These Common Antique Items Can Be Worth A Lot Of Money
If you've ever wondered what the value of your old lunch pail is, or maybe that antique coin bank that is collecting dust in your attic, we're here to help! Some items that are stored away are most likely worth no more than a few dollars, but some are hidden treasures worth a decent amount of money.
Take that old lunch pail, for instance. It can be worth up to almost $12,000 while the coin bank can be valued at $10,000. If you're stuck at home on a rainy day, you might want to see if you have any of the following "antique" items lying around the house!
Julia Child's Mastering The Art Of French Cooking Cookbook
Julia Child was one of America's premiere cooking teachers, and her popularity escalated with the publishing of her first cookbook in 1961, Mastering the Art of French Cooking. Child is known for bringing the art of French cuisine to American households, and the book helped push her toward hosting a cooking show, called The French Chef, in 1963.
If you or someone you know was lucky enough to hold onto one of these original cookbooks, then you're in for a nice payday. A good condition first edition book with its original jacket will run top dollar because of its rarity; we're talking up to $2,000 and higher!
Hand-Carved Duck Decoys
You wouldn't believe it, but remember those hand-carved ducks your grandparents might have had lying around the house? Well, they are worth a pretty penny at auctions. These decoys were collector's items in the 20th century and have now come back into style.
The thing is, collectors are now willing to pay top dollar at auctions to get their hands on a mint-condition carving. How much is top dollar, you might ask? Collectors are willing to buy hand-carved duck decoys for hundreds of thousands of dollars, up to $650,000.
Beanie Babies
The collectible stuffed animal toys known as Beanie Babies were vastly popular in the 1990s. Coming in various animals such as dogs, bears, and even goldish, the plush toys were attractive to many young kids. The question now is if your parents decided to keep all of those animals stored away in the basement or attic.
If so, you're in luck. These toys have massive resale value on auction sites like eBay. A toy in excellent condition that has the tag still attached can run up to tens of thousands of dollars. Pincher, the lobster, can sell for $35,000, and some limited edition beanies sell for $500,000.
Baseball Cards
Baseball cards are tricky because they are all valued differently. A general rule to go by is the older it is, the more money you will potentially earn by selling. If you were one of those kids that enjoyed picking up a pack of cards at the convenience store after school, hopefully, you kept them stored in a binder or box.
But those lucky souls who inherited old cards from a grandparent are in for a treat! Depending on various aspects of the card, including player, condition, and year, a single card can be sold for up to $3.12 million, such as a 1902 T206 Honus Wagner.
Super Bowl Memorabilia
Although it is relatively difficult to get your hands on Super Bowl tickets, if you were lucky enough to attend a game and held on to the ticket, you might be in for a nice surprise. A majority of these tickets have either a yellow or white stripe running across the top.
According to Sports Collectors Daily, depending on which color the ticket has, it could sell up to $200-$1,000 for yellow and up to $4,000 for white. Of course, other factors come into play, such as the popularity of the game. Super Bowl II and XII are particularly rare and will earn the seller a nice payout.
Samantha, One Of The Original American Girl Dolls
American Girl Dolls became vastly popular in the late '80s and early '90s. One of the original dolls that was released was Samantha Parkington. This specific doll was part of the BeForever doll series and was discontinued in 2008 but has since been relaunched in more modern attire.
If you had this specific doll growing up, you're going to want to make sure your mom didn't give it to the little girl next door. Samantha, in good condition with all of her original accessories, clothing, and packaging signed by founder Pleasant Rowland, can sell for up to $3,300!
Comic Books
Comic book enthusiasts are going to be happy to know that their collection is no laughing matter. In fact, depending on the edition of the comics, collectors could be sitting on a gold mine. Not to say that newer editions aren't valuable; they still sell for a few hundred dollars, depending on the comic and condition.
That being said, a rare first edition comic can be sold for up to a few million. Take Action Comics #1, the first comic to debut Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster's Superman. To collectors, this comic is known as "the holy grail" and is worth up to $3.2 million.
Coin Banks
Coin banks come in various shapes and sizes, and there are some in particular that you might have stored up in your attic that could potentially be worth a lot of money. These contraptions have since grown in popularity with collectors over the years.
