worth Today: $498,750*
Thomas Chippendale furniture is valuable because it is stylish and well-made. The most identifying features of Chippendale furniture are the legs and feet, which are usually finished in a cabriole style. Chippendale furniture often sells for thousands of dollars at auction, even if it is just Chippendale-style, not authentic.
This Kentucky desk, which sold for just under half a million dollars, is a prime example of the value of Chippendale furniture. The desk was carved for Captain John Cowan and is considered to be one of the finest examples of Kentucky furniture.
Limited Edition Hermes Birkin Bag
Maker: Christian Astuguevieille for Hermes
Original Price: $60,000*
Worth Today: $125,000*
The Hermes Birkin Bag is one of the most valuable handbags in the world. This limited-edition bag sold for $125,000 at auction, making it the priciest Kelly Bag ever sold. The Birkin is made of crocodile and black Togo leather, with five red crocodile feet.
Christian Astuguevieille designed this bag for Hermes’ Petit H collection. When it first came out, the bag sold for $60,000. Now, the limited-edition bag is worth more than double that price. If you’re lucky enough to own one of these bags, you’re sure to have a valuable item in your collection.
Hubley Cast-Iron Giraffe Doorstop
Maker: Hubley Toy
Original Price: $100-$125*
Worth Today: $11,000*
Hubley Manufacturing Company has been in business since 1894, and is known for its carved iron toys, bookends, and doorstops. The company also manufactures zinc alloy and plastic toys, which can be quite valuable on the vintage toy market.
One particularly valuable piece is the Hubley Cast-Iron Giraffe Doorstop, which sold for $11,000 at auction. This doorstop is quite rare and therefore highly sought after by collectors. It is also a very well-made item, which adds to its value.
Old Woman in the Shoebank Mechanical Bank
Maker: W.S. Reed Co.
Original Price: $2,000*
Worth Today: $426,000 in 1998*
This Old Woman in the Shoebank Mechanical Bank is one of the most valuable items you can find. It’s one of just two examples in existence, which explains why it sold for so much money. The second example sold for $230,000. The cast-iron mechanical bank was around $2,000 when it was first released.
The bank’s design was based on an old nursery rhyme, according to W.S. Reed Co. You place a coin onto a boy’s outstretched hand. Press the lever, and the old woman raises a stick as the boy puts the coin into the bank. Bertoia Auctions was the record-holding auctioneer of this bank.
Upside-Down Ball Mason Jars
Maker: Ball & Kerr
Original Price: $0.80*
Worth Today: $1,000*
If you’re a fan of Ball Mason jars, you might want to check your collection – one of these rare upside-down jars could be worth thousands of dollars. The Upside-Down Ball Mason Jar is the result of an error in the molding process, with the logo and name stamped upside-down.
Only a dozen of these jars are known to exist, making them valuable collectors’ items. These jars were made between 1900 and 1910, and were designed so that they could rest on their lids without toppling over.
1959 Les Paul Guitar
Maker: Gibson
Original Price: $300*
Worth Today: $2,000,000*
The 1959 Gibson Les Paul is often referred to as the “Holy Grail” of guitars, and it’s not hard to see why. These valuable instruments are some of the most sought-after in the world, with a base price estimate of $500,000. What makes them so special? Well, for starters, they were the first Les Pauls to feature what would become the classic Gibson formula: a mahogany body with a maple cap, burst finish, PAF Humbuckers, and tune-o-matic tailpiece.
This combination of features helped give the Les Paul its signature sound – and made it one of the most valuable guitars on the market today.
Boba Fett Action Figure
Maker: Kenner
Original Price: $5*
Worth Today: $32,000*
An original and mint condition Boba Fett action figure can sell for up to $32,000. That’s because people are willing to pay big money for anything associated with the billion-dollar Star Wars franchise.
Another valuable item is an unpainted Boba Fett prototype action figure. This figure was never released commercially, but it’s still valuable because it’s a rare piece of Star Wars history. The figure can sell for tens of thousands of dollars.
Norris Jointer Plane
Maker: Thomas Norris
Original Price: $60-$70*
Worth Today: $12,250*
The Norris Jointer Plane is one of the most valuable hand planes in existence. Designed by Thomas Norris, an English plane-maker known for working with exotic woods, few of his planes made it through WWII. The ones that do remain are highly sought-after collectors’ items, both for their scarcity and utilitarian value.
A jointer plane is used in woodworking to straighten board edges, and the Norris Jointer Plane is considered the best of the best.
Original Superman Action Figure
Maker: Novelty & Toys Co.
