You may be wondering what to do with all the "old junk" lying around your house. Should you toss it? Should you give it away? The answer is no! Before you get rid of anything old, you might just want to get it appraised first. Some of the things you think are relics of days gone are actually antique collectibles just waiting to be snatched up by the highest bidder. So what are you waiting for? Keep reading to find out what you just might have that's worth a pretty penny.
1. Old Books
If you don't read a lot of books, you might not know what books are more valuable. Generally, you can tell by the look and feel of the book, but don't judge a book by its cover--some of these might just surprise you. Books written as recently as 1997, like Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, can fetch tens of thousands of dollars.
leAlso, Dr. Seuss's books like The Cat in the Hat or even a 1600's bible can be worth a ton of money as well, so don't go donating them to your local library just yet. Or maybe you should give them a highly sought out book for their collection.
2. Old Magazines
This one's easy as you're bound to have a stack of magazines somewhere. Maybe your family has saved some as reading material in the bathroom. That National Geographic or Sports Illustrated could be worth a few hundred dollars!
Even if you don't have any of the older editions, some of the more popular magazines are bound to become more valuable as time goes on. Just try holding on to some of your favorites for a decade or two.
3. Old Watches
Chances are you've got a couple of watches laying around you're house. The question is which of them are worth keeping, and which are worth money. Right off the bat, a good old-fashioned pocket watch can be worth a few hundred if it's in good working order.
It probably isn't, however. But that old Timex you have could be worth around five hundred dollars. It really depends on whether or not it's working, the brand, and how old it is. Otherwise, you might want to recycle the parts.
4. Vintage Cookbooks
These ones are super rare due to being out of print. They have the most classical recipes you can find these days that aren't written down on decaying pieces of paper. Some of them are even known to be written by famous people, such as one of H.G. Wells' mistresses.
If you happen to find one of these collector's items, you would do best to give it a lookup on the web, as some of them can fetch upwards of 1000 dollars.
5. Less Old, But Still Old Cookbooks
Even though these aren't quite as antique as the last, these cookbooks can also be worth something to the right buyer. Especially the ones that have gone out of print or have recipes that you can't find online.
If you're really lucky, you might happen upon a cookbook that was signed by a famous chef, or even a popular Betty Crocker cookbook. Anything made by a celebrity will pretty much gain value over time.
6. Antique Clocks
From handmade clocks to grandfather clocks, these antiques can be worth quite a pretty penny. Basically anything that's old and made from polished wood is guaranteed to be worth something.
Personally, we think these clocks are better suited up in the office, but if your fixing for a bit of cash it can't hurt to sell it. These antiques are always looking for a new place to call home.
7. Old Guitars
Wow, if you have an old Gibson or Martin, consider yourself lucky. These things are super popular and super rare, and anyone who has one is probably not about to part ways with it. And if yours is signed by a famous artist, it's over.
These bad boys of the rock-and-roll era can be sold for a mountain of cash. We're talking hundreds of thousands of dollars right at your fingertips. Literally. Consider picking it back up again if you have one of these. Otherwise you can try to make a few years pay off of just one.
8. Polaroid Cameras
While it's true you can still get Polaroid cameras that are still in production, the older ones are what you're going to be looking to sell. We're talking the original, magic-making, instant developing cameras that your mom showed you as a kid.
If you happen to have one of these lying around, don't throw it away for a newer model! there are collectors out there ready to buy it from you for a couple hundred bucks easy.
9. Old Cameras
Polaroids are one thing, but these cameras are on a whole different level. As technology has grown, our cameras have gone through all sorts of transformations. DSLRs and SLR's are the most common today, but some folks still like the novelty of these old cameras.
What's more is that with proper maintenance, old cameras can work just as well as many of today's film cameras, as they don't rely on digital camera's megapixels and other enhancements. Many people are looking for these older models, and would pay more than a few hundred for them.
10. Hot Wheels
Hot Wheels were all the rage back when we were kids. Their jingle "Hot Wheels, Beat That" just couldn't be beat. It stand to reason, then, why these cars would be so popular even today.
