Many items lying around your home, often gathering dust in the attic, could be worth hundreds or thousands of dollars. Your childhood belongings or items from your parents or grandparents might be worth a fortune.
So, before cleaning your attic and throwing out the old legacy, take a moment to look through these items. We have compiled a list of overlooked treasures that could be hidden right in your home.
Typewriters
If your parents or grandparents owned a typewriter, you might be lucky. Vintage typewriters, particularly those from well-known brands and in working condition, can sell for $200 to $800. Typewriters from the early 1900s to the 1940s tend to fetch higher prices than those manufactured later.
Vinyl Record
Old vinyl records are hidden treasures. Rummage through your collection and check if you have old records by The Beatles, such as “Yesterday and Today”, Bob Dylan’s “The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan”, or Roland Kirk’s “Triple Threat”. These records can cost thousands of dollars.
Rotary Phones
Remember the old rotary phones we used in our homes before the invention of smartphones? They are now antiques, and if you find a rare model from a well-known brand, you can earn hundreds of dollars.
Crayola Crayons
You might have used crayons in your school art classes, but you would be surprised to know that those crayons can be worth hundreds of dollars. If you are lucky and find an antique box of Crayola crayons among your or your parents’ childhood belongings, you can earn money by selling it.
Silverware
Most people have silverware at home that their parents use for special occasions. Silverware from grandparents or great-grandparents can be very valuable. The older it is, the more valuable it becomes; a full vintage set of silverware can sell for hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
Cookie Jars
Don’t throw out those vintage cookie jars; they can help you earn hundreds of dollars. Not all cookie jars have high monetary value, but if you find McCoy Coalby the Cat Cookie Jar, you can sell it for up to $450.
Vintage Luggage
Vintage luggage from the mid-century can be worth hundreds of dollars. Many collectors love to have old luggage in their collection, especially if it’s in good condition.
First-Edition Books
Did your parents or grandparents love reading or collecting books? If so, they may have first editions of some classics. Go through their collection and see if you can find “classic books like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” or “The Velveteen Rabbit”. These books can easily sell for between $100 and $1000.
Comic Books
Comic books from the 1930s to the 1970s can be valuable assets. The first edition or key issues featuring an iconic character for the first time are gold for collectors. Collectors can pay good money for such an edition if it is in good condition.
Antique Furniture
Your old table or dresser, which you may have used for decades, could be worth more than you think. Antique furniture made from high-quality wood with intricate craftsmanship holds high value.
Old Magazines
Some limited editions of old magazines with special covers or featuring historical events can be worth hundreds of dollars. For instance, The Saturday Evening Post Magazine, January 2, 1943, featuring “Baby New Year At War” Cover Art, can sell for $950. The New York Times Magazine from April 21, 1996, with the Cover Photo of the Chicago Bulls, “The Best. Ever. Anywhere.” can cost $3500.
Jewelry
When did you last check your mother’s or grandmother’s jewelry box? You might find many beautiful pieces of jewelry they wore on special occasions. Their collection likely includes some antique pieces with precious metals and gemstones. These rare and vintage pieces can hold high monetary value.
Artwork
Your family may have brought art pieces that were later thrown in the attic as they might get old or no longer suit the interior of your home. These old artworks, including paintings and sculptures, can be very valuable. Unique vintage art from lesser-known artists in good condition can also be extremely worthy.
Clocks
Vintage clocks with trademarks can be worth thousands of dollars. If you have any old fancy wall clocks at your home, show them to an appraiser. You might have a hidden treasure from the past.
Rare stamps
Stamp collecting has a dedicated following. While people may collect stamps for fun, it can be worth a fortune. Rare and well-preserved stamps can fetch thousands of dollars from collectors. In 2016, a rare US stamp, the inverted Jenny, sold at auction for $1,351,250.
Retro Video Games
Remember those old video games you spent hours playing? They could pay you thousands of dollars. Collectors are willing to pay you a good amount for rare video games like Super Mario Bros, Super Mario 64, and The Legend of Zelda.
Military Memorabilia
Old uniforms, medals, and other military memorabilia can be very valuable, especially if they hold some historical significance. You can get a good amount for these items. Collectors seek out military memorabilia not only for its monetary value but also to preserve the honor of those who served the nation.
Cameras
Vintage cameras from well-known brands like Leica or Nikon can be sold for a significant amount. If your parents own a camera that is gathering dust nowadays, it’s time to earn money from it. Even old Polaroid cameras have a considerable resale value.
Vintage Purses
If your mother owned Handbags or purses from well-known brands, it is time to put them up for sale again. Old handbags from known brands that are in good condition have significant resale value. Additionally, if you find any limited edition or high-end designer purses in their collection, you can get a substantial amount for them.
Old Pottery
Old handmade pottery with the artist’s name engraved on it can be very valuable. The older the Pottery, the more valuable it becomes. It’s time to check your pottery collection. If you are in luck, you might find some treasure.