With more people turning to online marketplaces and auction sites like eBay, many Americans are discovering that their “junk” is a goldmine. According to a study, over 50% of American homeowners underestimated the value of items in their homes.
If you’ve been sitting on the fence about decluttering, this might be your necessary incentive. Here’s a list of 12 surprisingly valuable items you might have lying around, plus a few tips to spot the treasures hiding under your nose.
Vintage Pyrex Bowls
Those colorful mixing bowls your grandma passed down? They might be worth more than your living room TV. Vintage Pyrex sets are significant collectibles, with limited edition patterns like “Gooseberry” and “Snowflake Blue” fetching thousands. A complete “Lucky in Love” Pyrex bowl set once sold for $4,000 at an auction.
Pokémon Cards
The Pokemon craze isn’t just for kids anymore; it’s also for serious collectors with deep wallets. Rare cards can sell astronomically; in 2021, a Pikachu Illustrator card sold for $900,000. If you’ve saved those cards from your game-trading days, now’s the time to dust them off and check for ultra-rare holographic.
Old Apple Products
Remember when we all thought the first iPod was clunky? It’s now a collector’s item. First-generation Apple products, like the original iPod or Macintosh computer, can fetch big money. A factory-sealed original iPhone was recently sold for $190,000 at an auction.
Mid-Century Modern Furniture
That “ugly” chair from the 1960s hiding in your basement? It could be a goldmine. Mid-century modern furniture is still trendy; collectors will pay big bucks for authentic pieces.
Rare Vinyl Records
Collectors love limited editions and “first pressings.” An original pressing of The Beatles’ “White Album” sold for $790,000 in 2015! Even lesser-known artists could surprise you with their value, so dig through that record stash.
Comic Books
Your comic book collection is still incredible and worth a fortune. First editions or key issues (like Spider-Man’s debut in Amazing Fantasy #15) are particularly valuable. This rare comic sold for a whopping $3.6 million in 2021. Even your random DC or Marvel comics could earn you hundreds if they are in good condition.
Unused Lego Sets
Never opened that Lego Millennium Falcon from 2007? It is an excellent choice because that beauty is now worth around $4,000. Rare and retired Lego sets have become hot commodities for collectors in recent years. They need to be unopened and in mint condition.
Antique Typewriters
Before laptops were a thing, typewriters reigned supreme. Now, they’re sought-after collector’s items. Machines in good condition, especially those from brands like Corona or Underwood, can sell for $500 to $5,000, depending on their rarity and design.
Vintage Board Games
That Monopoly or Clue set from the 1960s isn’t just fun to play; it could be valuable, too. Rare editions and old-school packaging can make vintage board games worth $100 to $1,000.
Designer Handbags
Not all handbags are created equal. Milestone Chanel bags, Hermes Birkin bags, and Louis Vuitton limited editions can skyrocket in value over time. A Hermes Diamond Birkin recently sold for over $380,000. If you’ve got one hiding in your closet, it’s worth getting appraised.
Vintage Cameras
Film cameras are making a comeback for aesthetic photos and among collectors. Vintage brands like Leica or Rolleiflex are particularly valued. Some models, like the Hasselblad 500 Series, can sell for over $2,500.
Signed Books
Did you get a book signed by the author? It could be worth major money. First editions by iconic authors (think J.K. Rowling, Stephen King, or Ernest Hemingway) are especially valuable. A signed first edition of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit recently sold for $210,000.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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