Just like any other collectible, these cars are worth a lot to the right buyer. Even though they are still in production if you happen to have any of the older ones you might just be able to fetch a high price for them.
11. Matchbox Cars
Hot Wheels wasn't the only cool toy brand around way back when. Matchbox cars, so named because they came in small boxes similar to that of matches, were also a cool collector's item. The more popular the car, the more they are worth.
Some of the best cars to sell are the 1969 rear-loading Volkswagen Microbus Beach Bomb in pink and the 1961 Magirus-Deutz Truck in tan or orange. Each are worth around $100,000 to $150,000, and $11,000 respectfully.
12. Pokemon Cards
Wow, we really hope you've been taking care of these cards because they can be worth a fortune these days. The mint condition, 1st-edition Charizard you see below (OUTSIDE OF A CARD SLEEVE?!) was sold for more than $100,000 dollars!
You might even have a card a bit more expensive than that lying around. If it isn't really well-kept, you might not be seeing a whole lot of money for it, but some people might still want to buy it regardless. The most expensive card is a Pikachu illustrator promo card estimated to be around $200,000.
13. Sewing Machines
Sewing machines are another one of those things that still works just as well as their newer counterparts with the right upkeep. Although most of the older ones are manually cranked, there's a certain nostalgia that comes with it that many people want.
Antique collectors, fashion designers, even people who do it for a hobby could be looking for one of these right now. So if you were looking for an excuse to buy yourself a shiny new electric sewing machine, selling one of these babies might just be the right call.
14. Vinyl
Though they're making a bit of a comeback, there's no beating an old vinyl. The original, vintage vinyls from back in the day are so coveted that they can cost over $100,000 each! And they aren't all too uncommon either.
The most expensive ones are classics you might even have around the house, such as The Beatles or Elvis. Oh, and if you happen to find a copy of "Wu-Tang Clan: Once Upon a Time in Shaolin", you're looking to get upwards of $2 million! Just hope it's in mint condition.
15. Rotary Phones
Some of us are a bit too young to have ever used one of these, but if you have you might remember just how fun turning that dial was to make a call. There's just something so satisfying about turning that dial and watching it click back into place if it didn't confuse you too much, that is.
They're still relatively new (compared to some of the other things on this list) only becoming obsolete in the past few decades, so you might be better off selling some of them at your yard sale, however there are some who will buy them for a few hundred dollars.
16. Old China Sets
China is one of those things that's expensive in general, so if you have an older set passed down to you, they'll probably be worth a lot of money. As beautiful as they are, it would almost be a shame to give them up.
That being said, there's a reason for their popularity. Shiny, pretty, easy to clean--these dishware pieces have become a hot collector's item. If you happen to have the right one, each set can be worth thousands.
17. Vintage Luggage
This is one of those things that isn't easy to keep perfectly maintained. If you do happen to have some really good-looking ones, or even refurbished ones, old luggage can go for quite a nice price.
If you happen to have some in leather, those are worth even more. See how well they work for you, too! they're super stylish and can be a real eye catcher.
18. Old Video Games and Consoles
We don't recommend selling these any time soon, as they'll just get more and more pricey by the year. However, these ""toys" as your mother might have called them are some of the most coveted things out there.
From old Nintendo Entertainment Systems to Nintendo 64's, you're looking to get back more than the console originally sold for. And if you've got some games in great condition you'll also probably make your money back, and then some. Just always keep your video gaming paraphernalia in a safe, dry place away from temperature fluctuations. You'll thank us in the future.
19. Kansas Quarter Misprints
We always used to look at our quarters to gaze at the state art anyway, but now we have an even crazier reason to do so. The 2005-P version of these state quarters has garnered some attention due to a "die error" during print.
Due to some machinery lubricant plugging up the letter "T" in the press, the coins have ended up with the words "In God We Rust" embossed onto them. While they aren't the priciest thing on this list, they certainly do make a bang for their buck at over $10 each. That's an increase in value 40 times the original! And the better the condition, the better the price.
20. Depression Glass
These pieces of history were often given out for free as a source of help for those in need during the Great Depression, hence its name. Many companies, like the Quaker Oats company, would even put a piece in their food products as an incentive to buy them.
