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9 Ordinary Things That Could Be Worth a Fortune

We all tend to keep seemingly insignificant or ‘random’ items for ages. Sometimes they hold sentimental value, and sometimes they are just stuffed in a box that you don’t even remember is there. Next time you do a thorough spring cleaning, don’t be too quick to toss it all out. Some of these old things could actually be worth a lot of money today. Yes, there is truth to the hackneyed phrase ‘one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.’ Some dedicated collectors would really want your old cereal box and would be happy to pay for it. In the list below we compiled 9 things that could turn into serious profit, some of them may even be lying around your house!
 

1. Old Harry Potter Books

Vintage Items That Could Be Worth a Fortune Today Harry Potter Books

If you happen to have an old hardcover copy of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, it might be a good idea to dust it off and take a look inside. If it contains the print line "10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1", and is credited to ‘Joanne Rowling’ rather then JK, this edition of the book could be worth up to $55,000!

The American version of the book, called “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” could also be worth something. Look for the print line "1 3 5 7 9 10 8 6 4 2 8 9/9 0/0 01 02” located on the copyright page. If you’re lucky, your old childhood favorite could be sold for up to $6,500. 

2. Happy Meal Toys

Vintage Items That Could Be Worth a Fortune Today happy meal
Image Source: Nelo Hotsuma / Flickr

Happy Meal toys might look cheap, but if you happened to keep a few old ones stashed somewhere you’re in luck. If It’s a collection you might be sitting on a gold mine! Not all happy meal toys are valuable, however. The online shop LoveAntique.com compiled a list of trinkets from the chain’s past ordered from the most to least valuable today. 

All power rangers form 1994 and their vehicles could earn you $350, Inspector Gadget toys from 1995 are worth $350 each, and a Furby from 2000 is worth $120, to name a few examples. 

Related Article: These 1980s Toys Are Worth a Fortune!

3. Stamps

Vintage Items That Could Be Worth a Fortune Today stamps
Stamps are a popular item to collect. It’s hard to pinpoint what draws people to stamps; it could be the fact that they represent many things at once: art, history, the romanticism of letters. Stamps are relatively cheap to purchase, but if you happen to be in the possession of an extra rare one it could be worth a whole lot. In 2016, an Inverted Jenny stamp from World War I was sold for a whopping $1,352,250.
Even if you don’t happen to own an extremely rare stamp like that, it’s worth looking into the collection - some stamps hold a moderate value. For example,  Caricaturist Al Hirschfeld stamps from the late 1990s are being sold for more than $100 online. 

4. Vintage Apple Computers

Vintage Items That Could Be Worth a Fortune Today vintage Macintosh
Image Source: Turbo Future
 
Since the passing of Apple’s founder, Steve Jobs in 2011 Vintage Macintosh computers have been seeing a resurgence in popularity.  Some of these bulky and obsolete looking machines are highly sought after by collectors. An Apple I from 1976 sold for $355,000 at Christie’s in 2017. It is valued so highly due to the fact only 200 units were made, making it the rarest model out there. The value goes down drastically for the models following - Apple II and III, are priced in the $1,000-$2,500 range, according to tech site TurboFuture

5. Vinyl Records

Vintage Items That Could Be Worth a Fortune Today records

Another classic item to keep a collection of is the vinyl record. Audiophiles swear by the sound quality of vinyl over any CDs, mp3 files, and any other medium. Even the younger generation started seeing the appeal in recent years, as vinyl sales continue to increase each year. Those of you who grew up with vinyl records might have a cherished collection spanning through the years. 

Some of the most collectible records include The Beatles' "Yesterday and Today," which has gone for as much as $15,300 on eBay, and Bob Dylan's "The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan," which has sold for up to $35,000. 

Related Article: The 10 Most Valuable Shipwrecks Ever Discovered

6. Vintage Cereal Boxes

Vintage Items That Could Be Worth a Fortune Today wheaties cereal boxes
Image Source: eBay
A cereal box is not something one is likely to keep, but apparently some people are willing to splurge on a vintage one. According to Marsha Dixie, consignment director at Heritage Auctions, the cereal boxes craze began about 20 years ago, when Wheaties launched a series of sports-themed collectible boxes. Some even managed to get their hands on Kellog’s boxes dating back to 1910! 
To give you an idea of the price range, a set of three Dallas Cowboys Wheaties boxes is going for $119 on eBay. 

7. 1930s-1950s Comic Books

Vintage Items That Could Be Worth a Fortune Today comic book covers

The late 1930s to mid-1950s are considered the Golden Age for American comics. Most of the superheroes and adventure characters that have frown into billion-dollar brands today, were first introduced in the comic books of that era. Among the most expensive comics are the ones that tell the story of a superhero’s first adventures, but in order to carry a large price tag, they must also be in near-mint condition. A New York Daily report mentions the 1939 issue of D.C.'s "Detective Comics" that introduces Batman is now worth a whopping $1.38 million. However, prices can vary greatly. If you are interested you can check out the Comics Price Guide

8. Mid Century Furniture

Vintage Items That Could Be Worth a Fortune Today mid century furniture

“Midcentury modern” is a difficult term to define. It broadly describes furniture roughly dating form 1933 to 1965. Most mid-century designs had gone out of fashion by the late 60s, but in the mid-80, interest in the period began to return. Within a decade, a niche market of collectors had already driven up prices of the original pieces significantly. 

Currently, a 1960’s Safari sofa is going for $60,000 on eBay, and if you have an original George Nakashima cabinet you could sell it for over $20,000.

9. Certain Sneakers

Vintage Items That Could Be Worth a Fortune Today sneakers
Image Source: Nice Kicks / YouTube
 

Of course, not any old pair will bring you a fortune. There are a few rare designs that collectors and sneaker enthusiasts are after. The most noteworthy example is the auto-lacing Nike Maf sneakers - the pair made famous in the Back to the Future trilogy. These shoes have gone for 30,000 to $60,000 on eBay! 

You could also make a profit off of vintage Converse All-Stars, especially from the 50s and 60s. On eBay, they are priced at about $100 to $1000, depending on the date of their manufacture and their condition.
 

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