We’ve all heard the stories about the kid who stumbles upon a valuable comic in a thrift store, or the family who move into a new house and find a wine cellar below the floorboards worth a fortune. Some of the largest sales in history were generated from the most unexpected items. Anything from sports cards or Coca Cola cans, to stuffed toys or even ticket stubs, could be a big-ticket item worth millions.
You never know what long-forgotten items might secretly be the key to a much brighter (and greener) future. Read on to discover some of the most valuable collectibles of all time. You never know, it might be time to bring out the stepladder and venture into the attic. You could have been sitting on a goldmine for decades, blissfully unaware.
1. Milk Glass Easter Eggs
Maker: Varies, many handmade
Original Price: $1-$5*
Worth Today: $25*
In America, the first-known artificial Easter eggs were milk glass, opaque, hand-blown eggs. They became popular at the turn of the century, and they were often gifted to people as Easter presents. Now only that, but these milk glass eggs had a practical side. You could use them to spur a hen to produce real eggs, and you could darn a sock with this egg in it.
Many of these eggs were handmade, as the process became a cottage industry. Men blew the glass over a hot furnace, and their wives and daughters painted them by hand to decorate. Now, these vintage eggs can be resold for $25 or more on sites like eBay, assuming they’re in whole condition.
2. Lines Bros Tudor Dollhouse
Maker: Tri-ang Company
Original Price: $100-$200*
Worth Today: $5,700*
Joseph Lines’ three sons, along with their uncle, founded the Tri-ang Company in the late 1800s. Tri-ang became famous for its range of dollhouses, many of which reflected the taste in domestic architecture at the time. The interiors and exteriors were cutting-edge, and the houses included country homes, bungalows, modern houses, mansions, and, of course, Tudors.
The Tudor homes have been the most popular, as well as the most valuable. The Lines brothers’ Tudor design was unchanged until the late 1950s. At Bonhams, one Tudor (the Peggy Lines House, 1936) from the company sold for nearly $6,000 at auction in 2011.
3. Rubik’s Siamese Mate Cube
Maker: Tony Fisher
Original Price: $4*
Worth Today: $100-$125*
The Siamese Mate Cube is certainly one of the strangest and most difficult Rubik’s cubes to solve. Developed by Tony Fischer in 1982, the creation contains two Rubik’s cubes that have been attached at an angle. The double cubes overlap, and the side on which they are attached cannot be solved, but the other sides have to be.
These cubes were sold during the original craze, though they weren’t produced in the millions the way the solitary Rubik’s cubes were. On eBay, original Mate Cubes from the 1980s sell for around $100 to $125, a far cry from the original $4 price.
4. Pogs
Maker: Passion Orange Guava
Original Price: Free
Worth Today: $10 for a large collection*
Pogs was a 1990s fad that ended in many attics and basements becoming crowded with discarded collections of bottle caps. Pogs was a drink called Passionfruit Orange Guava. The caps on the juice bottles were free, but people came up with a game based on them. Interestingly, the game was invented long before it was commercialized.
Now, collections of these bottle caps aren’t exactly worth a million bucks. But, you can sell a large collection of Pogs to 1990s nostalgia collectors for around $10. Individually, these caps sell for under $1 each. Don’t expect to make a lot from them, but you’ll at least be able to get them out of the house.
5. Tamagotchi Plus Color
Maker: Bandai
Original Price: $45.85*
Worth Today: $200-$400*
The Tamagotchi Plus Color was the first-ever Tamagotchi to come with a color LCD screen. The early release of this toy was held in 2008 in Japan, and fans were able to purchase the TMGC+C one week before its actual release. The shell of this Tamagotchi was bigger than other versions, and it came in eleven colors.
The first wave’s colors included white, pink, black, green, magenta, orange, and blue. The second wave added some new colors, including yellow, navy, cream and pink, and green and white. A used TMGC+C from 2008 sells for $200, while a brand-new, unopened one sells for around $400.
6. Original Titanic T-Shirt
Maker: Unknown
Original Price: $15-$20*
Worth Today: $150*
Titanic was a classic movie, and it was a fictional story set within a true, sad tragedy. The real Titanic ship went down in the early 1900s, taking thousands of people with it. The movie about the incident was released in 1997. Directed by James Cameron, Titanic grossed $2.202 billion at the box office.
This romantic epic helped launch the careers of Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet. As you might have imagined, the studio behind the movie, Paramount Pictures, inked deals with a variety of companies to produce merchandise to promote Titanic. This t-shirt, released at the time of the movie premiere, is now worth $150 as an iconic piece of movie fan memorabilia.
7. Beanie Babies Patti the Platypus
Maker: Ty Warner
Original Price: $5-$10*
Worth Today: $9,000*
If you have ever owned Beanie Babies, then chances are that you have looked through your old collection to try to spot something of value. If you own a Patti the Platypus, you’re in luck. These beanie babies are worth up to $9,000, and Plush Collector described them as the “rarest Beanie Babies” out there.
The original Patti was released in 1993, and that is the one worth thousands. Others from later years, which were not released in such limited quantities, still can be worth several hundred dollars. Bottom line: if you own a vintage Patti, put her up for sale if you want to make some cash.
8. Nike Air Yeezy
Maker: Nike/Kanye West
Original Price: N/A (Sample Shoe)
Worth Today: $100,000*
This shoe has surfaced for sale a few times, always for a high price. This is the Air Yeezy 1, the first signature Kanye West and Nike collaboration. Rare Pair, an NYC consignment store, put this up for sale on eBay six years ago for $65,000. They didn’t sell the shoe.
A year later, Flight Club, another consignment shop, put it up for $100,000. The sneaker is a one-of-a-kind size-twelve, and it was the first Air Yeezy sample that Nike ever made. Despite this rarity, the sneaker’s appearance doesn’t have many changes that set it apart from the retail shoe that dropped in ’08.
9. Vintage Champion Red Chicago Bulls Jersey
Maker: NBA
Original Price: $20-$30*
Worth Today: $60*
Dennis Rodman is a legend. His career with the Chicago Bulls cemented him as one of the greatest basketball forwards of all time, and memorabilia from that time period usually sells for double its value, if not more. This 1990s-era Championship Chicago Bulls Jersey is on-sale on Worthpoint for $60.
You’ll find these vintage jerseys for a range of prices, but they all have their priciness in common. On eBay, these jerseys usually sell for $100-$150, if not more depending on the star behind them. Rodman, Jordan, and Pippen jerseys tend to sell for the most money for obvious reasons.
10. American Girl Doll – Felicity Merriman
Maker: Mattel
Original Price: $82*
Worth Today: $6,000-$9,000*
Felicity “Lissie” Merriman is a member of the American Girl Doll series. According to her description, she is “tomboyish” and “adventurous.” Her doll and its accompanying literature was released in the fall of 1991, and she was revamped fourteen years later. Felicity was archived in 2011, but she got a 2017 rerelease.
Valuable Felicities can be worth as much as $6,000 to $9,000, according to PBA Galleries. These dolls, if from 1991, are considered iconic pieces of the American Girl franchise, and you can make quite a pretty penny if you’re fortunate to have Felicity lying around your house somewhere.
11. The A-Team 6″ Figures
Maker: Galoob
Original Price: $5-$10 per figure*
Worth Today: $40-$150 per figure*
Made by Galoob, these toys should fill you with a sense of nostalgia. These action figures are based on the “A Team,” a group of antihero mercenaries on the run from a corrupt group of military police. Their show ran for five seasons, and Galoob made these toys as part of a large group of action figures.
These figures were made in 1983, and their vehicles and battle packs came out a year later. Not many of these particular action figures were produced, so just one of these action figures sells for $40-$150. An entire in-package set of six would cost $240-$900.
12. Marilyn Monroe’s White Dress
Maker: William Travilla
Original Price: Unknown
Worth Today: $5.6 million*
In the movie Seven Year Itch, actress and icon Marilyn Monroe wore a white dress. The dress was created by William Travilla, and it was worn in one of the 1955 movie’s most famous scenes. The image of Monroe’s white dress standing above a subway grate has been described as one of the twentieth century’s most iconic images.
As you can imagine, the value of this dress has skyrocketed as years have gone by. In 2011, actress Debbie Reynolds sold the dress for $5.6 million (including a $1 million commission), a number that far exceeded its $1-$2 million estimate.
13. Nancy Drew Lunchbox and Thermos
Maker: King Seeley
Original Price: $1-$10*
Worth Today: $100*
Nancy Drew has been around for decades, and she most recently got a revival in a 2019 CW show. The brilliant teen detective began her career in a series of novels, and those novels took off. Nancy Drew lunchboxes, thermoses, and other memorabilia were sold by brands like King Seeley to millions of would-be kid detectives.