Original Price: $1*
Worth Today: $25,000*
While today’s Superman action figures might be sleeker and more popular than ever, there’s one original figure that still managed to fetch a hefty price at auction. The 1939 wood and composition jointed figure is believed to be the first Superman toy ever made, and it recently sold for $25,000 at auction.
Pawn Stars fans will recognize the valuable item, as it was featured on an episode of the show back in 2012. Despite its age, the figure remains a valuable piece for Superman fans and collectors alike.
Beatles Sgt. Pepper’s ‘Lonely Hearts Club’ Vinyl Record
Maker: UK Parlophone
Original Price: $8-$12* (New)
Worth Today: $290,500*
If you’re a Beatles fan, then you know that Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band is one of the most valuable records out there. And if you’re lucky enough to have a copy that’s signed by all four Beatles, then you’ve got yourself a real treasure.
Such was the case for one anonymous buyer from the Midwest, who recently paid $290,500 for a rare copy of the record at auction. That’s far more than the $30,000 estimate that was placed on the item, but considering its provenance, it’s not surprising that it went for such a high price.
Apple I Computer
Maker: Steve Wozniak for Apple
Original Price: $2,995*
Worth Today: $200,000*
With a price tag of $175,000 to $475,000, the Apple I computer is one of the most valuable items on the market today. The high price is due to the nostalgia factor and the fact that only a handful of these computers were ever made. The ones that sell for the most come with the original instruction manuals and built-in keyboards.
The Apple I was released in April of 1976 and discontinued a year and a half later when the Apple II came out. It was hand-built and designed by Steve Wozniak, and Steve Jobs helped him sell it. The computer originally cost $666.66 (the equivalent of $2,995 in today’s money).
99.“Adam Bomb” Garbage Pail Kids’ Card
Maker: Topps
Original Price: $8* per pack
Worth Today: $3,000*
Nasty Nick may be the priciest Garbage Pail Kids card around, but close behind him is Adam Bomb. The 1985 #6a Adam Bomb is worth a whopping $3,000 in mint condition today. Made by Topps, the Cabbage Patch parody was one of several sticker trading cards that depicted evil child-like characters.
Adam Bomb depicted a little boy in a blue suit with his head exploding as he pressed a button—no doubt a play on the deadly power of the Atom Bomb. One auction house even blamed “runaway ’80s nostalgia” for the high auction price of these cards.
Original Monopoly Game
Maker: Lizzie Magie (now Hasbro)
Original Price: $5-$10*
Worth Today: $146,500*
A rare piece of Monopoly history recently sold at auction for $146,500. The oil cloth, which is hand-drawn with the game board, was owned by Charles Darrow, who is often credited with inventing the game.
However, the true inventor was Lizzie Magie, an economist who created the game to illustrate the bad consequences of land monopolies. While Darrow did steal Magie’s idea, the valuable item still managed to fetch a high price at auction.
Alex DeLarge Clockwork Orange Funko Pop
Maker: Funko
Original Price: $11*
Worth Today: $1,000-$13,300*
If you’re a collector, then you know that Funko Pops can be valuable items. Some of the rarer editions can sell for thousands of dollars. But what makes a Funko Pop valuable? There are a few factors that affect the value of a Funko Pop. The most important factor is the edition size.
The smaller the edition size, the more valuable the Pop will be. For example, a Pop that was only produced in 500 pieces will be worth more than one that was produced in 5,000 pieces.
102.“Time is the Most Valuable Asset (TITMVA)” NFT
Maker: aida
Original Price: $69,346,251*
Worth Today: $69,346,251*
NFTs are valuable because they’re digital art that can be bought and sold like any other item. The price of an NFT can vary depending on the artwork, but some have sold for millions of dollars. Time is the Most Valuable Asset, or TITMVA, is one such artwork.
It’s a digital clock that lasts only 73.4 years before starting over again. The clock is meant to represent the fleeting nature of life, and sections of it fill in with color for each decade. There’s also a central “heart” that beats. You can buy and sell TITMVA like you would any other NFT, and its value will depend on the market at the time.
Women’s Suffrage Memorabilia
Maker: NAWSA, AWSA
Original Price: Under $1*
Worth Today: Up to $1,000*
It’s no secret that women’s suffrage memorabilia is valuable. Items produced during the movement’s most active years (1890-1917) are highly sought-after by collectors and can fetch a pretty penny. One of the most valuable pieces of women’s suffrage memorabilia is a sash worn by Susan B. Anthony. Sashes were worn by suffragettes as a sign of solidarity and to identify themselves as members of the movement.
