It's no secret that collecting things is one of the oldest hobbies in the world. There is a market for almost anything, from bobbleheads to lunch boxes. You might only need to inspect your garage, attic, and other storage areas if you want extra cash.
Try checking grandma's and grandpa's things—with their permission, of course. You never know; you might find an old ticket stub for the 1927 World Series, which could fetch more than $40K!
Try checking grandma's and grandpa's things—with their permission, of course. You never know; you might find an old ticket stub for the 1927 World Series, which could fetch more than $40K!
Nothing Beats the Original
Barbie Dolls are still trendy, just as they were when they were first sold. Yet, although these toys are still manufactured today, they aren't made as they were originally. No wonder vintage ones are expensive, like this original 1959 Barbie. Among the vintage versions of the Mattel product, the earliest ones are the most expensive.
Of course, the most costly is this Barbie Doll wearing the now-iconic black-and-white swimsuit that debuted in 1959. When it was first sold, this plaything cost the buyer $3, but it now has a price tag of $27,450. Of course, to be offered at this price, the toy has to be mint-in-box, meaning it should be untouched.
Keepsake From a Historic Event
Baseball fans know the significance of the 1927 World Series. New York Yankees won against the Pittsburgh Pirates, defeating them in all four games, the first sweep of a National League team by an American League team. Nonetheless, that was not all; the sports event was important because two baseball icons played for the Yankees simultaneously—Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig.
Baseball fans know the significance of the 1927 World Series. New York Yankees won against the Pittsburgh Pirates, defeating them in all four games, the first sweep of a National League team by an American League team. Nonetheless, that was not all; the sports event was important because two baseball icons played for the Yankees simultaneously—Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig.
Vintage Game for Sweethearts
Even those who weren't alive when Elvis Presley rose to fame likely heard of him. Aside from his music, there was the 2022 biopic Elvis starring the king of rock and roll, Austin Butler. From that movie, we get a picture of the musician's popularity. So naturally, many pieces of merchandise were created, including dolls, shoes, hats, and this rare board game.
Sources claimed that only six of The Elvis Presley Game survived, so it's understandable that it's being sold for more than $2K today. The board game has two opposing sides, blue for boys and pink for girls. As players move forward, they go through different phases of a romantic relationship, from "getting to know" to "going steady."
Paid Thousands for Wobbling Head Toy
Although bobblehead dolls may seem silly, they are actually precious. So naturally, if the figurine is of someone we idolize, it has sentimental value. Nevertheless, several wobbling toys have been sold for thousands of dollars, such as this New York Yankee Bobblehead from the early '60s.
Other similar vintage figurines from the same decade could be bought for around $3K, but this one is worth more because only two of these were ever made. In addition, this bobblehead looks like it's in mint condition, so it did not get near a small child. Undoubtedly only a loyal Yankee fan could spend almost $60K on sports memorabilia.
Not Just An Ordinary Casserole Dish
When Corning Glass Works of Corning, New York, introduced a 12-piece line of machine-made glass ovenware called Pyrex in 1915, it was a breakthrough for kitchens all over the United States. Nevertheless, it wasn't an overnight success because not everyone could afford their expensive products.
till, the company found a way to make the kitchenware affordable. From a simple glass design, Corning found a way to incorporate colors and decorative patterns into their products. In the 1950s, buoyantly colored mixing bowls and casserole dishes like this one filled kitchen cabinets. Called "Gooseberry," this vintage design is sought-after by Pyrex collectors, hence the going price of $4K.
The Official Handbook for the Boy Scouts
Something so special about first editions tickles the fascination of bibliophiles worldwide. No matter how much more they are worth than the original price, people with the wherewithal to own them will do so at any cost.
The classic first edition of the Boy Scouts Handbook published in 1911, is one of the most sought-after collector's items for several reasons. First, it's nostalgic for the boys who have been with the troops and is definitely something that'll earn you bragging rights as the owner. While the handbook came free for the boy scouts who used it to learn many life lessons, it's worth $2200 now.
Action Comics No. 1 Worth Millions
Comics lovers worldwide know how priceless comic books are, and the older, the better. True blue enthusiasts would pay millions to own a copy, and we have the 1932's Action Comics No. 1 comic book to prove it. Superman is featured prominently on the book's cover in the scene where he lifts a green car while the people flee for safety. It was so well-received that the initial print of 200000 copies was sold out in no time.
Soon the makers were selling a million copies a month. The first ever superhero comic book to hit the stands cost only 10 cents then, but now it's worth a zillion times more at $3.2 million.
