This article was originally published on RetroWays
Are you feeling nostalgic about those My Little Pony figurines or that Beatles record tucked away in your attic? Now is the time to dust them off, as antiques and vintage products are currently in high demand at auctions, second-hand stores, and online marketplaces like eBay. That pile of unused stuff in your home could hold valuable collector's items that people are willing to pay a fortune for. So before you start throwing things away, research the value of your old toys or records because you never know; your nostalgic treasures may just bring you a small fortune!
Easy-Bake Oven Worth $300
Did you know that the childhood toy you used to bake your first treats with might be worth a fortune today? The classic Easy-Bake Oven, created by Kenner Products in 1963, was once sold for just $15.95. But now, owning an original version of this vintage toy could bring in around $300. Collectors are crazy about owning original pieces like this, especially those that have evolved over time. So better get searching for this in your attic!
And with the latest 2011 model looking nothing like its conventional oven-like predecessor, the demand for the original Easy-Bake Oven has skyrocketed. Who knew your childhood playtime could hold such valuable surprises?
Vintage Singer Sewing Machine Worth $500
The Singer 66K sewing machine is a highly sought-after vintage item that has the potential to bring in over $500 in revenue. And it's not the only one! As people increasingly look for unique, original, and authentic pieces to add to their collections, vintage items like this are becoming more and more popular. Who knew that a sewing machine could be worth so much? Well, apparently, this one is worth bands!
It might be time to take a trip down memory lane and dig through your grandma's attic to see what gems could be hiding there.
A Teresa Ann Cabbage Patch Doll Worth $2,000
Cabbage Patch Kids, the iconic dolls that took the world by storm in the 1980s, have a new distinction: they're worth a fortune! With so many dolls to choose from, collectors have plenty of options, but there's one in particular that stands out from the rest: Teresa Ann. This rare doll from the 1985 collection recently sold for an unbelievable $2,000 on eBay, a far cry from her original price of $25.
Teresa Ann is considered one of the most valuable collector's items in the world. So how could something else possibly be worth more?
My Little Pony Princess Rapunzel Toy Worth $2,000
Can you believe that the My Little Pony toy you owned as a child might now be worth thousands of dollars? Created by Hasbro in the 1980s, the beloved toy line has gone through several rebrands over the years. While newer models are readily available, it's the original versions that are worth the big bucks. One of the rarest My Little Pony toys is the mail-order Rapunzel pony, which once sold for just $8.95.
But today, collectors are willing to shell out a whopping $2,000 for this valuable item. With multi-colored hair that's extremely long, this pony is truly one-of-a-kind. That's quite a lot for a toy pony!
Elvis Presley Board Game About Love Worth $2,150
Elvis Presley may have been the king of rock and roll, but did you know that he also had his own board game all about predicting love? The game was created by Teen-Age Games during the height of his career and sold for a mere $1.50. Today, however, owning one of these games is like hitting the jackpot. Only a handful of these games still exist, making them incredibly rare and valuable.
You can't just find these at any yard sale or vintage store. But if you own one, you must know one of these games sold for over $2,000!
First-Generation Tamagotchis Worth $2,250
Remember the days of Tamagotchis, when we had egg-shaped techno-toys that we treated like our own children? Well, while kids today may not care much for these electronic pets, collectors and nostalgic adults certainly do. Some original Tamagotchis are selling for staggering amounts on sites like eBay, with one reportedly going for $2,250. If we had known they'd be so popular and valuable now, we wouldn't have gotten rid of them.
What used to cost just $18 is now worth a small fortune! From old toys to forgotten heirlooms, you never know what you might have that could be a lucky find for collectors, so keep reading.
1950s Pyrex Casserole Dish Worth $4,000
Are you still using your grandma's old Pyrex casserole dish? Well, you might want to give it a second thought because it could be worth a fortune! That's right, vintage Pyrex casserole dishes from 1959 in pristine condition are being sold for as much as $4,000 online. Who knew that something as ordinary as a casserole dish could become a valuable collector's item? So, start digging through your kitchen cupboards; you never know what treasures you might find!