This particular lunchbox and thermos were made in the late 1970s, and the set is now worth around $100. In addition to finding this on eBay, there have also been some up for sale on Etsy and other secondhand resale sites.
14. Old Magazines
Maker: Conde Nast
Original Price: $5-$10 per issue*
Worth Today: $10-$20 per issue*
If you’re the owner of a bunch of vintage Vogue magazines, you might be able to make quite a bit from them, at least compared to what you purchased the magazines for. These issues sell for $10-$20 a pop, and the older the issue or the more famous the person on the cover, the more they sell for.
Published by Conde Nast, Vogue has become one of the most iconic magazines in the world. The magazine was first issued in 1892, and it has grown to become a global phenomenon, featuring some of the biggest celebrities in the world on its covers.
15. Nirvana Oakland Concert Ticket Stub
Maker: Oakland Coliseum
Original Price: $26*
Worth Today: $125*
On December 31, 1993, Nirvana played a fantastic show at the Oakland Coliseum. The band was riding high on its success with Nevermind, the hit album they had dropped two years ago. The rock band, formed in Washington in the late 1980s, featured lead singer and late icon Kurt Cobain.
Though concert tickets cost only around $26 in the 1990s, the ticket stub from Nirvana’s famous concert now sells for $125. Nirvana nostalgists and Kurt Cobain fans are the primary purchasers of this piece of history, so if you’ve saved concert stubs over the years, you might want to go through them.
16. Antique Trunks
Maker: Tudor-Era Carpenter
Original Price: Unknown
Worth Today: $8,500*
While you’re not likely to have something quite like this laying around, you should check the dates of your furniture, as well as the pieces’ origins. Vintage trunks and chests could be valuable. This oak chest, for example, was made during the Tudor Era. It has a single-piece lid, molded carved edge, and intricate floral and leaf carvings embedded in the oak.
Its seller, Period Oak Antiques, says that the Henry VIII oak plank chest dates back to the 1500s, which means it is nothing short of a miracle that it has held up so well over the centuries. This chest is currently selling for $8,500.
17. The OG Sony Walkman
Maker: Sony
Original Price: $200*
Worth Today: $951*
The Walkman was a technological revolution, and it made Sony a lot of money. When the Walkman was first introduced in 1979, the portable audio player cost $200 (nearly $800 in today’s money). Since then, all editions have sold around 385 million in total, and the Walkman paved the way for other portable audio players.
The field of tech nostalgia is lucrative in the collectors’ industry. Walkmans from the late 1970s can cost as much as $1,000 today, even though they were mass-produced. Though Walkmans are basically obsolete now, that doesn’t mean you can’t sell yours on eBay to make money.
18. ‘70s Boy Scouts Memorabilia
Maker: The Boy Scouts of America
Original Price: $0*
Worth Today: $20-$125*
The Boy Scouts of America was founded in 1910, and, over the years, it has had 110 million participants. The Boy Scouts, headquartered in Irving, Texas, has been handing out badges, patches, and books for years. Though these pieces of memorabilia may have been free to members at the time, you can resell them now for as much as $125, depending on what you have and the demand.
The Boy Scouts have gone through lawsuits, potential bankruptcies, and member decline, but they are still standing. According to the Washington Post, the youth organization’s troop membership is on the comeback, thanks to it now permitting girls into its troops.
19. Dungeons and Dragons Toys
Maker: Tactical Studies Rules, Inc., Wizards of the Coast
Original Price: $1-$10*
Worth Today: $5-$20*
Dungeons & Dragons was first created in the mid-1970s, and it took off, becoming a particularly huge fad in the 1980s. This fantasy tabletop game is based around role-playing, and it has every character you could imagine, from frost giants to dragons to wizards. For two decades, Tactical Studies Rules, Inc. published the game. In 1997, Wizards of the Coast became the publisher.
In addition to the games and everything that comes with them, Dungeons and Dragons has also had its own line of toys. These vintage and contemporary toys can sell for as much as $20 a figure, depending on the condition and the year. If you have a collection, such as the one pictured here, you might be better off selling it as a whole, as opposed to selling figures individually.
20. Old Fisher-Price Toys
Maker: Fisher-Price
Original Price: $5-$50*
Worth Today: $5-$500*
Fisher-Price was founded in the 1930s, and over the past near-century, it has produced some of the world’s most famous toys. The company, as of 2020, brings in over $1 billion in revenue each year. Fisher-Price’s first toy was Dr. Doodle, a pull toy that now sells for $100.
Vintage Fisher-Price toys sell for hundreds of dollars online. According to Collectors’ Weekly, the prices range from $5-$500, with items like the Dancing Russian Doll and Punch and Judy bank selling for the most money. If you own a lot of vintage Fisher-Price toys, you might be well-advised to get them appraised.
21. Dionne Quintuplets Calendar
Maker: Home Light & Power Co.
Original Price: $5-$15*
Worth Today: $35-$45*
On May 28, 1934 in Canada, quintuplets named Annette, Marie, Cecile, Yvonne, and Emilie were born to Elzire and Oliva Dionne. The Dionne Quintuplets became a media sensation, and the girls began working for Twentieth Century Fox. They made three films for the company, and they also made money from endorsements.
The Dionne Quintuplets endorsed everything from typewriters to cod liver oil, and they were responsible for attracting tons of tourists to Ontario. There was a ton of memorabilia associated with the unique sisters, and, for example, a Dionne Quintuplets calendar is worth $35-$45 today.
22. Rolex Daytona Stainless Steel
Maker: Rolex
Original Price: $13,150*
Worth Today: $13,000-$50,000*
The Rolex Daytona Steel that belonged to Paul Newman was worth $17.5 million, but that was because of Newman’s celebrity. If you own this watch, you can still make $13,000-$50,000, even without a famous face attached to it. The Rolex Daytona is very rare, as it had a limited production run (almost always the precursor for something to be worth a lot of money later on).
The Dayton also uses a complex movement that differs from many of the other watches in Rolex’s catalog. The movement isn’t shared with other watches besides the Daytona, and this unique feature contributes to its high resale value, even when used.
23. Vintage Campervans
Maker: Volkswagen and more
Original Price: $1,000-$5,000*
Worth Today: $6,000-$10,000*
Driving something this cartoonish will certainly get you some looks as you travel down the road, but there are some people who love the “Van Life” and its aesthetic, no matter how road-weary they become. If you have a vintage camper van, you might be able to sell it to this market for a few thousand bucks.
GoDownSize.com estimates that a vintage RV resells for $6,000 to $9,000, assuming that the vehicle doesn’t need a full restoration and is in decent shape, even if it requires some work to make it habitable. Rather than leave your old camper van to rot in the garage, try reselling it.
24. Thor Pez Dispenser
Maker: Marvel, Pez
Original Price: $1-$5*
Worth Today: $10-$30*
The God of Thunder is known for lightning bolts, his hammer, and his ruling over the Asgardians, but it appears that he is also known for his memorabilia. Items like a vintage Thor Pez dispenser, complete with Thor’s helmeted head at the top, sell for $10-$20.
Though this Pez dispenser isn’t as pricey as the 1982 World’s Fair Astronaut B, which resold for $32,205, the Thor dispenser should still make you more than what you paid for it. FYI, one in three of these toys, Thor-themed or not, is worth $100 if it is from the 1960s.
25. Glidden Pottery
Maker: Glidden
Original Price: $14.50 for a starter set*
Worth Today: $15-$100 per piece*
Glidden Pottery is an interesting chapter in the history of stoneware, a topic that dates back thousands of years ago. Glidden Pottery was produced from 1940 to 1957 in Alfred, New York. Its production was enormous, as Glidden made 6,000 pieces every single week by the time 1953 hit.
Gliddenware skyrocketed in popularity when it was featured on I Love Lucy. An undecorated starter set sold for $14.50, so the pottery was very affordable for people. Now, on eBay, you’ll find that pieces of Glidden sell for anywhere from $15 to $100. Decorated pieces of Gliddenware tend to sell for a higher price than plain ones.
26. Gremlins Puppet Prop
Maker: Rick Baker’s Cinovation Studios
Original Price: N/A (Prop Not For Sale)
Worth Today: $300*
Sold on Just Geek, these props cost around $300 each, and they are incredibly lifelike images of the evil Gremlins that ran amuck in the famous childhood classic. Rick Baker designed many of these puppets, which made Gremlins the horror icon it is today. Chris Walas also designed small rubber puppets to portray Gizmo and the others.
Gremlins hit the theaters in June of 1984, and it made nearly $213 million at the box office against an $11 million budget, representing a smash-hit success for Warner Bros., the studio that produced it. Go ahead and buy this prop if you’re brave—just don’t get it wet, put it in bright light, or feed it after midnight.