Since the '50s, The Mechanical Bank Collectors of America have been in search of coin banks that include a mechanical feature to deposit the change instead of it plopping straight to the bottom. According to the Barnebys auction site, a rare cast-iron column tab gum vending machine coin bank is estimated to sell for $10,000.
First Edition Books
As most first edition items are worth a pretty penny, it shouldn't come as too big a surprise to learn that first edition books are no different. Of course, the value of the book depends on the year it was published, the title, and, of course, who wrote the work.
If you're lucky enough to be the proud owner of the first edition of the First Folio by William Shakespeare, then you can earn up to $5.2 million. But don't fret; even though a majority of first editions aren't worth quite that much, you can still sell some of them for a few thousand dollars.
Costume Jewelry
Costume jewelry was in abundance in many of our homes growing up. Unfortunately, that doesn't necessarily mean our parents kept the items through the years. If you're lucky enough to have some lying around, though, especially vintage pieces from specific designers, you're in for a great surprise.
According to 1stdibs, a vintage Elsa Schiaparelli glass strand necklace and clasp earring set can run up to $2,400. That's not a bad payout for something you thought would only be worth hours of dress-up fun during childhood!
Outdated Electronics
Even though many people are concerned with having the most up-to-date electronics, there's something to be said about the outdated technology. And what we mean by that is, it's worth a lot of money if you know who to sell to! If you have gadgets such as radios, computers, gaming consoles, or even old cell phones, the right buyer will purchase them for a hefty price.
Popular Mechanics reported that in 2010, someone bought a Xerox Alto on eBay for $30,000. This piece of technology was the first mouse-driven desktop computer, and it happened to inspire the Apple Macintosh and Microsoft Windows designs.
Guitars And Other Instruments
It's time to dust off any old instruments you have lying around in storage because antique musical instruments, especially guitars, can be worth a fortune. Keep in mind, the piece has to be in good condition, and the older the instrument is, the more money it is worth to potential buyers.
If you happen to have a vintage 1960s Gibson or Martin guitar in your possession, you're going to want to get it appraised. You might be the proud owner of a treasure worth a few thousand dollars!
Lamps
You'll be happy to know that those funky lamps that you inherited are worth something! They don't have to sit collecting dust in your basement because they didn't fit your style. Brands such as Fulper, Handel, and Pairpoint are very attractive names to collectors, and they're willing to cough up a lot of cash to take the antique lamps off your hands.
Even if you misplaced the lampshade, collectors are so eager to get their hands on some specific brands that they're willing to purchase the base alone! It's time to start digging through your basement because a Pairpoint lamp can be sold for up to $10,000.
Vintage Lunchboxes Are Worth A Few Grand
Remember when you were a kid, and everyone had cool lunchboxes with pictures of their favorite TV show, superhero, or even a band? Well, those vintage pails are now worth a whole lot of money. The tin lunchboxes can sell from anywhere between a few hundred and a few thousand dollars.
If you were a Superman fan back in the day and happen to have the vintage 1954 Superman vs. Robot pail still, then you're looking at a very nice payday. In 2010, this particular lunchbox sold at Philip Weiss Auctions for the huge sum of $11,865.
Old-School Perfume Bottles
In the 19th century, glassblowers around the world turned perfume bottles into pieces of art. They just don't make the tiny glass bottles like they used to, and collectors have taken notice! If you happen to have bottles from companies such as Boston & Sandwich Glass Company or the New England Glass Company, make sure to keep them secure in bubble wrap until you have a chance to get them appraised!
One seller on eBay, with a Baccarat Authenticity Certificate, is selling their rare vintage Miss Dior Perfume in its original red container for $18,415!
M.I. Hummel "To Market" Figurine
This particular M.I. Hummel figurine, #49 "To Market," is an adorable little girl and boy, complete with a woven basket and flowers. It is also worth a nice amount of money if you have one in your attic, basement, or collecting dust somewhere.
Created in 1957, the porcelain figurine can be found on eBay going for upwards of $60, in new condition.
A Game Boy Color
Heading back to the 1990s, an original Game Boy (not the color!) was worth a pretty penny when someone bought it new. Now, the handheld gaming console is worth a nice payout if it is doing nothing more than collecting dust in a box somewhere.
