1980s video game consoles, particularly unused or rare editions, are fetching significant prices. For instance, the Nintendo PlayStation prototype sold for an astonishing $360K at auction in March 2020.

Individual video games, while available at various price points, can also command over $20,000.

What it’s worth: $20 to $360,000

Julia Child, a beloved American chef, made a significant impact with her debut cookbook in 1961.

If you happen to possess an original copy in good condition with its original jacket, you could be looking at a valuable item.

Such first editions are rare and can fetch top dollar on eBay and other online auction platforms.

What it’s worth: $2,000 and up

In August 2020, the 19th Amendment celebrated its centennial, reigniting interest in collectibles related to the “votes for women” movement.

Artifacts from the movement’s peak years (1890–1917), like the ones pictured here, are highly valued and considered museum-worthy, often worth thousands of dollars.

Meanwhile, later items like buttons and pins are more budget-friendly. You can explore a comprehensive collection of these artifacts at womansuffragememorabilia.com.

What it’s worth: $50 to priceless

Post WWII, Americans embraced cocktail parties, and colorful, glitzy barware from renowned companies like Libbey, Federal Glass, Hazel-Atlas, and Culver became a must-have.

Now, with the resurgence of retro cocktails, these stylish pieces are back in vogue and can add a fun touch to your daily table settings.

What it’s worth: $15 to $1,500

Country Living’s style editors have developed a fondness for monochromatic vintage coverlets, such as the charming pieced quilt featured here. These coverlets feature back-to-basics patterns, usually combining a single color with white.

They harken back to the 1930s and ’40s and evoke the designs of early quilters, who worked with limited color and fabric choices.

What it’s worth: $150 to $450

When it comes to nostalgia, original concert posters reign supreme, and the more famous the artist (think the Beatles!), the greater the appeal.

Appraiser Helaine Fendelman suggests that framed posters are more sought after, fetching prices toward the higher end of the $100-$1,000 range.

However, posters from major headliners can go for much more at auction; for instance, a 1966 Shea Stadium Beatles concert poster sold for $137,000 earlier this year.

What it’s worth: up to $25,000

In 1860, lithographer Milton Bradley introduced the U.S. version of the English board game “The Checkered Game of Life,” launching his company into the world of board games.

Over time, they created more than 1,000 titles, ranging from traditional games to those inspired by cultural themes and pop culture characters.

Sealed, unopened boxes often double the value of these games, but nostalgia for family game nights also makes most titles valuable collectibles.

What it’s worth: $10 to $800

Gilt-framed bull’s eye mirrors, often adorned with an eagle on top, were a patriotic symbol in the early days of the United States. The 13 balls around the edge are believed to represent the original 13 colonies.

Mirrors from the Federal period, dating from 1780 to 1830, are highly valuable. In contrast, mirrors from the 19th or early 20th century “in the style of” the Federal period sell for considerably less.

What it’s worth: $100 to $10,000

Art Deco-style wall and desk clocks surged in popularity during the 1930s and ’40s, mirroring the opulence of the era with mirrored faces, gold accents, and geometric designs inspired by the rising skyscrapers in major cities.

While many of these clocks can be purchased for under $50, those produced by respected makers like Westclox and Telechron can reach nearly $1,000 in value.

A helpful tip for identification: the clock’s maker name is typically displayed on the clockface itself.

What it’s worth: $25 to $1,000

Do you still have your old lunchbox? Lunchboxes featuring icons like Roy Rogers, The Beatles, The Jetsons, and even Rambo can be worth a significant amount of money.

What it’s worth: Up to $3,100

Duck decoys have become highly collectible, especially in the mid-20th century, and prices have soared for well-preserved items. If you’ve inherited one, it could potentially fetch hundreds of thousands of dollars at auction.

Continue reading for details on what characteristics make a decoy valuable.

What it’s worth: Up to $650,000

If you have held onto the popular 1967 Beatles record, you might be in for a windfall. Some copies of this album have fetched as much as $290,500 at auction, although the majority sell for a few hundred dollars.

What it’s worth: Up to $290,500

Older baseball cards are generally more valuable, but a card’s worth depends on factors like condition, player, and year. If you have a collection, consider getting it appraised, as some cards can be sold online for thousands of dollars.

What it’s worth: Up to $3.2 million

These petite four-inch vases may be small, but they have a big decorative impact. Produced by Morton Pottery, they represent the swirled pottery style that became popular among Midwestern and Ozark-area makers like Niloak and Nemadji in the 1920s and ’30s.