27. Old Igloo Coolers
Maker: Igloo
Original Price: $15*
Worth Today: $25*
This Igloo Polar 6 is a colorful throwback that likely brings back memories of the 1990s. Now, these coolers are worth $25 on sites like eBay and Etsy, as people often fall into phases where they want to relive the nineties. If you have a Polar 6 or another “vintage” Igloo in good condition, consider putting it up for resale. Chances are, you’ll make some cash.
Igloo Products Corp. has been making ice chests, coolers, and cooler bags since 1947. Headquartered in Katy, Texas, Igloo has 1,200 employees, and it brings in hundreds of millions in revenue every year. In 2008, Igloo announced that three out of four U.S. households owned an Igloo cooler.
28. Little Snoopy
Maker: Fisher-Price
Original Price: $5-$10*
Worth Today: $20-$50*
Snoopy is one of America’s most famous dogs. The cartoon pup has been around for decades, and he has been featured in TV shows, movies, and on various pieces of memorabilia. The Little Snoopy Pull Toy was a hit with little kids between 1968 and 1975. Made by Fisher-Price, the Snoopy dog has plastic wheels that make the dog wobble and swing when you pull it.
According to This Old Toy, Little Snoopy is pretty much a staple of every Fisher-Price toy collectors’ personal collection. You can find these vintage pull toys for $20-$50 on resale sites. The price would be higher, were these Little Snoopy toys not so mass-produced.
29. Happy Days Lunchbox
Maker: Thermos
Original Price: $1-$5*
Worth Today: $100*
Happy Days is one of the twentieth century’s best-known sitcoms. It aired its first episode on January 15, 1974, and the series immediately became a fan-favorite. Starring Henry Winkler, Anson Williams, Marion Ross, and Erin Moran, Happy Days ran for a whopping eleven seasons. It had multiple spinoffs, including Mork & Mindy, Laverne & Shirly, Joanie Loves Chachi, and more.
In addition to spinoffs, Happy Days had collectibles, including this vintage metal lunchbox featuring the show’s beloved characters. On eBay, you can find this 1970s toy for $100. The pricier lunch boxes are those that came out in the 1970s, during the first few seasons of the show.
30. Ercol Furniture
Maker: Ercol
Original Price: $1,000-$5,000*
Worth Today: $500-$2,000*
Ercol, a group of British furniture designers, are known for making modern, unique pieces of furniture that look great in every room. Currently, the Ercol showroom, office, and factory are located in Buckinghamshire. If you own a piece of this furniture, you’re in luck, as it can sell for thousands, even on resale.
You can tell if you have an Ercol piece if you have a badge, label, or stamp from the year it was made. Pieces from the 1950s until the 1970s have a small, blue-and-silver, square label. Now, the maker’s mark consists of contemporary centenary logos that feature the Ercol lion.
31. 1980s The Simpsons Bedding
Maker: DreamStyles
Original Price: $20-$50*
Worth Today: $175*
The Simpsons is one of the most successful franchises of all time, animated or otherwise. It has spawned billions of dollars of merchandise featuring its bright yellow main characters. One such piece of merchandise comes from the 1980s. The Simpsons bedding from that era can be priced as high as $175.
The early 1990s are also lucrative. For example, a three-piece twin sheet set from 1990 is up for $175 on eBay right now. Obviously, new and used sheets will be priced differently, but you might still be able to get more than you paid for even if you have the latter.
32. The Dukes of Hazzard Lunchbox
Maker: Aladdin
Original Price: $10-$20*
Worth Today: $50-$300*
During the 1980s and 1990s, there was a lot of Dukes of Hazzard merchandise. These lunchboxes can sell for a pretty penny on eBay. For example, there is a 1983 Dukes lunch box and thermos, both unused, for $250. Another vintage lunchbox from 1990 is up for $300.
Generally, the price range for these lunchboxes ranges from $50 to $300, depending on the condition and whether they have been used or not. Additionally, if you’ve managed to hang onto your thermos (the one with the Confederate flag on it), that will up the sale price, too.
33. Vintage Postcards
Maker: Various
Original Price: $0.01-$0.05*
Worth Today: $10-$100 per lot*
If you’re a fan of both nostalgia and vintage postcards, you’re in luck, as there is a market for these cards. It doesn’t matter the era, either. Generally, these postcards are sold in lots, especially if they’re from the twentieth century. On eBay, there is a lot of fifty-three vintage 1900s Christmas cards, including themes like Santa and angels, for $60.
Lots range widely in size, date, theme, and more. The variety is good news for both collectors and sellers, as that means that both will be able to buy and offload without being unable to find a market.
34. Leonard Refrigerators
Maker: The Leonard Company
Original Price: $35-$170*
Worth Today: $4,800*
In 1925, the Leonard Company produced a full 20% of all refrigerators in America. Founded by Charles H. Leonard in the late 1800s, the Leonard Company refrigerator was priced between $35 and $170, depending on what model you bought (now, refrigerators sell for $1,000 to $2,000).
Though not as shiny and brand-new as the refrigerators from Samsung and General Electric, these Leonards are still collectors’ items among people who value vintage kitchen appliances. The Leonard refrigerator market prices these fridges at almost $5,000, depending on their condition and whether they can actually be used to store food.
35. Mantel Clocks
Maker: Seth Thomas, Gilbert, Boston, and more
Original Price: $10-$100*
Worth Today: $50-$500*
In order to identify your old vintage mantel clock, you can use the maker’s or company’s name. There are a few places in which the name may be printed or engraved, including near the dial’s center face, around the edge of the face, on the clock movement backplate, or on a paper or plastic label attached to the back of the clock.
Rare and unique clocks, such as an antique Boston #11 clock, can sell for thousands (the Boston sold for nearly $3,000). Mass-produced mantel clocks, judging from the price range on eBay, sell for $50-$500, depending on make, model, and whether it is actually a working timepiece.
36. Bottle Caps
Maker: Coke, Pepsi, and more
Original Price: $0*
Worth Today: $10-$50 per collection*
As you can imagine, there is a market for everything, and you can usually find said market on eBay. Bottle cap collectors will have their time to shine, as you can make at least a few bucks for your collection, however numerous, on eBay. Beer, soda, water—the more unique the caps, the better.
For example, a collection of 100 red Budweiser Crown beer bottle caps is on sale on eBay for $11. Another hundred-cap collection is retailing for $13. Note: if you’re going to offload your collection, you’ll want to have at least fifty in your lot, if not more.
37. Nice Franklin Mint Plates
Maker: Franklin Mint
Original Price: $50-$200*
Worth Today: $10-$230*
According to antique websites, the value of your Franklin Mint plates depends on what type of plate it is. Sterling silver plates are worth a lot of money, while single collector plates, which have less-desirable designs, are worth less. Most Franklin Mint dishes sell for less than ten, but there are a few that can reach the hundreds.
For example, the Franklin Mint Presidential Plate featuring Gerald R. Ford is worth $220-$230 on Replacements.com. By contrast, a Little Rascals limited-edition plate is up for just $11.25 on eBay. If you own any of the Presidential Plates from the twentieth century, that is your best bet at making some real money.
38. Nokia 3310
Maker: Nokia
Original Price: $160*
Worth Today: $80-$110*
If you were around for the 2000s, then you probably remember the Nokia 3310. People loved this brick of a phone, as it had a week-long battery, classic Snake game, and a resilient structure. You could throw the 3310 off a building and it wouldn’t even make a dent.
Believe it or not, you can still get these retro phones online for $80-$110. There is a market, as some people shun high-tech smartphones in favor of something basic and tried-and-true. It has been twenty-two years since the 3310 was introduced, and people remember it so fondly that there is a collectors’ market for the phone.
39. Retro Tea Chests
Maker: East India Trading Company, Salada, Van Nell, and more
Original Price: N/A
Worth Today: $50-$1,000*
For those of you who are coffee drinkers, a tea chest is a wooden case that, originally, was used to ship tea to Australia and the U.K. The square wooden case was usually lined with tin or, unfortunately, lead, in order to ship the tea without a risk of it breaking open.
Retro tea chests are still around, and some can be really valuable. On 1stdibs.com, a Van Nell Voor Koffie en Thee is on sale for $644. Charish has a vintage Salada tea crate for $295. First, before putting your tea chest up for sale, you’re going to want to find out who made it and what the market is for it. It could be worth hundreds of dollars.
40. Salesman Sample Calendars
Maker: Salesman Sample
Original Price: $5-$15*
Worth Today: $10-$400*
There were a lot of Salesman Sample calendars out, and they had now-vintage scenes of everything you could think of, from a policeman marching with a band to a mother holding her child. Generally, these nostalgia-inducing wall calendars sell for $10-$50 online.