On eBay, people are selling Game Boys for up to $200!
Sterling Silverware And Place Settings
If you have your own set, then it's time to bust out that older set of sterling silverware that was handed down to you and never use. Sterling silver sets are fairly valuable, depending on the brand and how many utensils are in the set.
Brands such as Tiffany & Co. run for a lot of money. According to 1stdibs, a used set of Tiffany & Co. King Silver Flatware Service, 155 pieces, can be sold for around $64,500. Not too bad for a set of silverware that's been collecting dust in the hall closet.
VHS Tapes
Even though VCRs are pretty much considered ancient technology, some of the VHS tapes that went inside them are still worth some money. If you have old VHS tapes lying around the attic, it's time to take a look at the titles. In particular, look out for films that were unpopular and might not have made the transfer over to DVD later.
Also, any film that was deemed controversial will be a high earner, such as Disney's Song of the South, which is considered to be the most contentious in the studio's history. Some of the highly sought after "Black Diamond" editions can even sell for a few thousand.
Stormy Weather Children Figurine
Depending on what someone has lying around their home, vintage figurines can range in price. This particular M.I.Hummel # 71 Stormy Weather, for example, comes with a pretty nice payday. On eBay, this little figurine is being auctioned off for $85.
While it might not seem like the most money in the world, it is better to have $85 in a wallet than a boatload of dust gathering around a figurine that is most likely being stored in a dark closet, crawlspace, or attic!
Vintage Dollhouses
Growing up, we bet you never thought that the antique dollhouse you used to play with would be worth a lot of money. It's time to grab the old toy out of the attic and see the make, model, and brand.
Depending on all of those factors, you could sell the dollhouse for a few thousand dollars. For example, a 1920s prairie schoolhouse model is being watched by 29 potential buyers online, and it is priced at a whopping $5,5000.
Vintage CorningWare Designs From Are Valuable
Some CorningWare designs are selling for big bucks on eBay, as buyers are likely feeling nostalgic... and very generous. According to glass expert Dean Six, "One piece of CorningWare, in a pattern not widely produced, sold on eBay recently for $7,000."
Buyers aren't just looking for function, in fact, may might not even use the dishes they purchase. But you can't put a price on memories. Check the back of your cupboard for any CorningWare relics!
Upside-Down Ball Mason Jar
It's time to look very hard at the mason jars sitting in your kitchen cabinet because some of them might be worth a few pennies. The upside-down mason jars by Ball are one of those valuable jars.
These products were only manufactured from 1900 to 1910, making their value incredibly high compared to other mason jars. This particular mason jar is considered to be a rare find, and Kate Miller-Wilson, an antique collector, says they can be valued at up to $1,000.
Jadeite Ball Jug
Many people tend to look past jadeite items in thrift stores. These kitchen wares by Anchor Hocking come in a beautiful shade of light green and are known to be worth a decent amount. But nothing is worth more than the coveted ball jug from the 1940s.
Due to the small number of pitchers that were produced, these specimens are rare, and people will even buy them damaged! The damaged products will only go for around $150 but a mint-condition ball jug can be worth up to $400.
Meet The $72,000 Hot Wheels Van
When Mattel realized the pink rear-loading Volkswagen Beach Bomb van wouldn't work on its race tracks, the toy was quickly discontinued. The design is incredibly unique for Hot Wheels, featuring a surfboard sticking out of the back of the toy.
To date, only two of these incredibly rare toys have been discovered. Most recently, one of the vans sold for a mind-boggling $72,000 at auction, proving definitively that some people never outgrow their love of childhood memories.
The $20,000 Superman Toy
In 1940, Ideal Novelty and Toy Company created a 13-inch tall Superman action figure. The toy was made from wood minus its head and upper body. The toy has become one of the most highly collectible in the world.
This doll is the first to ever be made for the franchise and sold for just 94 cents when it was released. With a selling price of more than $20,000, it is now worth almost 30,000 times more than the original MSRP.
If You Have One Of These American Girl Dolls, Consider Yourself Very Fortunate!
