Have a look through your vintage vinyl collection! In 1974, David Bowie launched the Diamond Dogs LP, adorned with artwork depicting a cartoonish Bowie-dog hybrid. The upper portion depicted Bowie himself, while the lower half resembled a canine, complete with anatomical details. Just before the album’s release, RCA opted to avoid controversy by editing out the contentious elements from the artwork. Nevertheless, a few resourceful individuals managed to acquire some of the original, unaltered copies. In 2003, one of these originals fetched $3,550 at auction.

Chances are, you probably didn’t own the incredibly rare Luke Skywalker action figure with a double-telescoping lightsaber when you were a child, as there are only 20 known to exist. However, if you happen to be one of the fortunate few, consider heading to Sotheby’s: In 2015, this 1978 Kenner toy fetched an astonishing $25,000 at auction.

But even if you don’t possess this ultra-rare figure, don’t lose hope: Your vintage Star Wars toys could still hold significant value, potentially reaching hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

The controversial Sex Pistols signed with A&M Records in 1977, only to be swiftly dropped by the label exactly six days later due to their provocative nature proving too challenging to manage. However, during that brief period, 25,000 copies of the band’s single “God Save the Queen” had already been pressed. Over the years, only nine copies have emerged, rendering these rare records quite valuable. In 2003, a copy with its original paper sleeve fetched £13,000 (approximately $17,600).

Do you recall Barbie’s lesser-known friend from the 1970s, Steffie? Despite her relative obscurity, a mint condition Walk Lively Steffie doll still sealed in its original packaging can fetch nearly $800, owing to its rarity and collector appeal.

Your book collection not only offers hours of entertainment but can also serve as a valuable source of additional income. For instance, a first edition of The Garden of Abdul Gasazi, a 1979 children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg, can fetch nearly $1000 if it’s in “Fine” condition. Moreover, owning a collection of Van Allsburg first editions is quite lucrative. For example, a first edition of Jumanji from 1981 is valued at hundreds, if not thousands of dollars, and a signed first edition of The Polar Express from 1985 is worth $2500.

Who would have thought that an exclamation point could hold such value? In certain early copies of Gabriel García Márquez’s One Hundred Years of Solitude, the first paragraph of the dust jacket blurb contained an exclamation point instead of a period. This minor error elevates the worth of a first edition with the exclamation point to $740. (Even the version with the intended period holds value, fetching about $400.)

Here’s a riddle for you: When is five cents worth $7500? Answer: When rare Star Wars memorabilia is at play. Upon the release of the first issue of the Star Wars comic book in 1977, Marvel produced approximately 1500 limited edition copies priced at 35 cents instead of the usual 30 cents. Investing that extra nickel four decades ago has translated to a value exceeding $7000 today—and there’s currently one available on eBay being listed for over $10,000.

The Remco Batman Utility Belt from the 1970s was equipped with an array of features: a communicator, decoder glasses, a toy watch, handcuffs, a Gotham City decoder map, a secret identity card, and a secret message, among other items. Its comprehensive set of accessories made it not only cool but also quite intricate to manage, which explains why a complete set in decent condition commands a price of more than $3000.

To commemorate the 1972 Olympics in Munich, PEZ introduced the “Alpine Man” Pez Dispenser. This release featured two variants: one depicted a mustachioed figure wearing a green Alpine hat, while the other showcased a clean-shaven character with a brown cap. The green hat variant can fetch up to $3000 in value, while the brown one, considered considerably rarer, is so elusive that pricing information is scarce to find.

The Mego company, once hailed as “The World’s Greatest Action Figure Company,” ceased production of action figures following its bankruptcy in 1982. However, during its decade-long run, Mego produced numerous figures that now hold significant value. Among them, the original Robin the Boy Wonder figure from 1973 stands out. The initial version featured a removable mask, while later versions had the mask painted on. Given the tendency for children to lose the small cloth mask while playing with the toy, finding a Robin figure in good condition with the mask intact is quite rare. Indeed, one such Robin figure sold for $7357.

IKEA has earned its reputation for offering affordable furniture and housewares, but certain vintage pieces can command a significantly higher price tag than a $9.99 LACK table. For example, a teak bookshelf and cabinet combination from the 1970s can now fetch up to $3000, presenting a notable return on investment for those who possess such pieces.

Your parents and grandparents might regret not holding onto those Pyrex dishes—they’ve become quite valuable nowadays. Entire sets featuring specific patterns or colors can sell for thousands of dollars, but even individual bowls can fetch hundreds. For instance, a Christmas bowl from the early ’70s is currently listed for $370 on eBay.

They’re creepy and they’re kooky… and they’re also quite valuable. This metal lunchbox by King Seeley features the cartoon rendition of everyone’s favorite ooky sitcom family, The Addams Family. A set in good condition, including the lunchbox and its matching thermos, can fetch up to $325.

Any ’70s or even ’80s kid can’t help but remember Stretch Armstrong, the muscular dude in bikini-style shorts whose stretchy body earned him his name. First introduced in 1976, Stretch left kids all over the world developing conspiracy theories about what was inside of him for decades. While an old school Stretch is still worth around $399.95, you’ve hit an even bigger jackpot if you invested in his little friend here. Apparently, in 1978, Kenner Toys released a limited number of these creepy little serpents, and if you have one, you can cash him in for thousands.

Though Lynda Carter’s name may not ring a bell for kids today, she will forever be the original Wonder Woman to ’70s kids everywhere. If you, too, revered her power too much to ever remove her from the original packaging, then she will gladly repay you today (assuming you’re willing to part with her). This 1976 Wonder Woman doll sold for over $1,000 in her original, unopened package.