Typically found in shades of blue, red, yellow, and green, these colors of glassware have become associated with the Great Depression. Also due to the fact that they are from such a historic period, these pieces have become highly sought out by collectors and will probably fetch a good price.
21. Record Players
Though newer machines have come back into the mainstream recently, the older, more original models of the needle-on-vinal music machines have really gone up in price, mostly due to how vintage they are.
If you happen to have one of these, as well as a subscription to your favorite music streaming service, you might want to consider selling one of these, as the quality gets worse the older they are. And hey, it's not like you'll be losing your headphone jack.
22. Old Air Jordan Models
These shoes are still a hot topic today and are relatively expensive in general. They have had so many collaborations since they first went into production, and you can just guess how much some of the older models might cost.
If you're lucky, you have a pair laying around. If you're even luckier, you have a pair that's also signed by a famous basketball player. Whatever the case, buyers are asking for these at bids upwards of $10,000, so be sure to check out how much yours are worth.
23. Typewriters
These are so cool. Like, really, they are one of the coolest vintage items we can think of. Imagine sitting in an isolated forest cabin next to a fireplace writing a well-worded novel. Now imagine all the people who would like to do so themselves.
Though at a disadvantage due to the inability to erase what you have already put down on paper, these surprisingly heavy tools are a collector's dream. They can range anywhere from $200-$800, unless you find someone willing to pay more.
24. Vintage Costumes And Masks
Something about vintage things seems to be the level of quality to which they are made or even the look and feel of the product. It's something you just can't get these days unless you find someone dedicated to replicating this look and feel.
Costumes and masks of the vintage era are no exception. They have such a nostalgic trick-or-treat with your radio flyer wagon trailing behind you feel to them that collectors of all things '80s are looking for.
25. Cassette Tapes
We remember the days these were all you could play in the car. With an unprecedented design for its time, what with the ability to flip it over and play more music (or audiobook chapters), these are the kinds of things you definitely have lying around somewhere.
Each cassette could have a potential value of $300 dollars give or take, and if you were born any time before the CD was invented, you're probably holding on to some somewhere. Take a minute to sort through them--you just might strike gold.
26. Vintage Postcards
These, like stamps, were all the craze to collectors back in the day. Thing is, back then they only cost a few cents each. Now, they probably cost the same, but are more valuable the older they are.
Many things can affect the price, such as age, the subject matter, and their rarity, but the right ones can be sold for huge amounts of money. While their price range is very wide, they have been known to sell for quite a bit. The oldest known postcard, sold in 2002, was purchased for a whopping $50,000!
27. Old LEGO Sets
Given that LEGO sets can be bought for hundreds of dollars brand new, it would make sense that some of the out-of-print editions would be worth quite a lot more. Even the Figures alone can be worth a lot of money.
Some of the more expensive sets include the original Star Wars collaboration sets and figures, Batman, motorized sets, and original early LEGO sets. Some of these go for a few hundred to a thousand depending on the condition of the product, so see if you have any you're not using!
28. Vintage Cookie Jars
The price of these is all determined by how old they are as well as their significance. While the vintage look is always nice, it's not something that cannot be replicated, and thus it isn't good enough to just look or be old.
However, even if you have found one of some signic=ficance, it'll probably sell for under a hundred dollars. Still, that makes these things worth more than what they originally cost, and even selling it at the flea market can help you reap the rewards.
29. Pedal Cars
If you've had a chance to ride in one of these, you'd know it's certainly a cool substitute for a bicycle. These old human-powered vehicles are super vintage and hard to come by, but they certainly have their niche.
While they may not go for a whole lot, the right investor will buy it from you for a couple hundred dollars depending on the make and shape it's in. You can also take it for a ride yourself or even compete in races with it! Maybe it's best to keep it after all...
30. Arcade Games
Back in the day, arcades were all the rage. These machines made hundreds of dollars a day as children dropped quarter after quarter to keep playing. Quite the clever marketing trick.