There are some standouts, like the NOS Salesman Sample Framed Calendar from 1956 that is up on eBay for $400. Calendars from the 1950s and earlier, as well as those featuring artwork from well-known artists like Philip R. Goodwin, are your best bet at making a good chunk of change. You can tack on more money to your sales price if you sell it framed.
41. Sex Pistols God Save The Queen Record
Maker: A&M
Original Price: $6-$7*
Worth Today: $15,880*
In mid-1970s London, the Sex Pistols were born. Managed by Malcolm McLaren, the punk band’s career lasted two and a half years. Though short-lived, the Sex Pistols were one of the most groundbreaking bands in the history of pop and punk music. “God Save the Queen,” one of the band’s most infamous singles, was released in 1977.
Only a few copies from the original A&M record release are still around, and one sold in 2019 for $15,880. The anti-establishment single, when it was released, earned a total ban from the BBC. Normally, that would be the kiss of death for a band, but the approbation only made the Sex Pistols more popular.
42. Funtastic World of Hanna Barbera Lunch Box
Maker: Hanna Barbera
Original Price: $5-$10*
Worth Today: $50-$130*
The Funtastic World of Hanna Barbera was an animated program block that ran from the 1970s until the 1990s. The block included some pretty legendary, iconic cartoons, and it was hosted by main characters like Yogi Bear, Huckleberry Hound, Snagglepuss, and Quick Draw McGraw, all in live-action costumes.
The show ran for nearly a decade, and, as you can imagine, Hanna Barbera wanted to promote it as much as possible. It released merchandise like the Funtastic World of Hanna Barbera lunch box, a metal container that featured Hanna Barbera’s major characters. Generally, this 1970s-era lunchbox sells for $50-$130 on eBay, even when used.
43. Thanksgiving Collectibles
Maker: Fitz & Floyd, Dennison, Enesco, and more
Original Price: $10-$30*
Worth Today: $20-$60*
Thanksgiving, a national holiday, dates back to 1621, when pilgrims gave thanks for the harvest of the preceding months. The autumn harvest feast was shared with the Wampanoag Native Americans, though there is some debate about the actual history of the holiday. The story aside, Thanksgiving remains one of the mainstay holidays in American culture.
And there are a lot of collectibles worth money, especially vintage ones by brands like Fitz & Floyd, Dennison, Enesco, and more. These figurines, dishes, and postcard lots retail for $20-$60 on eBay and other secondhand sites. Who knew Thanksgiving nostalgia was such a lucrative market?
44. Hummel Figurines
Maker: The Goebel Company
Original Price: $10-$20*
Worth Today: $20-$40*
Hummel figurines were based on the drawings of a nun named Sister Maria Innocentia in the 1930s. Though the figurines were only popular in Germany and Switzerland at first, during WWII, American troops discovered them and began sending them back to the States as Christmas gifts. Thus, Hummels became popular across the ocean.
There are many Hummel figurines up for resale, and they generally resell for $20 to $40 (per figurine, not in lots). These figurines have a bit of a cult following, including a Goebel Collectors Club, a museum, and multiple books published about the history of Hummels.
45. Squishmallows
Maker: Kelly Toys Holdings LLC
Original Price: $9.99*
Worth Today: $3-$50*
Squishmallows are a newer toy on this list, and they cannot be considered vintage, as they came out in 2017. Kelly Toys launched these round, squishy, colorful stuffed animals, and the brand, so far, has created more than one thousand Squishmallow characters, each with their own name and background story.
The hashtag Squishmallows on TikTok has gained more than half a billion views, and the company has sold more than fifty million of these so far. Collections of Squishmallows sell for $3 to $50. Rare Squishmallows, such as Jack the Black Cat, Blossom the Sheep, Avery the Duck, and more, are often priced much higher.
46. Vintage Christmas Ornaments
Maker: Dresden and others
Original Price: $1-$10*
Worth Today: $10-$50*
Christmas has been around for centuries upon centuries. The wintertime holiday is a major shopping season for retailers of all shapes and sizes. Christmas ornaments sell by the millions, and vintage ornaments even have their own resale market. According to LoveToKnow, paper ornaments by Dresden are very valuable.
These old German ornaments feature an animal, and they are very difficult to find in good condition, so they tend to sell for hundreds. Lots of other brands of Christmas ornaments generally sell for $10-$50. Ornaments from before 1950 are the most valuable, as they can rightfully be considered “antique.”
47. Antique Swords
Maker: Craftsmen, blacksmiths
Original Price: Unknown
Worth Today: $100-$10 million*
There is a massive price range for antique swords, and they can sell from hundreds to millions. Some of the rarest swords in the world have sold for a huge amount of money, such as the Boateng Saber from the 1700s, which sold at auction for $7.7 million. A 1400s-era Nasrid Period Ear Dagger sold for $6 million.
The owner of the sword also can lend to its price. If the owner is legendary, the sword will see a huge retail boost. Napoleon Bonaparte’s sword sold at auction for $6.5 million, while the personal dagger of Shah Jahan snagged $3.3 million on the market.
48. Easter Collectibles
Maker: Various
Original Price: $10-$200*
Worth Today: $10-$90*
Easter is a major spring holiday in the Christian religion, and billions of people celebrate it every year. As with Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, there are a lot of collectibles surrounding this holiday of renewal. Prices vary widely. For example, a pair of brown Walker Pottery bunnies are for sale on eBay for $15.
Another bunny rabbit sculpture, this one vintage and handmade by an individual craftsman, is up for sale for $180. Generally, prices for these collectibles, whether they’re bunny statues, eggs, or baskets, range from $20-$90 on secondhand and resale sites. If you have a rare figurine or a handmade one, that might sell for a little more.
49. Disney Pins
Maker: Disney
Original Price: $5-$20 per pin*
Worth Today: $20-$300*
Disney is a billion-dollar company that has given us some of the most famous characters of all time, whether they’re coming up with an original story or retelling an old fairytale. Disney is one of the biggest merchandise-producers in the world, and it has a massive, multi-million-fan collectors’ market spanning every Disney-themed item imaginable.
People often sell lots of Disney pins on eBay. Pins like the Wishables Mystery Collection, a sixteen-pin set from a Disney park, sell for $300 on eBay. Other lots, featuring a range of classic and new characters, sell for $20-$100. The more pins, the better (the harder-to-find, the better, too).
50. Pinball Machines
Maker: Williams, Bally, Gottlieb, etc.
Original Price: $500-$2,000*
Worth Today: $800-$3,000*
When it comes to arcade games, pinball is one of the most classic. Sure, you can play online, but nothing compares to the feeling of pulling the levers yourself to try to keep your ball spinning. Pinball came about during the Great Depression, when people wanted cheap entertainment.
Now, pinball machines are decked out with colorful bells and whistles, and many machines have famous characters on them. Generally, you can find these machines up for resale for $800 to $3,000. One major indicator of value is how well the machine works. If it has been restored and can be played with no glitches, you’re likely going to get a good price for it.
51. Vintage Ikea Furniture
Maker: IKEA
Original Price: $50-$500*
Worth Today: $1,000-$15,000*
Though IKEA has become known for its minimalistic, simple designs that are the height of modernism, let’s not forget that the Swedish company has been around since 1943. There are vintage IKEA pieces, and some of these can be quite valuable (others, not so much).
Pieces like the Ikea Rich Ake Easy Chair, Tufted Sofa from the late 1960s, and Singoalla Lounge sell for serious money. One IKEA Ake Easy Chair in a cream color costs $10,701 on 1stDibs. A Kroken Easy Chair with Footstool costs $1,105. The vintage IKEA market is booming, and pieces are selling for prices ten times what they originally were.
52. Indian Head Pennies
Maker: U.S. Mint
Original Price: $0.01*
Worth Today: $25-$3,000*
The Indian Head Cent was a penny produced by the U.S. Mint between 1859 and 1909. Designed by James Longacre, the cent was the size of a half-dollar. Those not produced at the Philadelphia Mint, where the Cent originated, contain an “S” mint mark below the wreath on the other side.
The value of an Indian Head Penny depends on the year. An 1859 Penny in Fine Condition retails for $25, while one from 1909 retails for $850 in Mint Condition. The 1873 and 1877 Indian Head Pennies are also quite valuable, selling for $1,235 and $3,000, respectively, if in Uncirculated Condition.
53. Wrestling Toys
Maker: Hasbro and more
Original Price: $10-$15*
Worth Today: $5-$25,000*
There are millions of wrestling fans out there, whether they follow the W.W.E. or some other program. Wrestling has been very lucrative as a sport, and there has been a lot of merchandise, including action figures, produced to endorse various promotions and pro-wrestlers.
Some very rare, expensive wrestling toys (WWE-based) include the Jakks Limited Edition Marble Ultimate Warrior, BIG BOSS MAN 89 Black Card, Andre the Giant Black Card, and Greg Valentine Hasbro Prototype. These rare figures can sell for tens of thousands of dollars. Other lots, containing less-rare, less-valued wrestling toys, retail for as low as $5-$10 per group.