British Guiana's Rare Magenta Stamp
Stamp collection is a hobby that's been around for centuries; people who indulge in it are pretty serious about their passion. Most might not understand the beauty of collecting unique and rare stamps, but it's pretty undeniable that there's a huge niche market available in a collectors' universe. How else do you explain a one-cent stamp selling in an auction for nearly $10 million?
Issued in 1856, the unique British Guiana's one-cent magenta stamp exchanged several hands over the decades before Arthur Hind outbid many kings by paying $36k for it in 1922. The rare stamp's value has considerably increased since, being sold last at $9.5 million to a wealthy shoe designer.
Record-Breaking Deal for Luka Doncic Rookie Card
For decades, sports memorabilia has found a dedicated fanbase willing to pay through their nose to get their hands on rare collectibles. History has seen the 2013 rookie cards of LeBron James and Giannis Antetokounmpo selling for $1.8 million each. This goes to show that autographed basketball cards have always been a rage.
Still, you'll be shocked at how much a 2018-19 basketball card of Luka Doncic is worth today. The rookie card of the Dallas Mavericks point guard fetched a cool $4.6 million in his third year as an NBA player breaking all records. Even Tom Brady's card sold only for $1.32 million.
Double Charity of James Audubon's Birds of America
The more unique and scarce the item is, the more valuable it becomes. A case in point is the spectacular James Audubon set of hand-painted, water-colored prints in Birds of America. It is a large book that comes in a set of four volumes and has 435 intricately-painted birds.
There are only four copies of the book worldwide, and getting your hands on it is bound to cost you top dollars. Originally priced at $126, the book was purchased at an auction in 2018 by Carl W. Knobloch, Jr for $10 million, and the money went towards charity. He donated the book to his family's foundation, which focuses on conservation and environmental causes.
It Was Starr’s Possession
Famous people have a huge fan following, and in that fan following, some people can go to great lengths to show their affection to their favorite celebrity. Take this person, for example, who purchased a copy of The White Album for a whopping $790K.
Well, we did a little understatement as it was not just a regular copy of the album. That copy initially belonged to Ringo Star himself. To add more to this copy’s value, let’s give away the fact that it was the first copy of the entire album. Star decided to auction his possession, and a diehard fan was happy to write a hefty cheque.
The Love for Books Is Unparalleled
There is something about storybooks that we all loved when we were children. Speaking of storybooks, a person who made thousands of kids’ childhood amazing was Maurice Sendak. He was known as the author of the famous children’s book Where the Wild Things Are.
In the early 2010s, people started to become interested in his work all over again. This was the perfect opportunity to sell his work as a collectible. Later, news surfaced that a signed first edition of the book was sold at a hefty price of $25K. This tale about a young boy who deals with dangerous monsters must be very special to the person who bought it.
Air Jordan’s Fever Is Still Alive
One of the things that people do not mind spending a lot of money on is our shoes. So when these shoes come with Nike’s label, things get even more exciting. Nike is one of the leading brands in the footwear industry and has produced many sensational shoes, like Air Jordan.
These shoes completely revolutionized how people used to treat sneakers. They became more of a fashion and style statement. In the 1980s, Nike Air Jordan 1s were released and came at the cost of $65. Fast forward to today’s time, the pair of those same shoes can cost around $560K. So we can say that Nike’s collaboration with Michael Jordan really benefited the brand.
This Toy Got Expensive
Action figures have always been an integral part of pop culture. People can't wait to get their hands on recently released action figures. One such toy that stayed in business in good was 1964, created G.I Joe action figure. This toy was a smashing hit as soon as it hit the stores.
People loved this giant-sized heroic figure, but the makers soon stopped its production. The reason was its enormous size, which resulted in a heavy production cost. Yet, the creators eventually came up with giving this character a story. This marked the beginning of a famous military figures' universe. After that, the original toy became everyone's favorite all over again and was bought off an auction for $200K.
Be a Sports Fan Like Todd MacFarlane
Love for sports is something that unites millions of people on one platform. One of the most popular sports in our world is baseball. We can't move forward when we talk about baseball without mentioning the most legendary power hitter, Mark McGwire.
Even though it is common for fans to buy signed objects by their favorite stars, nobody knew that in 1998, the baseball McGuire used to hit the 70th home run would go up for sale for a hefty $3 million. It turns out that the person who bought it was none other than Todd MacFarlane. His love for baseball was so great that he didn't mind spending every penny on the ball.
How Much for a Metropolis Poster?