Often marketed as roadside souvenirs, these vibrant pieces are commonly referred to as “tourist pottery.” Larger vases, standing 12 inches or taller and bearing maker’s marks, can be valued at over $300.

What it’s worth: $15 to $350

Plush collectible toys from the 1990s hold significant resale value on platforms like eBay, especially if they have their tags attached and are in mint condition.

While many are only worth a few dollars, limited edition toys have been known to sell for as much as half a million dollars online.

For instance, an original Beanie Baby named Pinchers, a lobster, is currently listed for $35,000.

What it’s worth: Up to $500,000

Founded in 1919 as a subsidiary of General Electric, the Radio Corporation of America (RCA) was a trailblazer in the radio industry.

In 1929, RCA acquired the Victor Talking Machine Company, renowned for the Victrola phonograph, forming RCA Victor and expanding into consumer radios.

Following their initial Radiola line, the company introduced Art Deco-style console and wooden radios, dominating the market in the 1930s and 1940s.

After World War II, RCA embraced the plastic craze, producing sleek, colorful tube radios made from materials like Bakelite and other non-resin plastics, as seen in this trio.

What it’s worth: up to $4,000

Indeed, that record player holds value! According to eBay’s Jim Griffith, the RCA Victor Slide-O-Matic record player is somewhat rare and hails from the 1950s.

It had a unique feature that made listening to a stack of 45s (the only type of record it plays) somewhat labor-intensive, as records had to be inserted one at a time.

Consequently, you’d listen to a single song before needing to insert the next one. This model is not as sought after as portable versions or a later iteration that combined the record player and an AM radio into a single device.

What it’s worth: up to $800

Holding onto Super Bowl tickets from the past could lead to a substantial payout. Many of these paper tickets feature either a blue or yellow stripe at the top, which, as per Sports Collectors Daily, can sell for anywhere from $200 to $1,000.

If you have tickets with white stripes on top, you could potentially make up to $4,000.

Naturally, the ticket’s value also depends on the popularity of the specific game, with tickets from Super Bowl II and Super Bowl XII being particularly rare.

What it’s worth: Up to $4,000

Vintage clothing and accessories like scarves, handbags, and belts can command prices in the thousands or even tens of thousands, particularly when they bear the name of a renowned designer such as Hermes, Louis Vuitton, or Chanel (a limited edition Hermes Birkin bag sold for $125,000!).

Items from less famous brands can be obtained at more affordable prices. The crucial factor is the condition, as appraiser Bene Raia advises.

Examine the fabric carefully, checking for moth holes or damage, and consider having them professionally cleaned to maintain their value.

What it’s Worth: up to $20,000

Samantha, one of the original American Girl dolls, can be quite valuable if she’s in good condition with her original clothes and accessories. In such a case, she could potentially fetch thousands of dollars.

What it’s worth: $600 to $3,300

In 1894, John Hubley founded the Hubley Manufacturing Co. in Lancaster, LA. They began with wooden toys but shifted to cast iron by 1909, creating decorative items like banks, door knockers, and popular figural doorstops.

These hand-painted doorstops featured various subjects and are highly collectible today. While doorstops with original paint often sell for up to $400, rare shapes can go for thousands.

For authenticity, look for a three-digit pattern number or the word “HUBLEY” on the back. A recent example is a Hubley giraffe doorstop that sold for nearly $11,000!

What it’s worth: $50-$10,000

Handwoven Persian rugs tend to appreciate in value over time, although this appreciation occurs gradually. That rug your great-grandparents purchased might now be worth a substantial amount.

Rugs older than 100 years are considered antiques, and their value is influenced by factors such as size, material, knot-density, condition, and design.

What it’s worth: $1,000 to $1 million

Certainly, when it comes to comic books, rarity often translates to higher value, with some rare copies being worth millions. However, even more common editions can still fetch you hundreds of dollars, which is not too shabby.

It’s also a good idea to stay updated on the latest superhero movies because they can impact the value of vintage comic books.

For example, the release of Marvel’s Eternals this summer has boosted the popularity and price of the series, with pristine, never-read issue #1 potentially selling for up to $1,000.

What it’s worth: Up to several million

Old banks hiding in your home might seem like pocket change, but they could be worth a lot more. While a basic piggy bank might not have significant value, if you have a bank with a mechanical feature, you could be in luck.