54. The Beatles Bobbleheads
Maker: Hallmark and others
Original Price: $10-$15*
Worth Today: $800-$1,000*
The Beatles, an English rock band, were one of the most famous groups of all time. Even now, sixty years later, the band is still a household name. Millions and millions of fans went nuts for Ringo, George, John, and Paul, and there are certain Beatles collectibles, outside of plain old vinyl records, that can net a pretty penny for sellers.
For example, a selection of Hallmark Beatles Bobbleheads from 1964 is up for sale for $800 on eBay. There are other bobbleheads from that same era available for $1,000 on different sites. Check the date on your bobbles—the 1960s and 1970s could make you hundreds or more.
55. Original 1959 Barbie
Maker: Mattel
Original Price: $3*
Worth Today: $27,450*
Before Barbie dolls were invented, dolls were always babies or stuffed toys. Barbie revolutionized the doll market and went on to revolutionize the toy industry as a whole. The small, unrealistically proportioned Barbie evolved every decade with new shoes, new careers, and finally today, new shapes and colors.
Mattel was the first toy company to ever show advertising to children and this contributed greatly to the original sales of Barbie, as they were not without their fair share of criticism due to lack of diversity and polarized gender roles. Barbie dolls are highly collectible today and if you can get your hands on an original 1959 Barbie you have got yourself a small fortune wearing heels.
When you think about the relatively small purchase price of just $3 originally, this marks a great return on investment. However, just like with any collectible, the unboxed, untouched Barbies will fetch the highest price at auction. Barbies missing limbs definitely don’t appeal to the market.
56. 1927 World Series Ticket Stub
Maker: Major League Baseball
Original Price: $1*
Worth Today: $41,825*
In 1927, The Yankees League with legends Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig won a record-breaking 110 games and finished with a whopping 19-game lead. Considered the greatest team in the history of baseball, if you were at the Series you witnessed the best there is according to superfans.
So much so that even if you have a ticket stub you can fetch over $40,000. Sports memorabilia is taken very seriously amongst collectors and this is a great example of why. The tickets will originally have cost around $1, so that’s a rather impressive return on investment.
It just goes to show that it isn’t always about the item itself, but what the item represents. In reality a ticket stub is just a flimsy piece of card, but the historical connotations can’t be underestimated. Any self-respecting sports collector would love to have this in their cabinet.
57. New York Yankee Bobblehead 1961-62
Maker: New York Yankees
Original Price: Unknown*
Worth Today: $59,750*
New York Yankee Bobbleheads, and in fact bobbleheads in general are quite a valuable commodity when you know what to look for. These little guys noddingly approve of being sold for prices upwards of $5,000 and are a very popular collector’s item.
However, this particular bobblehead is special because only two were ever made. The rare collectors items are hand-painted and made from ceramic and paper-mâché, If you are lucky enough to have one of these 14-inch bobbleheads in good condition you are holding $60,000 in your hands.
The trouble is, finding one in an immaculate state is often easier said than done. After all, bobbleheads are very interesting to kids who may not appreciate what “future value” means. That being said, when they do pop up at auction they’re highly appreciated (and sought after) for this very reason.
58. Action Comics No.1 Comic Book
Maker: Jerry Siegel and Joe Schuster
Original Price: 10c*
Worth Today: $3.2 Million*
The Action Comic number 1 is the very first superhero comic book. It originally featured several superheroes, most notably Superman, and is credited as the beginning of the superhero genre. It is also the most valuable comic of all time, so definitely worth scrummaging in the old comic box collecting dust to search for one of these guys.
Published in 1938, the cover features Superman lifting a green car while people flee the scene. There were 200,000 copies printed of the first issue which sold out at a remarkable speed. It didn’t take them long to realize that Superman was the reason the comic book did so well, soon after they were selling a million copies a month.
Comic books themselves have become even more popular in recent years thanks to the work of Disney and Sony. Even though an issue of this particular comic cost just 10 cents at the time, a pristine version can be worth up to $3.2 million. That’s not small change.
59. 1856 1-Cent Magenta Stamp from British Guiana Stamp
Maker: British Guiana
Original Price: 1c*
Worth Today: $9.5 Million*
Discovered in a basement in 1873 by a Scottish schoolboy amongst his uncle’s stamp collection, it made its way through several hands before reaching Arthur Hind in 1922 who reportedly outbid three kings for the price of $36,000. It has since increased in value substantially, causing stamp collectors across the globe to dust off their old stamps and have them appraised.
The incredibly rare 1c stamp from British Guiana (now Guyana) was issued in 1856 and is the only one known to exist today. Each of the four times it sold, it broke the record for the highest amount paid for a single stamp. The last sale was for a staggering $9.5 million to shoe designer Stuart Weizman.
It may be difficult for some of us to fathom why stamps are so highly collected, but it’s been one of the biggest niches in the market for decades. Stamp collectors are willing to pay through the nose to get their hands on something rare and unique.
60. 2018-19 Luka Doncic Basketball Card
Maker: Rookie Card
Original Price: $16.99*
Worth Today: $4.6 Million*
Autographed basketball cards are worth a fortune, in the past, we’ve seen Antetokounmpo and a LeBron James 2013-4 Patch rookie cards sell for $1.8 million each, or a fragment of Michael Jordan’s used jersey which was turned into an autographed card for $1.44 million.
The record-breaker is a signed single-print rookie card featuring the Dallas Mavericks point guard, Luka Doncic which fetched $4.6 million. Despite the fact that Doncic is only in his third NBA season, it is unlikely that the record will be broken in the near future.
Other rookie cards have been known to fetch a pretty penny though, like Tom Brady’s own card that sold for $1.32 million. These cards are worth almost as much as the players themselves – although not quite. Brady is now sitting on $145 million, while Luka Doncic is worth $5 million.
61. “Birds of America” by James Audubon
Maker: John James Audubon
Original Price: $126*
Worth Today: $10.27 Million*
The Bird Of America is a collection of James Audubon prints of his hand-painted, watercolor birds. The large, four-volume book set contains 435 intricate paintings and there are only four copies of this volume known to exist. The book went to auction in 2018 and fetched over $10 million.
The book was purchased by Carl W. Knobloch, Jr and gifted to the foundation run by his family, the Knobloch Family Foundation (KFF), which is focused on conservation. All of the money from the book will be invested in environmental causes.
It’s not very often that items like this come up as they’re so rare and unique. It’s even less common to see them auctioned off for charitable purposes, so “Birds of America” gets double points for this one. It’s unlikely James Audubon could have envisioned such great things for his work.
62. The Beatles’ White Album
Maker: Apple Records
Original Price: $11.28*
Worth Today: $790,000*
The White Album was released in November 1968 and was the ninth studio album from the iconic band. Ringo Star’s personal copy of the album went on sale fifty years later and fetched a staggering $790,000 at auction.
The reason for this is twofold, firstly it was owned by Star himself and was in his personal collection. He is quoted as saying that the new owner of the record will receive it with his fingerprints on the vinyl. Secondly, the record was numbered No.0000001. Each of the records were numbered and this was the very first one ever made.
There is a huge market for Beatles memorabilia as the band is so iconic. Anything from lyrics sheets to other artifacts can go for hundreds of thousands (if not millions) of dollars. This particular sale is notable, but there were many before and there will be many that follow.
63. First Edition G.I. Joe Action Figure
Maker: Hasbro
Original Price: $4*
Worth Today: $200,000*
In 1964 the first G.I Joe action figure was created. It was a giant toy and saw a lot of success, though the production cost was too high because of its size so they soon after stopped making the original action figures.
Hasbro realized soon after that the action figure could sell a lot more if the character had a story, which was the beginning of his universe of heroic military figures. The original first edition toy has since gained extraordinary value, selling at auction for $200,000 in 2003.
G.I. Joe has remained a staple in American culture ever since its creation, which is why it’s so highly loved. Channing Tatum even starred in two Hollywood action movies based on the character, further cementing G.I Joe’s impressive legacy.
64. McGwire’s 70th Home Run Baseball
Maker: Unknown
Original Price: $6*
Worth Today: $3 Million
Mark McGwire is known as “one of the most fearsome power hitters in baseball in the 1990s” and set a record with 70 home runs in one season back in 1998. This baseball was the one he used when he hit his 70th home run of the year, cementing him in the Baseball hall of fame.
In January 1999 the ball went up for sale. It was purchased by a then-anonymous buyer at a record-breaking $3 million. It was later revealed that the buyer was Todd McFarlane who has said that he spent his entire life savings on the ball. The sale was over 23 times the amount of any baseball before 1999.