This particular sash, which is made of purple silk and measures about 3 feet long, was worn by Anthony during a suffrage parade in Washington D.C. in 1913. It is currently on display at the Smithsonian Institution and is valued at over $10,000.
Vintage He-Man Figure
Maker: Mattel, Hasbro
Original Price: $5-$20*
Worth Today: $50-$500*
When it comes to valuable toys from the 1980s, the “Big Three” are He-Man, G.I. Joe, and Transformers. These vintage toys can fetch a pretty penny on the market today, with some figures selling for $50-$500.
For example, a first-year Optimus Prime figure can resell for $300, while a boxed vehicle like the G.I. Joe Dreadnok Thunder Machine can net $200. Boxed versions of these action figures are always going to be the best-sellers, as the in-box characteristic indicates that these figures are of a high quality.
George Stubbs Horse Painting
Maker: Oil Painters
Original Price: $100-$1,000*
Worth Today: $36 Million*
Equestrian art may not be as popular as it once was, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t valuable. In fact, some equestrian paintings can fetch a pretty penny at auction. If you’re lucky enough to own one of these pieces of art, you could be sitting on a real treasure.
So, what makes an equestrian painting valuable? Generally speaking, the larger and more ornate the painting, the higher its value will be. This is because such paintings were typically commissioned by wealthy individuals and families who could afford to pay for the best quality artwork.
Midcentury Barware
Maker: Culver, Libbey, Federal Glass, Hazel-Atlas
Original Price: $15*
Worth Today: $1,500*
After World War II, barware from companies like Federal Glass, Hazel-Atlas, Libbey, and Culver became valuable items. These companies profited from the sale of glitzy gold barware and graphics that contributed to the laid-back feel of the era.
Mid-century barware can be worth up to $1,500 if it is in good condition. Cocktails from this era occasionally come back into style, so if you have any vintage barware, it could be worth holding onto.
1966 Vintage Motorized Train Lego
Maker: LEGO
Original Price: $16.99*
Worth Today: $10,000*
The Vintage Motorized Train Lego 113-2 set was released in 1966 and quickly became a favorite among Lego fans. Today, it is considered a rare collectors item, with mint condition sets selling for thousands of dollars.
The 113-2 is so valuable because it is relatively rare. Collector sites like Brick Economy admit they haven’t seen one for sale in “over six months.” This scarcity drives up the price, making the 113-2 an excellent investment for anyone lucky enough to own one.
Federal Style Bull’s Eye Mirror
Maker: European/Great Britain Manufacturers
Original Price: Unlisted
Worth Today: $10,000*
Federal Style Bull’s Eye Mirrors are valuable items that have been symbols of wealth and power for centuries. The Federal Era took place from 1776-1806, and these mirrors were known as “Girandole” mirrors during this time.
They were made of hardwood overlaid by bronze gilt and gold leaf, and some of them even resembled portholes on ships. The imported woods that were used to make these mirrors, such as ebony, made them even more expensive. A mirror like this in prime condition could be worth a fortune today.
King Eider Duck Decoy
Maker: Guyette & Deeter (Auction House)
Original Price: $10-$30*
Worth Today: $650,000*
Duck decoys are valuable collectibles that can sell for hundreds of thousands of dollars. Guyette & Deeter is one of the leading auction houses for these items, and they have seen a surge in popularity in recent years.
One of the most valuable duck decoys ever sold was an Obediah Verity decoy, which went for $325,000 at auction. This just goes to show how much people are willing to pay for these unique items.
Baseball Cards
Maker: American Tobacco
Original Price: $0.10*
Worth Today: $6.6 million*
Baseball cards can be valuable items. The price of a baseball card can be based on its rarity and condition. For example, a Honus Wagner baseball card from American Tobacco sold at auction for $6.6 million in 2021.
There were only 200 made, with 50 in circulation today. Of those 50, three were in decent shape, and that scarcity drove up the price. Fun fact: Wagner actually demanded his card be removed from the set because he didn’t want to be associated with tobacco products!
Lefty the Donkey Beanie Bear
Maker: Ty Warner
Original Price: $5-$7*
Worth Today: $500,000*
Despite the Beanie Baby fad having largely died down in the late 1990s, there are still some of these toys that are valuable enough to be resold for hundreds or even thousands of dollars. One such example is the “Princess Bear” Beanie Baby, which was released in 1997 as a tribute to the late Princess Diana.
