Many have turned finding hidden treasures in attics or thrift shops into a lucrative hobby. There are some vintage items that, due to rarity, nostalgia, or craftsmanship, are worth far more than you’d expect. For example, a collection of Boy Scout Eagle Scout medals from the 1930s sold for $4,275.
Now, perhaps, might be the time to sell objects you’ve been holding on to for years. Here are 13 things collectors will pay big bucks for and the reasons behind the craze.
Comic Books
A collector’s dream are vintage comic books that introduce popular superheroes. Take, for example, “Action Comics No. 1” in which Superman made his debut, sold for millions at auction.
Make sure to keep an eye out for first editions, or issues that have some major character arcs, and get your comics graded professionally for resale value.
Vintage Toys
Nostalgia, and high-bids, can be sparked by old toys — particularly ones in their original packaging. Some of the popular examples are Star Wars action figures, G.I. Joe dolls, Polly Pocket sets. Thousands have been paid for a sealed Star Wars action figure.
Check that the toy is original and hunt for limited edition or discontinued stuff. Pre-owned toys in good condition can sell for a reasonable sum.
Mid-Century Modern Furniture
Designs of furnitures from the 1950s and 1960s, sleek, minimal and functional are still highly collectible. Mid-century modern teak chairs or credenzas can sell for several hundred to thousands of dollars.
Stay away from reproductions and instead buy furniture with clean lines, quality materials, and designer names behind them, such as Eames or Herman Miller.
Vintage Sneakers
Limited releases or high-demand old-school sneakers are just as much a trend as they are collector’s items. Good 1985 Air Jordans could sell for $500 or more.
If possible, keep original boxes, and clean sneakers carefully, to keep their value. Rare pairs need counterfeit verification.
Vintage Cameras
Now that film photography is experiencing a revival, brands such as Canon, Nikon or Polaroid have become popular once again. The ones that work, or are rare, are prized by collectors.
Sell only after you test the camera functionality. Non-working cameras will sell for parts or aesthetic value.
Vintage Clothing
All kinds of vintage clothing – designer items and nostalgic band T-shirts – can fetch major cash. A 1978 Gunne Sax dress sold for $725 on eBay.
Look for intact stitching, buttons, and labels. Niche markets generally are attracted by specific vintage eras like Victorian or the 1970s.
Pyrex Dishes
Pyrex dishes with vintage, rare patterns are surprisingly valuable, especially because Pyrex is durable, and it has a dedicated collector base. Recently a 4-piece vintage Pyrex set sold for $900.
Look for original, vibrant paint, and do not sell pieces that are cracked or chipped.
Boy Scout Memorabilia
Vintage Boy Scout medals, badges and pins have a special allure for collectors. A collection of Boy Scout Eagle Scout medals from the 1930s sold for $4,275.
Having memorabilia neatly grouped into collections will increase their resale value.
Baseball Cards
These antique sports cards featuring Babe Ruth or Mickey Mantle can be really worth a fortune. As Forbes reported, a 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle card sold for a jaw-dropping $5.2 million.
If they are in pristine condition, free of bends or tears, they are a lot more desirable. So get the rare cards authenticated so that the buyers trust the value.
Vinyl Records
Vinyl records are a goldmine for music enthusiasts and collectors. First pressings of albums by major artists like The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, or Bob Dylan can fetch thousands of dollars. For example, a first pressing of The Beatles’ famous “White Album” sold for thousands.
In highest demand are records in excellent condition with minimal scratches and their original sleeves. Many albums in mint condition will go for a lot more.
Vintage Magazines and Newspapers
Magazines and newspapers with historical moments or iconic covers represent a much-treasured commodity. Limited edition issues, like the 1960s LIFE Magazine, have sold for $20-$50 (and more).
To prevent yellowing or creasing, store magazines flat.
Vintage Watches
You’ll find timepieces from luxury brands such as Rolex, Omega, and Patek Philippe sell at premium prices, but even vintage Seiko and Casio models have niche collector markets.
Functionality matters. Broken watches can sell for parts, but vintage watches that still work are bid for a higher price.
Beanie Babies
As rare Beanie Babies continue to claim high prices on the market, their overall market has declined. Some have sold for thousands in limited edition models, such as Princess the Bear and Pinchers the Lobster.
The condition of the tags will determine the value, so make sure they are still intact and good.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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