It just goes to show that sometimes the most unexpected items can hold the most surprising value. We guess it's time to start keeping an eye out for casserole dishes.
Samantha the American Girl Doll Worth Around $4,000
It's truly amazing just how high the value of one of the most popular dolls in the United States is! American Girl dolls have been capturing hearts since their launch in 1986. But did you know that one of these dolls, Samantha, can fetch over $4,000 on auction sites? These toys are clearly not just for kids anymore, as collectors are willing to pay top dollar for the original dolls.
Even buying the dolls new can cost a pretty penny, with accessories adding to the already high price tag. But who would have thought that owning one of these dolls is just as pricy as an iPhone?
Porcelain Tableware Worth Up To $5,000
Remember those fancy china sets that your mom simply refused to give away despite them being unused for years? As it turns out, her wise decision could be worth a substantial amount of money today. These porcelain antiques, which were inspired by China's blue and white painted ceramics, were extremely popular in the 1800s, and any hand-me-downs in your possession from that era could be worth a fortune, so check all your antiques.
They are currently selling for as much as $5,000 on eBay. You're probably grateful that your mom had the sense to see a treasure when she saw it, aren’t you?
Masters of the Universe Eternia Playset Worth Around $9,999
Mattel, the toy-making giant that brought us Barbie and Hot Wheels, also created something quite special back in 1986: the Masters of the Universe Eternia Playset. This massive toy set, which is said to be the largest ever created by Mattel, didn't gain much popularity upon its release, but it has now become a highly sought-after collector's item. The set, which includes beloved characters like He-Man and Skeletor, has been known to fetch a price of up to $9,999.
It's incredible to think that something that was once just a simple toy can now be worth a small fortune, but that's the power of nostalgia for you.
Care Bears Pink Monkey $10,000
The ‘80s were an era of great toys, and the Care Bears were no exception. They started as characters on greeting cards but quickly became beloved plush toys. Then came along the Care Bear Cousins, which were Care Bear characters who were all different animals other than bears. The pink monkey, which initially sold for a mere $20, is today one of the most expensive! Apparently, people are willing to spend a tremendous $10,000 on one.
Who knows what other childhood treasures are worth a small fortune? You'll just have to read on to find out.
Hidden Mickey Pins Worth $12,000
Are you a Disney fanatic? If so, you might want to sit down for this one. While Disney is known for churning out countless products, some of their classic merchandise is now worth a pretty penny. Case in point: the “Hidden Mickey” pins that were originally released in the 1970s. Cast members working at Disney World received these pins and could trade them among themselves. However, their value today is insane!
This rarity factor is what makes these pins so valuable today, with some reportedly selling for a hefty $12,000. Who knew something as small as a pin could hold so much value?
1950s Superman Lunchbox Worth $13,225
Who would have thought that a simple lunchbox could be worth over $13,000? But that's the case for the 1953 Superman lunchbox. For collectors, it's a dream item. Made over six decades ago, finding one in good condition is almost impossible, which is why they're so valuable. With the Superman franchise still going strong after all these years, it's no surprise that collectors are willing to pay top dollar for this rare piece of memorabilia.
If you're a fan of the Man of Steel and have the cash to spare, this might just be the perfect addition to your collection.
Black Diamond Edition of 101 Dalmatians Worth Around $14,000
Do you remember the days when people had to rewind videotapes and worry about tracking issues? It seems like a distant memory now, but some old VHS tapes still hold some serious value. Especially the Black Diamond edition of Disney’s 101 Dalmatians. This version of the classic animated movie was released in 1992 and can fetch up to $14,000! A tape that was once worth less than $20 can now earn you thousands of dollars.
That’s right; you read that correctly! It’s all thanks to the elusive black diamond on the spine, which makes certain Disney tapes highly sought after by collectors.