A silent film of 1927 does not ring a bell for most of us, but Metropolis was different from the productions of its time. As one of the most expensive films with an intriguing plot, it got a fanbase that loved Fritz Lang, the director's work. Nonetheless, if there was anything more famous than the film itself, it was the movie poster designed by Heinz Schulz-Neudamm.
The poster was a rare artifact, as only four were created at the time. One of them is displayed in a German museum, another in the Museum of Modern Art, and the third one is in a private collection. The last poster was sold to a US collector for $690K.
Shocking Price of Princess Diana Beanie Baby
Shortly after the demise of the Princess of Wales, Princess Diana Beanie Babies surfaced to raise money for charity. So naturally, as her name was attached to the item, people were more than eager to get their hands on it. Unfortunately, there is debate regarding the price of the beanie babies created by Ty.
Some say they cost no more than $5 or $7, while others believe they cost more than $500K. Apparently, the deciding factor is the stuffing, and in the first edition, it was the PVC pellets. Although the beanie babies were popular in the '90s, they are still worth a lot, and if you happen to find one in your attic, you might make a fortune!
Shocking Price of Princess Diana Beanie Baby
Shortly after the demise of the Princess of Wales, Princess Diana Beanie Babies surfaced to raise money for charity. So naturally, as her name was attached to the item, people were more than eager to get their hands on it. Unfortunately, there is debate regarding the price of the beanie babies created by Ty.
Some say they cost no more than $5 or $7, while others believe they cost more than $500K. Apparently, the deciding factor is the stuffing, and in the first edition, it was the PVC pellets. Although the beanie babies were popular in the '90s, they are still worth a lot, and if you happen to find one in your attic, you might make a fortune!
A Rare Nintendo Entertainment System
A man found an unopened piece of the Nintendo Stadium Events video game in his childhood home and listed it online to discover that it was worth more than he realized. There were only 200 copies produced of this game version. Most of them are lost, and only 10 or 11 remain today.
If you have the Stadium Events version of the original American Nintendo Entertainment System lying in your attic, you might want to try selling it. Interestingly, the market for rare games is still willing to buy this version for at least $41,300!
VHS Tape of an Old Classic Movie
Who even owns a VHS tape anymore, and even if someone has it, do they have a VHS player to watch it on? The answer might surprise you! Nonetheless, some people still trade in the VHS world, and the old copy of Beauty and the Beast will fetch you a reasonable price, somewhere around $14,500!
VHS tapes might not be the most famous means of watching a movie these days, but if you have one stored somewhere in your house, you can try your luck selling it online and see how much you can get for it.
Lost Your 1953 Superman Lunchbox?
Who'd think a lunchbox would cost a fortune? Yet here we are, talking about a lunchbox that costs over $13K! The 1953 Superman Lunchbox is the rarest of the rare pieces you can find to sell online. As many people collect rare lunch boxes, you can find someone willing to pay the right price for the piece.
Even if you don't have it, keep your eye out for a lunchbox with Superman fighting a robot on it. Some may not know the actual price of this collectible lunch box, but you do, and you can take advantage of it!
The Most Expensive Motorcycle in the World
Vincent in Stevenage, England, is a well-known motorcycle manufacturer for its top-notch bikes. Yet, one model stands out the most in their entire lineup. The manufacturer apparently outdid itself while coming up with the 1951 Vincent Black Lightning Motorcycle.
It set the record for being the most expensive motorcycle in the world, having been sold for about $1 million in Las Vegas just a few years back. Around 33 units were produced, of which only 19 are known to exist today. Originally, it was manufactured on a special order for racer Tony Alpine. Its value, however, took off once it broke Australia’s land speed record.
This Sauce Is Worth a Fortune
Even though most of our takeaways today come with lots of packets of sauce like they cost nothing, there is one that is worth a fortune. A packet of McDonald’s Mulan Szechuan Sauce was reportedly sold online for an astonishing $14,700.
It was a limited-edition product that was launched by the company back in 1998. Although the sauce was originally included for free with meals, its value increased manifolds when a show created a buzz online, urging the company to bring it back for the customers. We hope the person who paid that much money for the thing at least enjoyed its taste.
Old Levi’s Jeans Are Worth a Ton
Everybody loves a pair of jeans by Levi’s. Although expensive, they offer the best quality, being the oldest ones in the business. Even though jeans, as a clothing item, became popular as late as the ‘60s, Levi’s has been manufacturing them ever since 1853.