American Girl Molly McIntire was one of the first of the doll company's Historical Characters. Released in 1996, she represented the World War II era. American Girl decided to retire (archive) Molly in 2013, so she's extra valuable to collectors today.
The bespectacled cutie wears a blue, red, and green argyle sweater over a white shirt, along with a navy blue skirt. With an initial purchase price of around $85, top-condition Molly McIntire dolls now sell for up to $5,000!
The Cabbage Patch Kid 'Adoption' Fee Has Gone Way Up
In 1984 you could purchase a Cabbage Patch Kid for an "adoption fee" of $40. The dolls started as hand-stitched "sculptures" by Xavier Roberts in 1976 but debuted in a newer form eight years later.
If you held onto one of the original 1984 dolls, you could sell it today for upwards of $1,000 in mint condition. The doll was recently re-released but not with quite the same fanfare it received more than 30 years prior.
A $900 Furby Can Annoy You For Years To Come
Remember when the Furby debuted in in 1998? Parents were fighting each other in store aisles to get their hands on the electronic gift. The toys could talk to each other, made weird sounds, and had creepy blinking eyes. At one point the National Security Agency (NSA) banned the toys from Fort Meade over concerns they could listen in on conversations.
The toys originally cost just $35, and some of the rarer first editions in mint condition are selling for upwards of $900. That's a lot of money to pay for an item that so many people found annoying.
Teddy Ruxpin Now Sells For $400
In 1985 you could pick up a Teddy Ruxpin doll for $69.99. The stuffed animal with a built-in cassette recorder was an immediate smash hit among children. The doll remembers who you are, tells stories and even moves his eyes to give a more lifelike appearance.
While prices vary based on the condition of your Teddy Ruxpin, we have seen them selling for $400 on eBay. If you didn't exactly care for your doll the way you should have, it could still be worth upwards of $150. Try getting that type of money for your standard cassette player.
The Original Lite-Brite Is A $300 Buy
Debuting in 1967, the Original Lite-Brite sold for just $10. Now you can get a 3000% return on that investment! It was a simpler time in 1967 and children didn't need an iPad to be amused.
Lite-Brite features a lightbox with small, colored plastic pegs that illuminate when turned on. Kids could even create masterpieces by placing pegs on various included templates, immediately transforming themselves into artists. The original set included red, blue, orange, white, green, yellow, pink and violet pegs.
The $20,000 Barbie In A Swim Suit
A lot of Barbies were created when the doll was first announced thanks to an incredibly quick rise in popularity. On average, some of the original Barbie dolls can fetch upward of $1,200 a piece.
If you have the holy grail of Barbies, you could afford to buy a new car with the sale of the unique doll. A first edition Barbie with the classic black-and-white striped swimsuit is now worth up to $20,000 at auction. Not bad for a doll that cost just $3 when it debuted in 1959.
The $1,000 Strawberry Shortcake Doll
I admit that I used to have my G.I. Joe's play with my sisters Strawberry Shortcake Dolls when I was a young boy. It turns out I should have been helping her take care of the dolls instead of destroying them in an act of childhood warfare.
My sister had the Mint Tulip doll which was several years old when she received it. The doll first appeared in 1979 and I completely destroyed it during a G.I. Joe versus the Shortcakes battle of 1985. That doll, which once sold for pennies on the dollar, is now worth $1,000.
The Mail Order My Little Pony And A $900 Price Tag
If you wanted a My Little Pony in the 1980s, a quick trip to Toys R Us or KB Toys would allow you to purchase one of the popular toys. However, the holy grail of the collection could only be snagged through a mail order process.
The My Little Pony known as Rapunzel is pink in color and has an incredibly long mane of yellow and gold hair with pink tinsel. You had to mail order this pony then patiently wait for it to arrive. If you went through all of that hassle you are now in possession of a My Little Pony that could fetch up to $900 and maybe more if you find the right brony willing to pony up some extra cash.
The 1978 Telescopic Light Saber Darth Vader Is Worth $6,000
When Star Wars debuted, the world watched in amazement as George Lucas delivered a new high-tech approach to filmmaking. Millions of people flocked to their local theaters to watch Star Wars and just as quickly a toy behemoth was created.