McDonald’s Mulan Szechuan Sauce Worth $14,700
If you thought your old fast-food packets were trash, think again! The most bizarre item to ever be sold as a valuable collector's item is a packet of McDonald's Szechuan sauce. You read that right, a packet of sauce! It was left in someone's car for years after it was released as a limited edition product in 1998 to promote the Disney movie Mulan. The sauce packet was then sold for a staggering $14,700!
Apparently, the sauce went viral when it was mentioned in the popular TV show Rick & Morty, and suddenly, people demanded the sauce return.
Golden Lego Bricks Worth $19,793
Lego is known for being a simple and entertaining toy, but did you know that one of its bricks is worth almost $20,000? Yes, we're talking about a golden Lego brick that was recently sold in an auction. It was created with 14-karat gold and given to Lego employees with 25 years of experience, making it a rare collector's item. The brick was given to a German employee who improved the company's selling software and pocketed $19,793.
It's safe to say that this thank-you gift turned out to be an excellent investment for the lucky employee who sold it.
iPod Classic Worth $20,000
You may not believe it, but the iPod Classic is now rare and valuable. Yes, that's right. This device, once touted as having "1,000 songs in your pocket," has become a hot commodity. While it may seem like a thing of the past, some people are willing to pay top dollar for a good-quality model. With the latest technology offering so much more, it's hard to believe that the iPod Classic could ever be worth anything.
But with Apple discontinuing the device and finding a good-quality model becoming increasingly difficult, the iPod Classic is now a must-have that can cost you up to $20,000!
Breyer Model Horses Worth $22,000
Have you ever heard of Breyer Horses? They're toy models of horses that people can collect, paint and customize. But did you know that one of these models sold for a whopping $22,000 at an auction? They initially went for $300-600, which still sounds like an excessive amount of money for a toy! However, this " Alborozo " model was hand-painted and had an extra unique feature that made it even more valuable.
The mold used to make these horses was destroyed, making this model the last of its kind. And as we all know, rarity equals value.
Suffragette Banner Worth Around $24,000
A forgotten piece of history can sometimes turn out to be worth a small fortune. Just take this banner from the Women's Social and Political Union in the UK as an example. This banner played an essential role in the fight for women's rights and was used as the backdrop for speeches by the iconic suffragette Emmeline Pankhurst. After being stowed away in a charity shop for a decade, the banner was sold at auction and then sold again to the People's History Museum.
Who knew that one piece of fabric could be worth over $20,000? It seems hard to believe, but it is a piece of history, after all.
Signed First Edition of Where the Wild Things Are Worth $25,000
It's hard to believe that a simple children's book could be worth a fortune, but that's the case with Where the Wild Things Are. While most people have read this classic at some point in their lives, few own a signed first edition. After the author Maurice Sendak passed away, a rare copy of the book surfaced, signed by the man himself. It was in pristine condition and fetched an eye-watering $25,000 at auction.
A book that probably cost a few dollars when it was first released became worth 10,000 times more because of its rarity and sentimental value. Keep your eyes peeled because more exciting discoveries are coming!
Original Superman Action Figure Worth $25,000
Superman is an iconic superhero that has been around for over 80 years. And with each passing year, the value of his first-ever action figure continues to soar higher. While $25,000 might seem like a hefty price tag, it pales in comparison to what the toy could be worth in the future. Experts believe that this figure could fetch an even higher price in the years to come. Will you try and get your hands on this?
Who knows? Maybe one day, this figure could be worth a fortune that not even Superman could imagine.
1950s Barbie Doll Worth Almost $30K
Barbie has been a beloved toy for decades, but did you know that the first-ever Barbie doll is worth almost $30,000? This iconic toy was first created in 1959 and has undergone many changes since then. However, it's the original Barbie that has captured the attention of collectors. Not only is it special because it's the first, but it also reflects the glamor of the 1950s, inspired by the likes of Elizabeth Taylor and Marilyn Monroe.