$3 million in savings is a lot of money to blow on just a ball, but Todd’s love of the game was obviously strong enough to overrule logic. On the flip side, if the ball has increased in value since then, it might turn out to be a wise investment. Only time will tell.
65. Metropolis Poster
Maker: Heinz Schulz-Neudamm
Original Price: Unknown*
Worth Today: $690,000*
Metropolis was released in 1927 and was the most expensive silent film of its time. It is a German expressionist science-fiction film about social classes and the divide that it creates. It was directed by Fritz Lang and the poster was designed by graphic artist Heinz Schulz-Neudamm.
There were only four posters created, one is in the Museum of Modern Art, one in a German museum, and one in a private collection. The fourth was sold for $690,000 in 2005 to a US collector.
Movie memorabilia can be an incredibly lucrative game to be in. Anything from posters like this to rare costumes, or even autographs can fetch a surprising amount. After all, everyone loves movies, making this business an interesting one to be in if you’re looking to make some extra cash.
66. Princess Diana Beanie Baby
Maker: Ty
Original Price: $5-$7*
Worth Today: $22,222*
The purple Princess Diana beanie baby was created shortly after her death to raise money for the Princess of Wales Memorial Fund. As with everything that has the lady’s name attached to it, it caused a massive frenzy and they have been collecting dust in people’s attics ever since, waiting for them to rise in value.
The question of what the Ty beanie babies are actually worth is disputed. Some say they aren’t worth more than $5-$7 while others speculate there are some valued at over $500,000. The deciding factor is allegedly the stuffing, with the first edition filled with PVC pellets, therefore, getting a higher valuation.
Either way, there’s no denying that some people are willing to pay to get the rarest babies in their collection. Considering just how popular they were in the ‘90s, it might be worth looking through mom’s attic to see if you’re sitting on a small fortune.
67. Stadium Events Video Game for Nintendo
Maker: Nintendo
Original Price: Unknown*
Worth Today: $41,300*
The rarest of all the US licensed Nintendo Entertainment System games is Stadium Events. Only 200 copies were produced in 1987, with only 10 or 11 of the original American version around today. The game includes a mat that is made to exercise on while paying.
The predecessor to Dance revolution and Wii has become the stuff of legends in the gaming community and stories pop up from time to time of someone finding the game in a thrift store or in their garage.
In this case, one lucky owner found their copy lurking in the attic at their childhood home, unopened and unplayed. After listing on eBay they were astonished to find just how much it actually sold for. The market for rare games is alive and well!
68. Beauty and the Beast VHS Tape
Maker: VHS
Original Price: $50*
Worth Today: $14,500*
Who can forget the days before digital, when watching a movie or listening to music required a physical object which had to be inserted into a machine. VHS was before DVDs and was large and clunky. One wonders what today’s youngsters would make of the large black boxes now.
While they are primarily worthless, some of the Disney classics are worth a small fortune today. An old copy of Beauty and the Beast, as well as Dumbo, sold for $14,500 while 101 Dalmatians fetched over $25,000. Might be a good idea to dust off the old collection and have them appraised!
Of course, considering how long it’s been since VHS tapes were the creme de la creme of home entertainment, it’s unlikely that you’ll have any of them kicking around. That being said, they can sometimes be found lurking in thrift stores, so take an extra look if you ever stumble across them.
69. 1953 Superman Lunchbox
Maker: Universal
Original Price: $2.39*
Worth Today: $13,225*
Who would have thought that the lunchbox that you were obviously crazy about as a kid and wanted to show off to all your friends could also be worth a small fortune today? Collectible lunch boxes are actually a thing, and the value is remarkably high if you can get your hands on one of the rarest of the bunch.
The 1953 Superman lunchbox is just about as powerful and popular as the character himself. The Universal made box features Superman fighting off robots and rescuing a damsel in distress (all in a day when you’re Superman). This little lunch box has been known to fetch over $13,000!
Most of us went through lunch boxes pretty quickly as kids, so if you once had this and wish you’d kept hold of it, don’t panic. Keep your eye out on sites like eBay and you never know what might pop up. One man’s trash is another man’s treasure!
70. 1951 Vincent Black Lightning Motorcycle
Maker: Vincent in Stevenage, England
Original Price: Unknown
Worth Today: $929,000*
The 1951 Vincent Black Lightning Motorcycle holds the record for the most expensive motorcycle ever when it sold for almost $1 million in 2018 in Las Vegas. It is one of about 19 known to exist today out of the original 33 produced.
It was originally built by special order by Vincent in Stevenage, England. It was made for Australian racer Tony McAlpine and went on to build an impressive record of wins, including Australia’s land speed record. The second most expensive bike is just half the value of this one, making it by far the winner on all grounds.
While classic cars and luxury vehicles often sell for hundreds of thousands, seeing a bike go for the same amount is slightly less common. That being said, it doesn’t mean there isn’t a market for avid motorbike collectors. It all depends on where you look!
71. McDonald’s “Mulan” Szechuan Sauce
Maker: McDonald’s
Original Price: free*
Worth Today: $14,700*
We all saw the viral images of the McDonald’s fries that were left in someone’s car for ages and didn’t collect mold. The fries earned some online fame for 15 minutes but weren’t worth any cash. This pack of sauce was forgotten in someone’s car since 1998 (!!) and not only did it not go rotten, but it somehow became worth a small fortune.
The McDonalds ‘Mulan’ Szechuan Sauce was released as a limited-edition sauce when the film came out in 1998. In 2017 as part of a publicity stunt, the creators of Rick and Morty caused a buzz online with a petition to bring back the sauce. Following the sensation, an eBay buyer forked out a whopping $14,700 for the old sauce.
It may seem like a crazy move to most of us, but clearly this buyer was driven by a passion for taste. McDonald’s memorabilia is a strange and interesting niche in the collecting world that often defies logic – but therein lies the charm!
72. Original Levi’s 501 Jeans
Maker: Levi’s
Original Price: $3*
Worth Today: $60,000*
While jeans saw the height of their popularity for the first time in the 1960s and 1970s, the company was founded all the way back in 1853. Vintage Levi’s from the 18th century have proven to be rather valuable!
Levi’s themselves purchased a pair from the late 1800s for $46,000, basically giving the owner a refund plus staggering interest. Another pair from the late 1800s fetched a whopping $60,000. Perhaps this is something to consider before upcycling your jeans. In 100+ years they could be worth a fortune if you can hang on to them for long enough!
Most people may not even realize that the Levi brand goes back that far, but in this case, knowledge is power. Knowing what to look for is often the key to making a quick buck at thrift and antique stores, so you may want to keep this information in your back pocket (pardon the pun!)
73. Steiff Teddy Girl
Maker: Steiff
Original Price: Unknown*
Worth Today: $171,600*
Steiff Teddies are amongst the most highly valued antique bears in the world. They have sold at auction for remarkable prices and are known for their stiff joints and mohair coats. This particular bear was made in 1905 and was a gift to a newborn Bob Henderson.
The bear accompanied the British Army Colonel to war and survived the D-Day landings in 1962. Henderson went on to found Good Bears of the World which provides teddies for sick children. After his passing in 1990, the beloved Steiff bear sold at auction for $171,000 setting a world record for the most expensive teddy bear.
It’s nice to know that teddy bears have an endless life if they’re looked after. Henderson’s story is uplifting and remarkable, which undoubtedly added to the value of this very worthy bear. After all, it’s not every day a stuffed animal travels this far.
74. Coca-Cola Factory Error Soda Can
Maker: Coca Cola
Original Price: $1.19*
Worth Today: $250,000*
Back in 1892 in Atlanta, Georgia, a soft drink phenomenon was born. Coca-Cola sales are remarkable, in 2020 their global revenues amounted to about $33 billion. They are one of the most recognized brands in history and for this reason, many collectors love to get their hands on all kinds of paraphernalia.
Who would have thought that a Coca Cola factory error could be worth a quarter of a million dollars though. One would think perhaps a vintage bottle or advert would be where the big bucks are, but if you happen to come across a closed, empty can it could be worth a fortune!
The history of this great brand is undeniable, so to pop culture enthusiasts and collectors alike, spending $250,000 on an old can might seem like the best way to spend a day. It’s difficult not to think about the other things you could spend a quarter-of-a-million on, though.
75. Flowing Hair Silver-Copper Dollar
Maker: US Mint
Original Price: $1*
Worth Today: $10 Million*
When a $1 coin sells for $10 million, the least one can say is that it was a good return on investment. This particular flowing hair silver-copper dollar coin is believed to be the very first silver dollar struck by the US Mint.
The coin was purchased by Legend Numismatics, a rare-coin firm based in New Jersey who have said they would have bid higher if necessary. They also stated that the coin has unique features that make it particularly valuable. According to them, no museum has an equal piece.