In 1977, Marvel promptly released a comic book adaptation of Star Wars: A New Hope shortly after the film’s debut. If you recognize the cover, take a look at the pricing in the upper left-hand corner. This could be the one time where paying a little extra for the same item turned out to be a lucrative decision. Marvel, at the time, was testing a 5 cent price increase and produced around 1,500 copies priced at 35 cents each instead of the standard 30 cents. Because of their scarcity, each of these editions now commands thousands of dollars in value.

If there’s a doll that has truly become an icon of the ’70s, it’s the eerie little lady known as Blythe. Introduced by the Kenner toy company in 1972, she was sold for just one year before vanishing from the market. Since then, she has garnered a significant cult following, with enthusiasts willing to pay substantial sums for a vintage one. Perhaps owing to her enduring popularity over the years, Hasbro reissued a modern version of Blythe in 2010, incorporating her into their Littlest Pet Shop line.

Ironically, original doll clothing from the ’70s can sometimes fetch almost as much money as the doll itself. This G.I. Joe sea adventurer set is a prime example, having sold for over $500 even without the doll included. If Barbie was more your style, don’t worry, as her vintage clothing is also highly valuable. In fact, this vintage ’70s Barbie outfit sold for enough to afford a whole new wardrobe.

If you were a fan of the HR Pufnstuf TV show or movie, then you undoubtedly remember the wicked Witchiepoo. Despite her penchant for stirring up magical trouble, she was one of only four characters from the movie to receive her own doll. This rare, unopened Witchiepoo doll from 1970 has proven to be a valuable find, though the only drawback is that the packaging couldn’t be any less see-through. If you’re curious to see her outside of her box, check out this post.

If you’re a model car enthusiast and grew up any time after 1956, chances are you’re familiar with Corgi Toys. Renowned for their incredibly realistic die-cast vehicle models, the UK company continues to be among the best in the industry. Given the popularity of Batman in the ’70s, it’s no surprise that the 1976 Batmobile & Batboat gift set became an instant classic. These toys regularly fetch prices of more than $1,000, even without the original box.

If you were a fan of Hot Wheels cars during your childhood, it’s worth taking a look through your old collection to see if any of them feature distinctive red stripes on the wheels. If so, you may have a “Redline” car, which denotes models produced within the company’s first 10 years (1968 – 1977). Highly sought after by collectors, these cars can fetch significant sums of money. However, if you’re looking to purchase one yourself, be sure to deal with a reputable dealer, as knock-offs have been sold for exorbitant prices to unsuspecting collectors.

In the 1970s, Evel Knievel was an iconic figure. For those unfamiliar, imagine someone performing stunts even wilder than those on Jackass, yet with the style of an X-Games BMX rider. Throughout his career, Evel attempted over 75 ramp-to-ramp motorcycle jumps, eliciting countless gasps from audiences worldwide. He inspired not only awe but also contributed to bike sales, albeit alongside a fair share of broken arms from home-built ramps. This vintage bike recently fetched hundreds on eBay, serving as a lasting tribute to the king of stunts.

Ah, Kiss. Whether you loved them or loathed them, you couldn’t escape their presence in the ’70s. Naturally, Mego capitalized on their popularity by creating super cool action figures/dolls based on the band. If you managed to resist the temptation to open them, they can fetch a handsome price today. A complete set of unopened figures from 1978 recently sold for over a grand. Even figures without their original packaging can often command hundreds, or more, especially if they’re in good condition.

Before the era of Transformers or the imposing vehicles of the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, there were the Micronauts. Produced by Mego from 1976 to 1980, these sci-fi toys captured the imaginations of many. Among them was Biotron, a notable character who stood out as the largest of the Micronauts. Biotron featured a clear chest shield where another character could ride and had the ability to be disassembled and transformed into various machines. If you still have one in good condition, it could fetch you a couple of hundred bucks.

Have you ever noticed how Barbie has had quite the collection of dream houses over the years? In 1978, her dreams manifested in the form of a huge A-frame home. Interestingly, this particular house has garnered a subculture of fans who have even created their own website dedicated to restoring and staging it.

The vintage Apple computer realm provides a fascinating window into the early days of personal computing. One standout gem is the Apple-1 Computer, introduced in 1976, which holds a special allure for collectors. As Apple’s inaugural product, crafted by the iconic duo of Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak, it encapsulates the pioneering essence of the tech revolution.

Enthusiasts eagerly pursue original Apple-1 units, particularly those in working order or accompanied by their original packaging. These rare artifacts can fetch prices exceeding $220,000 at auctions, underscoring their lasting impact and significance in the tech landscape.

The 1970s marked the dawn of the golden age of video gaming, introducing several iconic consoles and games that have since become highly coveted collectibles. Leading the charge was the Atari Video Computer System, later known as the Atari 2600 after 1977, which pioneered home gaming entertainment. Titles like “Space Invaders” and “Pac-Man” soared to fame, solidifying Atari’s enduring legacy in the annals of gaming history.

The 1970s witnessed a vibrant fashion scene characterized by iconic trends and legendary designers. Original pieces from this era, especially those from fashion powerhouses like Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent, and Dior, are in high demand among collectors. Vintage items from these designers can fetch prices ranging from several hundred to thousands of dollars, contingent upon the specific piece and its condition.

The late 1970s marked the emergence of personal electronics, transforming the landscape of entertainment forever. A notable example is the Sony Walkman TPS-L2, introduced in 1979, which now commands prices upwards of $2,300 on platforms like eBay. Similarly, the original Sony Trinitron color TVs are highly valued by collectors, fetching $1,000 or more, serving as a testament to their enduring appeal and technological significance.