It's a testament to how much people value nostalgia and history, with some willing to pay top dollar for a piece of childhood memories.
Signed Copy of Ernest Hemingway’s The Old Man and the Sea Worth $30K
Hemingway's classic novel The Old Man and the Sea has been captivating readers for generations. But did you know that one edition of this book is worth a staggering $30,000? Owning a copy with the author's signature is so rare nowadays that it's literally worth the price of a car. So, if you come across a signed copy of this book, hold onto it tightly – it could be worth a fortune.
Hold on as we delve into even more surprising items that have sold for enormous amounts, from vintage toys to antique books, and discover how these everyday items can become priceless treasures.
1982 Prototype Pez Dispenser Worth $32,205
You may have heard of the World's Fair, but have you heard of the Pez dispenser that sold for over $32,000? This isn't just any ordinary Pez dispenser; it's a prototype that was made exclusively for the 1982 World's Fair, making it extremely rare. This particular dispenser never made it to mass production, so it's no surprise that collectors were eager to get their hands on it. But who could've known people would actually pay so much for it?
It eventually sold for an astounding $32,205 in 2006 through an eBay auction. You better keep an eye out for random antique items lying around your house.
Ticket Stub From the 1927 World Series Worth $41,825
A ticket stub might seem like a throwaway item, but don't be so quick to toss it out. Especially since the ticket stubs from the 1927 World Seris were just a dollar back then, but now they're worth a staggering $40,000 or more! The reason why these ticket stubs fetch such high prices is the incredible legacy of the 1927 World Series, which saw the mighty New York Yankees in their prime.
This game was led by legends like Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig, so the tickets themselves are nostalgic and represent a historical time in sports history.
Original Darth Vader Action Figure Worth $44,994.40
The Force is strong with Star Wars fans, and it seems that the demand for vintage memorabilia from the epic space opera is also strong. The original trilogy may have been released over 40 years ago, but that doesn't mean the merchandise is worth any less. In fact, some Star Wars toys from that time have become extremely valuable collector's items. One of the most sought-after items is a Darth Vader action figure, which once sold for nearly $45,000!
What makes this figure so special? With so much interest in the franchise, it's no surprise that people are willing to pay astronomical prices for a piece of Star Wars history.
First-Edition Collection of Harry Potter Books Worth $56,000
If you're a true Harry Potter fan, you might want to start digging through your old book collection. It turns out that first-edition copies of the beloved series are worth a fortune. That's right, some of those books sitting on your shelves could be worth tens of thousands of dollars. Why? Well, not many first-edition books were printed, so owning an entire set is a rare find. Getting your hands on these is definitely worth it.
In fact, some are willing to shell out up to $56,000 to have the complete set. Just wait until you hear about a single toy that sold for over $200,000! Keep reading to discover what it is and why it's worth so much.
18th Century Levi’s 501 Jeans Worth $60,000
Are you tired of constantly buying new clothes? Maybe it's time to reconsider the value of your wardrobe. While many people opt for fast fashion, some prefer to invest in quality items that last for years. And when it comes to longevity, few pieces of clothing can beat Levi's jeans. In fact, some Levi jeans from the 1800s are still around today and are worth a fortune. It may sound unbelievable, but Levi's themselves reportedly bought a pair for $46,000,
Someone else paid $60,000 for a different pair of ancient jeans. Who knew that your old jeans could be worth more than your car?
Ikea Red Clam Chairs Worth $64,000
You may have bought furniture from Ikea in the past, but did you know that some of their pieces are worth a fortune? One of their designs, in particular, sold for a whopping $64,000 in London. This unique furniture item was a set of vintage red clam chairs created by Danish architect Philip Arctander. Arctander was renowned for his innovative designs, and this collaboration with Ikea was no exception.