Collectors have been actively seeking out these contraptions since 1958 through organizations like the Mechanical Bank Collectors of America.

What it’s worth: Up to $2,500

Being a bookworm can indeed pay off. If you have a first edition of a popular book, it could be worth thousands of dollars. Websites like Biblio can assist you in determining the potential value of your books.

What it’s worth: $15,000+ (depending on how popular/old the book is)

Manufactured only from 1900 to 1910, this Ball brand mason jar has a unique feature—it can double as a dispenser for a coffee grinder. Its brief production period adds to its considerable desirability and collectible value.

What it’s worth: $1,000

That box of cereal you’ve stored away for decades might not be appetizing to you, but there are collectors interested in buying vintage cereal boxes.

Special edition boxes or cereals that are no longer in production could potentially fetch you a significant sum of money.

So, it might be worth considering selling that E.T. cereal you’ve been hiding away.

What it’s worth: $100+ (based on rarity of cereal or box)

In 1900, young inventor Joshua Lionel Cowen founded the Lionel Manufacturing Co. in New York City, introducing a standard gauge electric locomotive.

Following World War II, Lionel expanded its O-gauge steam locomotive lineup, which included a series of “O27” gauge train sets, as seen in the picture.

These starter sets, priced as low as $19.95, enticed buyers with various add-on cars and accessories that could be collected over the years.

What it’s worth: Up to $500

Produced in limited quantities by Anchor Hocking in the 1940s, these pitchers have become the most sought-after individual pieces of jadeite. Even damaged examples, which are susceptible to stress cracks around the neck and handle, can command prices of $150 or more.

What it’s worth: $400

Vintage-style ads have become popular for home decor, driving up demand for actual vintage advertising signs. Items featuring various brands, from soft drinks to gasoline, can fetch you a good sum of money.

This holds particularly true for items with Coca-Cola branding, which are especially sought after by collectors.

What it’s worth: Up to $15,000

There’s a thriving online market for Boy Scout collectibles, including uniforms, equipment, commemorative items, and badges. Some badges can sell for up to $30 each on eBay, and a first edition of the Boy Scout handbook recently fetched $2,200 in an online sale.

What it’s worth: Up to $2,200

The Royal Typewriter company, based in Brooklyn, introduced its portable version in 1926. This Quiet De Luxe model, with a serial number dating it to 1957, was designed to minimize typing noise and was considered top-of-the-line at the time.

What makes it particularly appealing to collectors is its color. While standard black models are less valuable, vibrant colors like turquoise and the rare bubblegum pink are highly sought after.

However, because many examples are still around, scratches and dents can significantly reduce their value.

What it’s worth: $375

If you have old musical instruments tucked away, it’s time to dust them off. Instruments, especially guitars, in good condition can be incredibly valuable.

Vintage Gibson, Fender, or Martin guitars from the 1960s and earlier are selling at auction for tens of thousands of dollars, with some Gibson Les Paul Standards reaching over $100,000.

What it’s worth: Up to $33,000

That lamp you inherited but didn’t quite fit your room could potentially bring in a significant sum. Collectors are on the lookout for renowned brands like Handel, Pairpoint, Fulper, and, of course, Tiffany, when it comes to lamps.

What it’s worth: Up to $45,000

Many families pass down Christmas decorations, and if you have anything in your collection that’s handmade, it could be quite valuable.

What it’s worth: Up to $500

The artistry of glassblowers in the 19th century transformed perfume bottles into exquisite pieces.

If you possess items in pristine condition from esteemed companies like New England Glass Company or the Boston & Sandwich Glass Company, it’s advisable to keep them stored safely until you can have them appraised.

These pieces can hold significant value.

What it’s worth: Up to $1,000

The value of an old postcard hinges on factors such as its age, rarity, and condition. While most old postcards may not be worth more than a dollar or two, there are exceptions.

For instance, in 2002, a postcard from 1840 fetched $50,000 at an auction in London. So, it’s worth examining your collection to see if you have any hidden gems.

What it’s worth: Up to $340

If you have any old saws, hand drills, planes, or other vintage tools gathering dust in your shed, it’s time to take a look. There’s a significant market for these tools, both for their aesthetic appeal and their practical use.

Numerous price guides can help you identify which ones to keep an eye out for.