They were so popular, in fact, that some people even bought them for use in their own homes. If you're lucky enough to own the right game, you're looking to make tens of thousand off of it. That being said, should you really sell one of the best things to have inside your own game room?
31. Stamps
Like postcards, stamps were collected as a common hobby back in the day. They are still important now, as they verify you have paid the price of sending out your mail. But did you know your grandad's old collection could be worth so much?
The thing about stamps is that they've aged very well. Due to being a necessity, they have been used for a very long time, and have been able to rack up quite a bit of value. The most expensive stamp in the world, a Benjamin Franklin Z Grill from 1968, comes just shy of one-million dollars!
32. Coffee Grinder
Like sewing machines, these come with quite a bit of that classic nostalgia feel from being a manual crank type of machine. Relatively lightweight and (previously) inexpensive, these are actually a very convenient and popular way to grind coffee beans.
The cast-iron versions are really nice and go for more than some of the standard ones. If you're looking to sell one, you'll likely get a few hundred for it, but the right brand can actually fetch a thousand or more!
33. VHS Tapes
These were magic back in our youth. Needing a separate machine to safely rewind these bad boys, it was just awesome getting to plug a small black box into another, larger box and watching our favorite movies play.
If you're reading this, you definitely own some VHS tapes. It's only been about a decade and a half since these became completely obsolete and TVs started to stop including VCR drives. The classics like Star Wars could be worth almost a hundred dollars each right now. But hurry, as they do degrade over time.
34. Vintage Pyrex
Before there was the clear glass pyrex, there was a multitude of patterns and colors to choose from. These things have been around for a very long time, pleasing families with their ability to come out of the oven and go straight to the table looking fabulous.
If you happen to have some of these lying around, consider getting them appraised. Some of the best-looking ones can cost under 50 bucks and be valued at up to $3000.
35. Vintage Tupperware
Just like the pyrex dishes before it, Tupperware is another 20th-century wonder that was a must-have in every household. Though not as expensive as the pyrex glassware, these can more than make up for their original price.
Full sets of vintage Tupperware can be valued at around a hundred dollars, and some people might be willing to buy it for more. If you wanted to get some extra Tupperware, selling the old ones can help you get a new set and then some.
36. Jewelry
It's no surprise that Jewelry is expensive. Whether or not it actually needs to be so pricey (looking at you, diamonds), people around the world would pay a lot, as adorning oneself with jewels has been a common habit for most of our history.
The older and nicer the jewelry, the more you're looking to get out of it. And if it's made by a well-known jeweler, you can make even more. Jewelry is super important to get appraised, as its value can only be attested to by the right people. But if you happen to have the right thing, you can make thousands, even hundreds of thousand of dollars.
37. Old Board Games
Collectors love these. The older and better condition they're in (as has become standard at this point), the better. The manuals being in perfect condition is also a plus, and you'll get the biggest bang for your buck the earlier your edition is.
Not to mention that they have this awesome, stylized look to them in older generations. Newer generations add on to, remove, and re-add all of these rules and pieces, but it's the original, untouched boards that collectors are looking for. If you're looking to buy a newer version, try to check what yours is worth.
38. Action Figures
Figures like G.I Joe, He-man, and transformers are also worth quite a bit. It's the first generation of these toys that really get people going, especially if you haven't opened the box yet.
The original Optimus Prime Transformers figure, for example, is valued at over $1800, and that's not even the most expensive one. G.I. Joe figures are all somewhere in the hundreds range. If you find the right one, you might just be able to make a little pocket change for yourself.
39. Scout Badges
It might seem odd, but there are people out there who are looking for your boy/girl scout badges. Maybe not the ones your kid has now, but the ones you decided to keep stored away in your closet for safekeeping.
While some vintage stores will sell them for $5 a pop, others might be willing to buy them for more in order to complete their collection. Either way, it gives you a little bit of extra earning for the good merits you achieved back when you were little.
40. American Girl Dolls
One of the most vintage dolls out there, you better hope you kept its box and the doll in mint condition. Similarly to Beanie Babies, these dolls are best kept stored and displayed unopened in the box they came in.