In 1978 you could purchase Star Wars toys for $2.49 each. One of those toys is considered a must-have for any serious collector. The telescopic lightsaber Darth Vader toy is worth $6,000 on today's toy collector market. Only a few hundred of the toys were created by Kenner because the extended lightsaber was considered undesirable amongst buyers.
The $25,000 Luke Skywalker Toy You Need To Own Right Now
We couldn't possibly talk about Darth Vader without mentioning Luke Skywalker. A mint-condition, still-in-the-box Luke Skywalker toy sold for $25,000 at a Sotheby's auction in 2015.
Japanese designer Nigo decided to sell the toy — a 1978 Luke Skywalker action figure — and he fetched a small fortune. He also offloaded several other rare Canadian and Hungarian versions of bounty hunter Boba Fett which brought in $6,250 and $15,000 respectively.
Check Out This $13,000 Matchbox Car
When Matchbox cars debuted in 1953, they sold for less than $1 each. The cars were beloved by millions of children and the toy company behind the vehicles, Lesney Products, was eventually acquired by Mattel.
Fast forward to 2004 when Jim Gallegos, a renowned Matchbox collector, purchased a brown No. 30 crane for $13,000. That's more than a 13,000% increase in the value of the toy. Fun fact, Gallegos owns more than $1.4 million worth of Matchbox cars.
An $85,000 Toy Crane
The Lionel 3360 Burro Crane was a prototype for many model cranes that would arrive after it. Built in the 1950s this masterpiece of prototyping has been incredibly hard to find.
An eBay auction for the Burro Crane managed to score $85,062.25 for the seller. Lionel trains are considered some of the best-built models of all-time, but we still can't imagine spending this much cash to own a rare toy.
The Pokemon Pikachu Illustrator Card Is Priced At $150,000
The Pokemon trading card game soared to popularity in January 1999 and it has remained a popular game among children and adults. If you are looking to score the rarest card in existence look no further than the Pikachu Illustrator card.
The card features a rare double star which already increased its value. Throw in the fact that only six of the cards were made and it becomes one of the rarest collector's items in the toy-buying world.
The Capcom Big Bang Bar Pinball Machine Is Worth $30,000
There are a few rare pinball machines still available for sale but none have exceeded the allure of the Capcom Big Bang Bar Pinball Machine. Presented in the 1990s at the Pinball Expo Show in Chicago, this prototype eventually led to a very small number of manufactured units.
The pinball machine features excellent sound quality, animations, and gameplay. The artwork is top-notch, and the machine stood out among the pack. However, Capcom only produced 13 of the machines, making them nearly impossible to acquire. Because of the low production numbers, the machines now sell for $30,000 each.
The 'Adam Bomb' Garbage Pail Kids Card Is Worth $4,000
When the collector card craze was in full-swing in the 1980s, the Garbage Pail Kids were having their renaissance moment. Children flocked to the toys which were among the best selling of the decade.
If you were lucky enough to get your hands on an "Adam Bomb" card and you've kept it for all these years, it's now worth around $4,000. Even less rare cards can still bring in upward of $700 each. If the cards are in their original packaging, they can be worth even more money.
Wun-Dar He-Man Goes From Free To $1,000
In the 1990s you couldn't turn on Saturday morning cartoons without seeing He-Man on your television set. The popular character spurred a $1 billion toy-buying frenzy that surprisingly only lasted several years.
The team at Wonder Bread decided to give away "Wun-Dar" He-Man as a gift with the purchase of their bread. Not a lot of the toys were created, and many were lost over time. Today, Wun-Dar He-Man is worth $1,000. Even out of the box and not in mint-condition this toy sells for upward of $120.
The $32,205 PEZ Dispenser
PEZ dispensers have long been a popular collector's item, but none are more coveted than the 1982 World's Fair Astronaut B PEZ Dispenser. This prized possession is believed to have been a prototype to The World's Fair board.
When the dispenser surfaced at auction, it quickly grabbed the attention of collector's and brought a sale price of $32,000. This collector's item is by far the best value on the dollar we have discovered. It's also incredibly rare given its one-of-a-kind prototype design.