What it’s worth: Up to $3,000

While the VCR era is long gone, it might be worthwhile to track down your old VHS tapes. Unpopular movies that never made it to DVD or digital platforms, particularly in the horror genre, can be valuable.

Additionally, movies that have been banned or deemed controversial, such as Disney’s “Song of the South,” can fetch high prices among collectors.

What it’s worth: Up to $50,000

Early Harvard vs. Yale sports memorabilia holds significant collectible value, and items from the turn of the century like these can be quite scarce. Marsha Dixey of Heritage Auctions notes that among these three programs, the 1897 item is the rarest but is in poor condition.

In contrast, the 1899 and 1909 items are more readily available and exceptionally well-preserved. Together, these relics can command a considerable sum among collectors.

What it’s worth: $700

During the early 1900s, the growing soda industry consisted of local drugstores that concocted and bottled small-batch recipes, delivering them in hand-stenciled crates.

Today, these rare crates can fetch up to $200 in value, while more recent examples, like the 1950s and 1960s ones shown here, typically sell for around $20.

What it’s worth: $20-$200

A Tudor dollhouse from around 1924, spanning nearly 6 feet in width, represents the largest ever built by the renowned British toymaker Lines Bros.

Crafted with expertise by carpenters and engineers, the stately house showcases scaled-down versions of contemporary floral wallpaper, stucco walls, and mullioned glass windows.

While smaller dollhouses by Lines Bros. and other manufacturers may be less valuable, they still hold appeal among collectors.

What it’s worth: up to $2,000

These boards, produced in the 1960s, were crafted by the same individual who invented Ugg boots. They are known as “Paipo” boards, a name derived from the Hawaiian term “Pae Poo,” which means “headfirst.”

Marsha Dixey of Heritage Auctions notes that the presence of Stedman’s name in her research enhances their value.

What it’s worth: $500

Early-20th-century mailboxes have a certain appeal, especially if they hail from esteemed makers like Griswold, renowned for their cast iron creations.

Griswold, operational from 1865 until 1957, primarily specialized in cookware, but collectors of cast iron items are interested in various forms, including mailboxes.

A No. 3 mailbox dating back to 1910, while typically valued at $350 for unpainted examples, holds less value due to its unoriginal green paint job, according to Marsha Dixey of Heritage Auctions.

What it’s worth: up to $350

If you’ve ever had one of these and wondered about its original use, Classical Revival-style music cabinets, like the one depicted, were crafted in late 19th-century England.

However, they weren’t intended for storing records.

As appraiser Helaine Fendelman explains, the upper shelves and vertical separations enclosed by the door were originally designed to hold sheet music, organized by category, size, or type.

What it’s worth: $400

Mid-1900s designs emphasized materials and clean lines, rendering them stylish pieces that continue to harmonize with modern aesthetics.

Many of the original favorites, alongside numerous knockoffs, are still in production today, making vintage versions all the more desirable.

Chairs crafted by renowned designers like Milo Baughman, Thonet, Eames, Saarinen, and Hans Wegner are the ones that typically command top dollar among collectors.

What it’s worth: $15-$3,000 (for complete sets)

In 1865, John Batterson Stetson introduced the first cowboy hat. His design featured a wide brim to shield the neck and eyes, and when flipped upside down, the crown could hold water for a horse or rider, as noted by antiques appraiser Helaine Fendelman.

One particular model, complete with its original box, originated from the 1960s. Despite a few minor stains, the renowned Stetson name adds to its estimated value.

What it’s worth: $100-$1,000

While many people focus on staying up-to-date with technology, don’t be too hasty to dispose of your old gadgets. There’s a substantial market for vintage phones, computers, radios, video game systems (along with the games), and even classic toasters.

In 2015, there was a case where a woman discarded an Apple I computer worth $200,000, highlighting the potential value of these vintage items. So, it’s wise to research before discarding any older tech.

What it’s worth: Up to $10,000

To create these vibrant coverlets, hundreds of cotton circles were meticulously cut and hand-sewn together. This style of coverlet was in vogue during the 1930s, coinciding with the popularity of the Yo-Yo toy, hence the whimsical name “Yo-Yo coverlets.”

What it’s worth: $275

Delicate handblown milk glass eggs were initially sold blank, allowing Victorian ladies to adorn them with spring greetings and scenes.

Over time, these sentiments often got damaged through washing or handling, as noted by appraiser Marsha Dixey of Heritage Auctions.

What it’s worth: $775 for set