If you’re going to spend $10 million on anything, this sounds like a good bet. It’s a totally unique piece steeped in history, it’s so it’s arguably worth every single dime. Still, we can’t help but wonder if there’s something similar lying around somewhere, waiting to be discovered.
76. Abu Dhabi License Plate Number 1
Maker: Public Authorities
Original Price: Purchased new at auction*
Worth Today: $14.3 Million*
Most of us accept the license plate given to us while some choose to splurge on creative or rare pates. For instance, the Saab owner whose plate reads ‘WASAAB’ or the tire truck whose plate reads ‘TIRED’. It’s a way to show personality on the road or status.
The most expensive number plates are the single digits, as there are only 9 available. An Abu Dhabi man purchased the number 1 plate for $14.3 million, but that’s only the beginning of the story. The check he issued bounced, and he was eventually sentenced to three years in jail for fraud!
The remarkable story only adds to the notoriety of the item, but something tells us the winning bidder now wishes he had never been involved at all. As we well know, the law in Abu Dhabi doesn’t mess around, so it’s surprising the punishment wasn’t harsher.
77. Honus Wagner Baseball Card
Maker: Factory 25
Original Price: $50*
Worth Today: $6.6 Million*
Perhaps the most well-known and expensive baseball card in the world, the T206 Honus Wagner Baseball Card sold for a record-breaking $6.6 million in 2021. The card is in mint condition and is regarded as the best version of the card in existence. Which with a price like that is exactly what one would expect, especially since the Wagner card has set many records over the years.
As legend has it, Wagner himself pulled the card from production after just 50 or so were made. The reason is disputed, some say because he didn’t want to market cigarettes to children, others suggest he hadn’t given permission for his picture to be used. Either way, it certainly paid off in the long run.
The story behind the card makes it all the more collectible. While the history is important, details like above often make a collectible item all the more sought after. Intriguing tales can turn into higher bids that no one saw coming.
78. 1933 Zippo Lighter
Maker: Zippo
Original Price: $0.74*
Worth Today: $18,000*
An old Zippo lighter might be worth a pretty penny, assuming that it’s in good condition and works. Zippo lighters first came out in 1933, and they cost less than a dollar (now, the price of a Zippo is $10-$14). The first one ever produced is located at the Zippo/Case Museum.
There are a few different Zippos from that first production year, including Tall, Gunmetal, Brass, Chrome, and more. These Zippos have sold for as high as $18,000 on auction sites. Though that price has spiked, most Zippos from that era will go for $400-$500, as wear and tear have likely made their condition less than pristine.
79. Pikachu Illustrator Pokemon Card
Maker: Nintendo
Original Price: Free
Worth Today: $54,970*
Called “The Holy Grail” of the Pokemon world, the Pikachu Illustrator is the most valuable card in existence from the Poke-verse. The Pokemon card costs millions, which is ironic, as it didn’t cost the recipient a dime. The Illustrator card was awarded as a prize in a competition for artists who came up with the best Pokemon fan art.
The print on the card translates to a congratulatory message for winners. The Pikachu Illustrator Card’s price is due to its rarity; only a few dozen were ever printed. CoroCoro, a Japanese Magazine, hosted the contest that produced them in 1998.
80. Golden Lego Brick
Maker: Legoland
Original Price: Free
Worth Today: $19,793*
A 2×4 gold brick went up for auction, along with other rare collectibles, like the 10226 Sopwith Camel, Wooden Duck, and San Diego Comic Con Zebra Batman, making Lego history as one of the most expensive products to come from the company. The oversized Lego was made of $205 worth of 14-karat gold.
The golden brick was originally a prize given to employees who had done something outstanding for the company. The one that went up for auction was awarded to a German employee in 1971. He’d improved the software for selling Legos and was awarded this solid gold Lego, as well as a thank-you letter for his work.
81. 1982 World’s Fair Edition Pez Dispenser
Maker: Haas
Original Price: $2*
Worth Today: $32,205*
This Pez dispenser’s price comes from its rarity. It never was actually a mass-production Pez dispenser. It came with a white head and green stem, and the design, as you can see from the label, was originally made for the 1982 World’s Fair, which took place in Knoxville, Tennessee.
The prototype remained just that, so only a few were ever produced. The Pez dispenser would later sell on eBay in 2006, decades after the World’s Fair, for $32,205. Considering that Pez dispensers cost only a couple of dollars when they came out, we believe that’s a pretty impressive return on investment.
82. 1978 Darth Vader Action Figure
Maker: Kenner
Original Price: $4.99*
Worth Today: $44,994.40*
Star Wars wowed the seventies, and the franchise has grown into a billion-dollar empire. The movie series has led to thousands of licenses for toy deals and merchandise, and original toys that came out with the movies have resold for thousands of dollars. An example is the 1978 Darth Vader action figure.
Made by Kenner, the double-telescoping Darth Vader is worth thousands. The “Double Telescoping” refers to the lightsaber that Kenner used to include with its Darth Vader, Kenobi, and Luke Skywalker action figures. “Double-telescoping” has become a pretty strong indicator that an action figure will be worth thousands on resale.
83. 1985 Teresa Ann Cabbage Patch Doll
Maker: Coleco Industries
Original Price: $25*
Worth Today: $2,000*
Cabbage Patch Kids made history in the 1980s for being the most successful doll launch in the toy industry at the time. The toy industry had never seen such a craze, and vintage Cabbage Patch Kids from 1985 are worth a lot now. One example is the 1985 Teresa Ann Cabbage Patch Doll.
Teresa has a #3 head mold, as well as a soft body, green eyes, and signature on her rear. Teresa Ann comes in a pink dress. Another valuable Cabbage Patch Kid doll is Anna Greta, who was released a year later. Anna Greta also has bright red hair, so don’t get them confused
84. The Great Gatsby First Edition
Maker: Charles Scribner’s
Original Price: $2*
Worth Today: $400,000*
The Jones Brothers is a rare-book hub based in the UK, and it made headlines when it sold a first edition of The Great Gatsby, a famous, classic novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald, for thousands. The first-edition Gatsby was sold in the same dust jacket it had in the 1920s.
Jones said that “rarity, cover art, and story” led to the valuable nature of this first edition. There was a typo on the back of the book’s dust jacket that says, “jay Gatsby,” with a lowercase, not an uppercase letter. A stamp correction was used to fix the error, but the rarity had already been compounded.
85. Black Lotus ‘Magic: The Gathering’ Card
Maker: Wizards of the Coast
Original Price: $25*
Worth Today: $87,672-$511,100*
The super-rare Black Lotus from Magic: The Gathering can sell for over half a million dollars to bidders who love the game and have a lot of money. The card was released in 1993. It was originally part of the Alpha set of cards, and it does not require any mana to play.
The Black Lotus adds three mana to your pool, and the mana are of any color. It is prized in Magic because it is useful for casting powerful spells quickly. There are thousands of these cards in existence, but, considering that 20 billion Magic cards were printed from 2008 to 2016 alone, the Black Lotus is still quite uncommon.
86. Dunes Casino Red and Blue Card Decks
Maker: Dunes Hotel
Original Price: $1-$2*
Worth Today: $1,250*
The Dunes Hotel operated from 1955 to 1993. The Las Vegas, Nevada hotel and casino was a hotspot on the Las Vegas Strip. It was the tenth resort opened on the Strip. Now, the Bellagio has taken its place. It was known for its Casino de Paris permanent show, as well as its unique architecture.
A vintage set of red and blue playing cards, used in the Dunes every night, can sell for thousands at auction from people who loved the nostalgia of the Casino. The cards come with the Dunes insignia. Though thousands must have been used at the bustling casino, many have been lost as time has passed since the casino’s closure.
87. Garbage Pail Kid Nasty Nick #1A
Maker: The Topps Company
Original Price: $9.98/pack*
Worth Today: $7,856*
In GEM MT 10 condition, you could sell your Garbage Pail Kid Nasty Nick #1A for thousands of dollars. The Garbage Pail Kids were a group of sticker trading cards. Made by Topps, they were released the same year as Cabbage Patch Kid dolls, and they were a parody of them. They even got their own movie in 1987.
Nasty Nick was one of the rarest of the Kids. As the top-most card on the deck, many of his cards were printed slightly off-center. Nasty Nick decked out like a vampire holding a blond-haired doll, is even rarer than Adam Bomb, Evil Eddie, and Schizo Fran.
88. Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime Watch
Maker: Patek Philippe
Original Price: N/A (Created For Auction)
Worth Today: $31.19 million*
Patek Philippe calls its Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime Watch the most “complicated” wristwatch it has “ever made.” The watch is worth tens of millions, and only seven examples of the Grandmaster Chime have ever been made. One example is located at the Patek Philippe Museum in Geneva, Switzerland, so only six are “on the market.”