Your Old Super Soakers Could Be Worth Some Decent Money
Super Soakers aren't going to sell at prices that let you buy a new car with the profits, but they're worth a close examination. The toys, which sold from $10 to $50 new, can now fetch upwards of $500 in mint condition.
Let's be honest, you probably played the heck out of these toys, but even in a non-mint condition, they are still worth at least $150 each. Personally, I would rather re-live my childhood by playing with them, but if you're hard up for cash here's a simple way to make some rent money.
This One Card Is Worth More Than Your Rent
In the '90s, Pokémon was all the rage. Even today, kids can't get enough of the Japanese animation. There was a card that every fan wanted. It was the holographic Charizard. A favorite Pokémon in the show became the most sought-after card.
If you were smart enough to hold on to an original version of this card from the late '90s and early 2000s, then consider yourself blessed. You now have at least $3,000 in your possession. The resale value of you will only increase.
The $475,000 Beanie Baby Is Still Out There
Beanie Babies cost less than $10 when they debuted, and they were a smash hit. Buyers flocked to stores all over the country in the hopes of finding rare Beanie Babies they could sell on eBay or keep as an investment. The Beanie Baby craze eventually faded, but there's still a hidden gem in the collection.
Known as Princess Diana, this incredibly rare purple Beanie Baby bear is worth an estimated $475,000. Ty introduced Princess Diana on October 29, 1997. In November 1997, Ty informed U.S. retailers they could only order 12 of the incredibly rare dolls. The "first edition" of the Beanie Baby was only available to a handful of customers and is still considered the holy grail of any collection.
Give The Game Up And Earn Some Extra Bucks
If you have ever played Galaga, then you have a good idea about M.U.S.H.A. It's a shooter game that scrolls vertically as you try and wipe out all the enemies coming your way.
There isn't much to it other than that. No compelling storyline, just plain old laser shooting at other ships. If you still happen to have one of these, you can get lucky and get up to $500 for it.
G.I. Joe Still Matters
G.I. Joe will always find a way to stay relevant. Even if that means making a movie with The Rock and Channing Tatum as the lead actors. The movie franchise was okay, but it's the toys that are timeless.
You can go out and get $300 for a used Starduster action figure. Even an incomplete space shuttle complex goes for $600. The real money is in the G.I. Joe Mobile Command Center. Used, you can get back up to $3000.
Original Transformers Action Figures
Transformers has transcended generations. The robots in disguise have been around for decades and may have received more love as time goes on. One thing for sure that has gone up in value is the original action figures.
They aren't the most complex transforming toys, but they are classic. You can at least get one Optimus Prime original for $600. Imagine if you had Prime and Megatron? You're looking at more than $1000 profit considering you bought them for so cheap.
Gather Around: Magic
Magic: The Gathering may not have been the most mainstream trading card game, but it was still impactful. The proof is in the pudding. After launching in 1993, first cards can score you thousands of dollars.
A sealed starter deck was auctioned off for more than $8700! That has got to be one of the largest return on invests in this list. There is also one card considered to be the Holy Grail of Magic cards that is worth more than $2700.
LEGO Is STILL Cool
Let's face it; LEGO's are still highly popular today. They're even making feature-length films starring LEGO characters. There's no telling when they will finally die out, but it doesn't appear to be anytime soon.
That means you still have some time to hold on to your vintage LEGO sets. If you happen to have a Monorail Transport System set, that can get you well over $1000 and closer to $1500. As long as they are vintage and unopened, then expect a hefty payday.
Your Move, Yu-Gi!
Yu-Gi-Oh was a cartoon based on trading cards coming to life and battling for life points. A smart way to get the kids into buying packs and starter decks so that they could build a deck as powerful as the main character's, Yu-Gi.
The show and card game have watered down a bit, but that doesn't mean you still can't get a pretty penny for some of the original packs. The classic booster boxes have sold for at least $1000.
Meet Pete The Pusher
For a toy that original cost 50 cents, you'll be shocked to know how much a mint condition Push Cart Pete can go for. Fisher Price always seems to make classic toys that the people love. For some reason, the people like this guy Pete
As stated, if you have this toy in original conditions, be prepared for a resale value upwards of $3000. You'll be pushing your rear-end to the bank right after selling this guy.