The chairs featured in the Charlottenborg Spring Exhibition in 1942 have become an iconic pieces of vintage furniture. With such a high price tag, these chairs seem to have captured people's attention worldwide.
Back to the Future Nikes Worth $92,100
If you're a fan of the Back to the Future movie series, then you'll remember the Air Mags – the futuristic sneakers that captured everyone's imagination. Nike released a limited number of iconic shoes in several batches, with the first batch being the most popular. Despite being made as a prop for the film, these shoes were so highly sought-after that they sold for $92,100, even with visible wear and tear.
But what would a brand-new pair of these sneakers be worth? It's anyone's guess, but one thing's for sure – they're a must-have for die-hard fans and sneaker collectors alike.
Limited-Edition Hermes Birkin Bag Worth $125,000
Hold onto your hats, fashionistas! A limited-edition handbag has caused a stir in the collector's market, selling for a colossal $125,000 - more than double its original price! The highly-coveted Hermes Birkin Bag was designed by Christian Astuguevieille, a fashion icon known for his striking style. The bag's unique blend of black Togo leather and crocodile skin makes it a stand-out piece for people interested in owning iconic fashion items like this.
Despite initially being valued at $50,000, this bag smashed all expectations, proving that the value of limited edition items can skyrocket in the right market.
Original Version of Monopoly Worth $146,500
Think you know Monopoly? Think again. The game we all love to play actually started off with a different name and a different purpose. Created by economist Lizzie Magie in 1903, The Landlord's Game was designed to teach people about land monopolies. Fast forward to the 1930s, and a hand-drawn cloth version of Monopoly was created. This rare edition was sold at auction for a mighty $146,500, making it one of the most valuable collector's items out there.
It just goes to show that even a game designed to teach us about the dangers of monopolies can end up being a valuable commodity.
Volkswagen Beach Bomb Worth $150,000
The world of collectors is always on the lookout for rare items, and sometimes they're willing to pay eye-watering prices to add them to their collections. Take the Volkswagen Beach Bomb, for example; it was a Hot Wheels toy that only has two confirmed in existence. It's no wonder that someone would pay $150,000 to get their hands on it. This toy was originally produced as a prototype, and only 144 were ever made!
This is a prized possession anyone would be lucky enough to own; they could make a fortune off of this!
First-Edition G. I. Joe Action Figure Worth $200,000
Toys are for everyone, regardless of their gender, and they can hold some serious value. G.I. Joe action figures were once marketed towards boys, but that hasn't stopped them from being a sought-after collector's item today. The original action figures were larger and didn't have much backstory, but they were still popular with kids. As the toys evolved over the years, collectors continued seeking the originals, with a first-edition G.I. Joe selling for a staggering $200,000 in 2003.
It's incredible to think that a toy once marketed towards kids is now a valuable piece of history for collectors or just worth so much money for the ordinary person who finds this in their attic.
Princess Diana’s Beanie Baby Worth $200,000
It's hard to believe that 25 years have passed since the world lost Princess Diana. The beloved royal's tragic death in 1997 left millions heartbroken. In the aftermath of the tragedy, people sought ways to honor her memory, and Ty decided to create a special Beanie Baby to raise money for the Princess of Wales Memorial Fund. The limited-edition toys sold out quickly, but many people eventually forgot about them. If you're lucky enough to have one still, it might be worth checking its condition.
These cuddly collectibles can fetch up to $200,000 on online auction sites like eBay, making them a surprising and valuable find for collectors.
Coca-Cola Can With a Factory Error Worth $250,000
People love to drink Coca-Cola, and seeing the price of this rare can, it's worth checking the one in your fridge just in case it's worth a fortune! While most of us enjoy cracking open a cold can on a hot day, some people are willing to pay $250,000 for one they can't even drink. That's right, a rare Coca-Cola can with a factory error, rendering it unopenable, has become one of the most valuable rare items.