This particular Beanie Baby is relatively rare, and as such, one example sold for $500,000 at auction in 2017. This proves that even if the initial craze for a certain item has faded, it can still be valuable if it’s rare enough.
Super Bowl II Tickets
Maker: NFL
Original Price: $12* (1968), $30* (1978)
Worth Today: $4,000*
If you were lucky enough to snag a Super Bowl seat a few decades ago, let’s hope that you kept your ticket. Super Bowl memorabilia, particularly from Super Bowl II and Super Bowl XII (1968 and 1978, respectively), can sell for up to $4,000.
According to Sports Collectors Daily, tickets from older Super Bowls are identifiable by the yellow or blue strip at the top. The average price for most tickets runs between $200 and $1,000, but rarer years, like ’68 and ’78 can go for much higher prices.
Vintage Bluebird Polly Pocket
Maker: Bluebird Toys (Later Mattel)
Original Price: $15-$20*
Worth Today: Up to $5,000* (Partytime Stamper)
If you grew up in the eighties or nineties, chances are you had a Polly Pocket toy or two. These little dolls came with their own pocket-sized accessories, and were a lot of fun to play with. Today, Polly Pockets are considered vintage by some collectors – which means that they can be sold for quite a bit of money.
The most valuable Polly Pockets are those released between 1989 and 1998. One of the priciest sets is the Polly Pocket Partytime Stamper, which was sold by Bluebird in 1992. A Partytime Stamper can sell for around $5,000.
Norman Rockwell “Puppy Love” Lithographs
Maker: Norman Rockwell
Original Price: Unlisted
Worth Today: $19,999.99*
Norman Rockwell’s “Puppy Love” lithographs are valuable pieces that can resell for a high price. These prints were sold in limited quantities in 1976 and are now highly sought-after by collectors.
The lithographs, printed on Arches paper, feature a boy, a dog, and a bunch of puppies surrounded by floating fall leaves. They are beautiful and serene pictures that capture the essence of American culture. If you’re lucky enough to own one of these lithographs.
William “Refrigerator” Perry’s 1985 Super Bowl XX Ring
Maker: Jostens
Original Price: $5,000*
Worth Today: $200,000*
Perry, a defensive lineman who played mostly for the Chicago Bears, was one of the hardest-hitting tackles of all time. His Super Bowl ring, which is one of the largest ever made (estimated at size 25), was auctioned off by Heritage Auctions.
While $200,000 is a lot of money for most people, it’s actually a bargain compared to some other Super Bowl rings. In fact, the rings awarded to members of the winning team in recent years have been valued at over $1 million each.
First Edition “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone”
Maker: Scholastic Corporation (Printer)
Original Price: $19.99*
Worth Today: $45,000*
If you’re a Harry Potter fan, then you know that the first edition of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone is one of the most valuable items out there. It’s worth around $45,000 at auction, making it the most expensive book in the series. But why is it so valuable?
Well, for starters, only a few hundred hardcover copies were printed when it was first released in 1997. This limited-edition printing has made the original UK hardcovers a sought-after item for collectors. Additionally, the Harry Potter franchise has become a multi-billion-dollar phenomenon, inspiring fans all over the world.
T206 Ty Cobb Baseball Cards
Maker: American Tobacco
Original Price: $0.10*
Worth Today: $1 million*
If you’re a baseball card collector, then you know all about the T206 set.issued by the American Tobacco Company in the early 1900s. These cards are some of the most valuable and sought-after items in the hobby, with a Ty Cobb card recently selling for $1 million.
The T206 set is especially valuable because of its rarity and the high quality of its color lithographs. If you’re lucky enough to own one of these cards, you can be sure that it’s worth a pretty penny.
Kansas Quarters
Maker: U.S. Mint
Original Price: $0.25*
Worth Today: Up to $100*
If you have a Kansas quarter from 2005, then you could be in for a nice surprise. These quarters are valuable, with some selling for as much as $100. But there are three error coins that are even more valuable.
The first is the “Spitting Bison” coin. This coin was released in 2005 and features a die break that makes the bison look like it’s spitting saliva. This error coin is worth up to $500. The second valuable Kansas quarter is one that says “IN GOD WE RUST” instead of “IN GOD WE TRUST.” This error occurred during the minting process and is worth up to $1,000.
The urge to amass material possessions appears to be innate. Some individuals are driven to locate and purchase a particular item for no other reason than the sheer enjoyment that can be derived from the activity. Others look for objects that can jog their memories of times gone by. Even fewer people buy rare things with the intention of selling them at a huge profit in the future.