Vintage jeans from the 1800s might not have been an expensive item then, but they are worth a ton these days. The company reportedly bought a pair of jeans manufactured in the late nineteenth century for around $46K. Another pair from the era was sold for as high as $60K. So, if you were about to throw away your old pair, we recommend storing them somewhere safe.
This Steiff Teddy Bear Survived a War
Stuffed toy teddy bears by the manufacturer Steiff are known worldwide for their quality and robustness. One particular bear, manufactured in the 1900s, even survived WWII. It was gifted to a baby boy who later joined the British Army.
The boy, a colonel during WWII, took it along on the battlefield. He later laid the foundation of an organization that provided stuffed teddy bears to ill children. Reportedly, his own Steiff teddy bear was sold at an auction after his demise in the ‘60s for around $171K, making it the most expensive teddy bear in the world.
Coca-Cola's Error Can Is Not a Useless Item
Coca-Cola has the distinction of being the most sold and the most recognizable brand in the whole world. Their sales have been through the roof thanks to their consistent quality. Reportedly, their global sales in 2020 generated around $33 billion in revenue.
For a brand that has grown to become a billion-dollar company due to its consistent quality, errors are rare. That is precisely why an 'error can' produced by the company was sold for around $250K. The 'error can' had no drink and was closed at both ends. Imagine that, a mistake worth a quarter of a million!
The $10 Million Worth Silver-Copper Dollar
Some investments fail, while others produce bigger returns than you might imagine. For example, a $1 coin selling for $10 million today is incredible. The coin in question is the flowing hair silver-copper dollar coin, the first ever created by the United States Mint.
It was paid for by Legend Numismatics, a New Jersey-based dealer in ancient coins who was ready to offer more money if required. The coin is the most expensive in history, and has special features that make it really precious. No other coin has ever come close to it.
Charles Lindbergh Record-Breaking Matchbook
Charles Lindbergh Matchbook is recognized as the most expensive matchbook ever by the Guinness Book of World Records. The $6,000 worth matchbook honors American aviator Charles Lindbergh, who created history by being the first person to fly straight from New York City to Paris.
In addition to being an accomplished pilot, he was also a prolific writer and inventor. Despite having contentious opinions and advocating complicated ideas, Lindbergh had a distinctive personality, and no one can discount his achievements.
Customized License Plates That Cost a Lot
You've probably noticed some vehicles on the road with strange license plates. This is due to the fact that some people personalize theirs with inventive wording of their choosing. For example, this Saab driver's license plate reads "WASAAB." They are usually used to demonstrate personality or wealth because these number plates are not cheap
The most expensive license plates are those with single digits, of which there are just nine. A man from Abu Dhabi paid up to $14.3 million for the number "1" plate. Unfortunately, the check bounced, and he was sentenced to three years behind bars on fraud charges.
The Most Expensive Baseball Card
The T206 Honus Wagner Baseball Card is arguably the most recognized and costly baseball card in the world. It is thought to be the best edition of the card ever made and even broke the record price barrier of $6.6 million in 2021. For a price as high as that, one wouldn't expect anything less.
The card was allegedly discontinued by none other than Wagner after only about 50 were produced. It's unclear why; some claim he didn't want to promote cig**ettes to the underaged, while others contend he hadn't granted permission for the use of his image. In either case, it undoubtedly paid off over time.
Zippo Lighters From Way Back
When Zippo lighters were first produced in 1933, they cost less than a dollar. Although they were originally offered for as much as $18,000 on auction websites, they now only cost approximately $10 to $14. The Zippo Museum is currently home to the very first Zippo lighter ever produced.
There are various types of Zippos like Brass, Chrome, Gunmetal, and so on. All these were from the initial production, and they would likely go for $400-$500 because they can’t be in a perfect condition anymore due to wear and tear. It's safe to say that a good working old Zippo lighter can be quite expensive.
The Pikachu Illustrator Card
The Pikachu Illustrator is one of the most valuable collector items ever made. It was designed by the Japanese company Nintendo and was originally given for free. Now the card costs a staggering $54,970.
In 1998, a Japanese magazine named CoroCoro organized a competition where an award would be given to any artist who made the best Pokemon fan art. The best artists were given the Pikachu Illustrator for free even though they had entered the competition without paying anything. The writings on the card congratulate the recipient for the exceptional feat.
The Rare Golden Lego Brick
The Golden Lego Brick was made by Legoland. Little did they know that the item which was given as a token of appreciation to outstanding workers in the company would be worth $19,793 today.