The exact number of these rare cans is unknown, but one lucky owner recently cashed in big time. So, next time you grab a can of Coke, check it for any unusual markings before cracking it open!
A Decoy Duck Worth $270,000
If you thought carving ducks out of wood was just a hobby, think again. Decoy ducks, as they're called, can fetch a fortune at auction if they're done right. These handcrafted works of art have been used for centuries to attract ducks and other waterfowl during hunting season. The best of the best are often carved out of Atlantic white cedar wood and are incredibly detailed. Take Thomas Chambers' decoy duck, for example, which sold for a staggering $270,000 at a recent Copley Fine Art Auctions event.
That's right, almost a quarter of a million dollars for a wooden bird. Who knew?
Signed Copy of Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band Worth Around $290,500
The Beatles are an iconic band whose influence transcends time. Their music continues to captivate new generations, and their memorabilia remains highly sought after by collectors. In fact, one of their vinyl records was sold for a staggering $290,500 at auction. The record was a copy of their legendary album, ‘Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band,’ signed by all four band members! Such an iconic and vintage piece to own.
With the passing of two band members, the value of their signed memorabilia has only increased, making it a hot commodity for people worldwide. However, wait and see what the most expensive vintage item is!
Nintendo PlayStation Prototype Worth Around $360,000
When it comes to the gaming industry, Nintendo and Sony are two of the biggest names out there. However, what most people don't know is that the two companies actually teamed up for a one-of-a-kind console prototype. Unfortunately, the console never made it to market, and almost all of the prototypes were destroyed. But there's one that still exists, and it was sold at auction for an unbelievable $360,000. Who has that type of money to spend on a gaming console?
The console is reportedly in working condition and is considered to be a rare and highly sought-after piece of gaming history. Who would've known?
1931 Dracula Poster Worth $525,800
The world of horror is always filled with classics, and few stand out quite like Dracula. First released in the 19th century, the supernatural novel has inspired countless adaptations throughout the years. However, none have been as impactful as the 1931 film, which left a lasting impact on the horror genre. So much so that memorabilia from the film is worth a small fortune today. In fact, a poster advertising the movie was sold for over $525,000 at auction!
It’s clear that even the most seemingly insignificant items can have immense value if they’re associated with a classic like Dracula.
Ringo Starr’s Copy of the White Album Worth $790,000
If you're a Beatles fan, you might want to hold onto their records. One of their albums, The White Album, sold for a whopping $790,000 at auction. But it wasn't just any version of the album - this was Ringo Starr's copy, and it was the first one ever made. That's right; it was numbered 0000001! It's no wonder it fetched such a high price. Who knows what other Beatles memorabilia is hiding in attics and basements?
The album is full of classic songs that are still beloved today, and owning such a unique piece of music history is a dream. But which item comes at number one and costs the most today?
Vincent Black Lightning Motorcycle Worth Almost $1 Million
Move over, small collector's items, because this one is massive! If you're into rare and valuable things, you might want to check out the 1951 Vincent Black Lightning motorcycle. Only 33 of these beauties were produced, and less than two dozen are still in existence. This motorcycle has quite a story, having been made for Tony McAlpine, an Australian racer who broke his country's land speed record. When it hit the auction block in 2018, it nearly sold for a tremendous $1 million.
In the end, it sold for $929,000, shattering records and earning the title of the most expensive motorcycle in the world.
Hummel Figurines Worth $10,000
Most of us have seen these figurines, whether we knew they were valuable or not. They are quintessential "grandma style", something you might find displayed in any elderly person's home that could secretly be worth thousands of dollars. Their value can vary greatly though: you can find old figurines worth as little as $5. Others might be worth as much as a car. It's just the luck of the draw with these adorable figurines.
Another factor in the value of Hummels is the year of manufacture. The same characters were often produced over multiple years, so make sure to pay attention! For example, the 1935 Sunshower may not be worth nearly the same as a 1955 Sunshower even if they look exactly the same.