The wristwatch has twenty complications, two independent dials, a reversible case, and six patented innovations. All in all, the development, assembly, and production of just one of these legendary timepieces cost over 100,000 hours. Patek Philippe has been a world leader in complicated watches, but it outdid itself with the Grandmaster.
89. ”Inverted Jenny” stamp
Maker: USPS
Original Price: $0.24*
Worth Today: $1.593 million*
Also called the “Jenny Invert” or “Upside-Down Jenny,” the Inverted Jenny is a twenty-four-cent USPS postage stamp. It was issued in 1918, and it bears the image of a Curtiss JN-4 airplane. The plane was printed in error—it’s upside down. The flipped “Jenny” plane is one of the most famous errors in the history of American philately.
Only one pane of one-hundred of the Jenny Inverts was ever found, so the stamp is prized for its rarity. In 2007, a Jenny Invert sold for $977,500. Most recently, in 2018, a Jenny Invert sold for $1.593 million (including the buyer’s $243,000 premium).
90. Mickey Mantle Baseball Card
Maker: Topps
Original Price: $1*
Worth Today: $5.22 million*
Mickey “The Mick” Mantle is one of the most famous baseball players of all time. Born in 1931, he played his whole career with the Yankees, hitting 536 home runs. His batting average was a .298. Mantle’s original baseball cards, made by Topps, have sold for record-breaking prices.
In January of 2021, PWCC Marketplace sold a 1952 mint condition Topps card for $5.22 million. This broke a previous record, which was held by MLB player Mike Trout. Rob Gough was Mantle’s card’s buyer, and he said he had been searching for the “high-grade example” for years and was “ecstatic” to finally have found it.
91. Post Ten Variety Pack Cereal Pack
Maker: Post
Original Price: $0.20-$0.40*
Worth Today: $2,550*
Kids have always loved variety packs of cereals, and the Post Ten Variety Pack Cereal Pack from 1962 is no exception. Post Cereal always issued standard-size, large cereal boxes, but it changed things up in 1962, issuing single-serving boxes called “Post Tens.” The little boxes were situated in cardboard trays.
The boxes could be cut open and used as cereal bowls. The Post Tens tray was a platform for the boxes, and it had three 1962 baseball cards on the bottom: #131 Willie McCovey, #75 Rocky Bridges, and #5 Mickey Mantle. Complete Post Tens trays are very, very rare, which is why they sell for so much when someone does get their hands on one.
92. 1947 World Jamboree French Maitresse Boy Scout Patch
Maker: Stadri Emblems
Original Price: Free
Worth Today: $71,000*
The 1947 World Jamboree French Maitresse Boy Scout Patch was not only a patch, it was also a fifty-cent Scout stamp and a fifty-cent Scout coin. The Patch has gone on to sell at auctions for thousands of dollars because of its rarity. It was awarded at no cost at the 6th World Scout Jamboree, which was held in Moisson, France.
24,000 Scouts were in attendance, and it was the first Scout Jamboree to take place after the death of Boy Scout founder Robert Baden-Powell in 1941. It was supposed to have taken place that year, but Baden-Powell’s death caused it to be postponed.
93. 1959 Pyrex Casserole Dish
Maker: Pyrex
Original Price: $15*
Worth Today: $4,000*
Pyrex was founded in 1915 by Corning, Inc., and it started out merely as a line of clear glass dishware that could be used in the kitchen. It would later expand, and vintage Pyrex collecting has since become a lucrative and popular hobby. Vintage Pyrex dishes like the 1959 Pyrex Casserole Dish are worth thousands today.
Pyrex even announced that it would be relaunching the “Lucky in Love” Casserole Dish from that year in 2018. The Lucky in Love is one of the brand’s most popular vintage designs. The one-quart dish is adorned with green, four-leaf clovers and a green grass garden with cute pink hearts.
94. 1971 Hidden Mickey Pin
Maker: Disney
Original Price: $5.99*
Worth Today: $12,000*
Hidden Disney Pins became all the rage among collectors when they were first released, and the “Hidden Mickey” is one of the most sought-after pins. They were named “Hidden Mickey” because each pin has a tiny Mickey Mouse had on them. The pins were distributed to Cast Members working at Disney.
The only way to obtain the pin was to trade Cast Members for them. Two times a year, Cast Members got several sets of Hidden Mickey pins, and they could trade them if they wanted. The first Hidden Mickey (and the most expensive) can be traced back to 1971 when Disney’s Imagineers were designing Epcot.
95. 1894-S Barber Coin
Maker: U.S. Mint
Original Price: $0.10*
Worth Today: $1.99 million*
The actual value of the 1894-S Barber Coin is just ten cents, but the coin’s rarity has caused it to be sold for thousands of times that value. The S-Barber was produced in 1894 as part of the U.S. Barber coinage. It has gone on to rival the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel and 1804 Dollar as one of the highest-prized collectors’ coins.
Only twenty-four of these dimes were ever minted, and, of that number, just nine have survived. All are proof coins, and seven are heavily-worn. In 2005, one sold for $1.3 million. Two years later, the price had jumped, and one sold for nearly $2 million.
96. Charles Lindbergh Matchbook
Maker: Lion Match Co.
Original Price: Free
Worth Today: $6,000*
The Guinness Book of World Records has listed this Charles Lindbergh Matchbook as the most valuable matchbook in the world. The famed match-cover features Charles Lindbergh, an American aviator who made history as the first pilot to make a nonstop flight from NYC to Paris. The match-cover dates back to June 14, 1927.
The listed value of the cover was $100 in the 1950s, and, as you can see, the price has only gone up. In 2015, it was worth $6,000 at auction. Only 200 of these matchbooks were made. They were handed out for free to random guests at a party at the Astor Hotel in New York City.
97. 1986 American Girl Doll Samantha
Maker: American Girl
Original Price: $89*
Worth Today: $4,200*
Samantha Parkington was a Victorian-era doll made in 1986. She was released with Molly McIntire and Kirsten Larson. The three dolls were the first Historical Characters from American Girl Co. Samantha was archived in May of 2009 after selling out just a few months before. Samantha got a re-release in 2014 with BeForever.
Parkington’s face is designed in the classic mold. She has light skin, dark brown, wavy hair, and decal brown eyes that differ from the standard brown you find on most brown-eyed dolls. The only other American Girl with decal brown eyes in Ivy Ling. Samantha’s “Meet Outfit” is what Edwardian-era girls of her class and age would have worn during that time period. She’s worth up to $4,200 on auction sites.
98. Masters of the Universe Eternia Playset
Maker: Mattel
Original Price: $19.99*
Worth Today: $9,999*
Masters of the Universe was a sword-and-sorcery franchise that Mattel created. The franchise popularized the culturally-iconic character of He-Man, and all the toys, games, books, and movies that came from Masters are likely worth billions, collectively. Vintage toys, such as this Masters of the Universe Eternia Playset, sell for top-dollar on auction sites.
The Masters of the Universe Eternia Playset was the largest toy Mattel ever made. Produced in 1986, the vintage Playset featured three towers and vehicles that ran around a monorail track. The Playset is the “Holy Grail” of Masters collecting because it is expensive and difficult to complete. Though only a few of these Playsets sold at the time and were a disappointment to Mattel, they have since grown to be very valuable.
99. Xero – Xero Cassette Tape (1997)
Maker: Xero (Now Called Linkin Park)
Original Price: $7-$9*
Worth Today: $4,500*
You might not recognize the name “Xero,” but you’ll know the name Linkin Park. Linkin Park called themselves Xero before changing the band’s name, and Xero was their self-titled, debut demo tape. The tape was recorded in 1996 and 1997 and released in November of 1997. The cassette tape is twelve minutes, thirty-six seconds long.
Produced by Mike Shinoda, Xero was influenced by what the band was “currently listening to.” Shinoda said that all the vocals were recorded using a Shure SM58 microphone. Though Xero was a bust when it released, Linkin Park took off in 2000, which upped Xero’s value and made it a classic piece of the band’s early history.
100. Nike Air Jordan 1s
Maker: Nike
Original Price: $65*
Worth Today: $560,000*
Air Jordans now sell for $100-$200 when there’s a new release, if not more, but they were just $65 when the first Nike Air Jordan 1s dropped in the mid-1980s. The shoes were designed by Peter C. Moore for Michael Jordan when he was in his heyday with the Chicago Bulls.
The Air Jordan 1s were released first from 1985 to 1986. Then, there were more “Retro” releases in 1994, the early 2000s, and 2007, with new releases dropping even now. The Air Jordan 1s were so successful, Nike released the IIs in 1986, with barely a pause between editions. Original Air Jordan 1s from the 1980s sell for over half a million dollars nowadays. Retros sell for $200-$400.