If you've ever had some of these, you know just how alluring their design was. Many collectors will buy these from you for upwards of hundreds of dollars just for the doll. Then you have the accessories that can come with it, too. Neat!
41. Polly Pocket
These pocketable doll figurines were super popular in the late '90s. The ability to take your Polly Pocket anywhere you go was like a little kid's dream come true. Unfortunately, they were also a bit of a choking hazard.
That hazard doesn't stop collectors, however, as they are more likely to be looking to preserve them rather than let their children play with them. The were also a very common toy, so it's quite possible that you have one of these and don't even know it!
42. Vintage Lunchboxes
You might not have realized this since it's all about paper bags these days, but a large portion of the 1900s used to use these metal boxes with all sorts of colors and prints on them. Something like this is bound to have a few collector's items in there.
Check to see if you have any from Star Trek, The Beatles, or Disney, as these are high in value. Of course, there's many more also worth something, but from such obscure brands that it would be hard to tell without a bit of research. All in all, you're looking to make a couple thousand each for the right ones.
43. Auto Parts
Maybe you don't have some of these lying around, but if you have a car that you can't get sold, you might be able to get a little bit out of its individual parts instead. Many people look for parts to refurbish some of their own vintage cars.
While you probably don't have the very specific components that these people are looking for, you definitely have some very specific parts in your car alone. That's enough to make a few hundred dollars at least. And it's a great way to recycle your car, as well, rather than taking it to the dump.
44. Beanie Babies
Arguably the most well-known collector's item on this list, you may recognize them immediately just by the look of them. These little creatures have been collected for decades and have built quite a reputation for themselves.
Lefty the Donkey and Righty the Elephant can be worth as much as $50,000, and Princess the Bear for ten times that amount. There are even the elusive 21 spotted ladybugs (which we found once missing the tag and with a hole in it). Also, anything with a print error can also be worth a lot, as these mistakes are quite rare.
45. TV Guides
Remember when you needed a separate magazine to know what was coming up next on the television? No? Well, it was definitely a thing. The oldest TVs didn't even have remote controls, let alone a DVR.
Not only are these collector's items obsolete, but they are also a part of television history. It's like taking a look back at what you could have been watching at this exact instant half a century ago or more. People would kill to have one of these!
46. Old/Signed Baseball Memorabilia
It's a fact that a signed baseball or sports cap--pretty much anything signable--is worth a lot. It gets even better when you've kept your collectible for so long that the player is no longer playing anymore.
If you're one of the lucky few to own something like this or even something that you could only get at a certain event that took place in the past, you could be holding on to a treasure of the utmost value.
47. Silverware
Like China, the value of these dinnerware items increases with age. Pair that with good maintenance and you've got a recipe for some major payout.
Silver is in general expensive, so if you have a set that was handed down a few generations, you're likely to have quite the valuable item The price of silver just keeps going up, and older sets like these were often made purely rather than from alloys.
48. Vintage Bags
Handbags, purses, phannies. It doesn't matter what kind they are or what you call them, everyone loves a good bag. LEather is the nicest, but there are also quite a few quality pieces of other materials out there.
If you have any old designer bags from the likes of Gucci, Louis Vuitton, or Dior, you can actually make a hefty amount. Some of these bags sell for thousands of dollars and are a great option to refurbish if you want to stand out from the crowd.
49. Old-School Microphones
These guys here are part of a long history that culminates with your ability to read this article in the palm of your hand. If we never came up with technology such as this, we might not have many of the luxuries we see today.
That said, it stands to reason why someone might want to preserve these fine articles. A museum or even a retro communications collector would be happy to take one of these off your hands, regardless of how much you can actually get out of it.
50. Porcelain Dolls
These are a bit tricky because they can literally be worth nothing to a whole lot of something. It's not easy due to porcelain and dolls in particular still being crafted today, but if you know that yours comes from somewhere special, you just might be able to make something out of it.
The biggest thing to consider is whether there are any cracks on the surface of your doll. After that, it needs to still have that luster and shine. The worn-out ones are not the prettiest to look at. When all's said and done, you could end up with anything from $10-$2000. Just make sure you don't drop the thing.