One of these golden gift items together with a thank-you letter was awarded to a German employer in 1971. The fellow had improved on the software for Legos and was deemed fit for such a prestigious reward. The golden Lego brick was made of $205 of 14-karat gold and was placed on auction alongside other rare collectibles like Wooden Duck and 10226 Sopwith Camel.
The Prototype Pez Dispenser
The Pez dispenser, which was originally sold by Haas for $2, now goes for $32,205. The reason for this huge price difference is that the item has become extremely rare and difficult to find.
The dispensers first appeared as prototypes at the 1982 World's Fair held in Tennessee. For this reason, only a few copies were made and sold at the fair. They came with white heads and green stems which made their design easily identifiable from a distance. Anyone who happens to still have this dispenser around should count themselves lucky and highly favored.
The 1978 Darth Vader Toy
In the '70s, Star Wars had an incomparable sway of viewers. The movie series has grown into a billion-dollar company that still is a force to reckon with.
Thousands of original toys were made by Kenner to go along with the movies. A good example of these toys is the 1978 Darth Vader action figure that was sold for as little as $4.99. Now, the item costs about $44,9940 and its double telescoping indicates that the item will be worth a fortune.
Cabbage Patch Kids of the '80s
In the '80s, Cabbage Patch Kids were the most popular dolls around. One example of this type of doll is the Teresa Ann Cabbage Patch Doll which was first made in 1985 by Coleco Industries. This doll was originally sold for about $25 but currently is worth an amazing $2,000.
The doll had a soft body and green eyes and came in a pink dress. A year later, it was followed by another amazing doll named Anna Greta. Both toys had red hair and could easily be confused with one another.
The Rare First Edition of the Great Gatsby
The Great Gatsby is a novel written by American author F. Scott Fitzgerald, and in collecting terms, this novel is the No.1 in the American novel collection. The novel is about Nick Carraway's discussion with Gatsby, a mysterious millionaire, and Gatsby's desperation to rekindle the old flame with his former lover, Daisy Buchanan.
This novel is among the highly valued collectible due to its unique dust jacket and fascinating storyline. Unfortunately, the first edition can be identified by the typo on the back cover that spells "jay Gatsby" instead of capital letters "J," although the correction was made by hand. So, if you want to be sure you are purchasing from the first print, check the inside cover and the errors corrected.
The Flawless and Iconic Black Lotus Card
Black Lotus is considered the most recognized card in Magic: The Gathering. It was printed and released in 1993 as a member of the original Alpha set of Magic cards. Interestingly, the Black Lotus was only made in three sets made in Magic- Alpha, Beta, and Unlimited. This rare card has limited print, meaning very few packs of the three sets were released.
It is considered one of the most powerful cards that generate three mana of any color. Also, it is one of the cards that require no mana to play and can be used to cast powerful spells. Of course, millions of magic cards were released from 2008 to 2016, but the Black Lotus remains outstanding.
Dunes Hotel Vintage Cards
There is more to Dunes Casino, which operated from 1955 to 1993. This hotel was considered the tenth resort to open on the Las Vegas Strip. The Bellagio now takes the place of the former popular hotel and casino. The sophisticated architecture and de Paris permanent show were reasons many loved this hotspot.
Also, there was a vintage set of red and blue playing cards peculiar to the Dunes Hotel. Every night, the cards get numerous bidders from those who enjoy the idea of a Casino. The cards feature Dune's identity and are now one of the best collectibles.
The World-Class Quality Wristwatch
The Grandmaster Chime is considered the most complicated Patek Philippe watch ever constructed. It prides itself on twenty complications, two independent dials, a reversible case, and six patented innovations. The worth of this item is in millions, and just seven samples of the Grandmaster Chime wristwatch have been produced.
This wristwatch presents other acoustic functions that make it superior to every other timepiece worldwide. It is a world-class quality wristwatch that has passed a rigorous test to prove quality. This item is considered the world’s most expensive wristwatch, with a bid of approximately $31 million.
When Mistakes Go Right
When we hear the word mistake, we think of regret, anger, sadness, and many other negative emotions. So, in conclusion, mistakes never bring us anything good, or do they? Let’s not be too quick to jump to a conclusion because this stamp is here to prove us wrong.
It is called the “Jenny Invert” or “Upside-Down Jenny.” This USPS postage stamp from 1918 has a picture of an upside-down Curtiss JN-4 airplane. It is interesting to note that it was not intended, and this mistake soon became pretty famous. This little mistake resulted in a person buying this stamp for $1.593 million in 2018.