You’re bound to have one at least one of these common household items that are actually worth some money.
Sep 15, 2023 3:00amDid you know that a rare $1 coin with a distinctive "double rim", the result of a printing error at the Mint back in 2000, is worth anywhere from $1000 to nearly $3000, according to the Australian Coin Collecting Blog?
After sifting through our coin jars and searching underneath our car seats, this news really got us thinking about what other unknown valuable items we could have lying around the house.
On that note, we think it's time to clear out the cupboards and check between the couch cushions for these surprisingly valuable items you might not even know you own.
1. Old Magazines
If you're one of those people that find it hard to through away magazines, it may have been worth those years of lugging them around.
Magazines that have been around for decades, or those that no longer exist, can be considered valuable collectors' items.
2. Vintage Furniture
As fashion trends come and go so do interior trends. Furniture that was popular back in your parent's time is now highly sought after with the resurgence of retro, mid-century and vintage interior decorating.
If you're not into the style yourself, it might be worth putting that 1960s teak Parker sideboard you've got stored away up for sale.
3. Old cameras
Are you hanging on to an old camera that you can't even buy film for anymore?
If you know it's going to sit on the shelf and continue to collect dust, consider getting it valued. There's sure to be an avid photographer out there hunting for rare vintage models.
4. Rare coins or notes
That old penny you've been hanging onto your whole life might actually be worth a small fortune.
Although rare, coins like the Australian 1930 penny and, as we mentioned before, the 2000 'mule' are worth more than their weight in gold to serious coin collectors. Find a local coin dealer or jump online if you think you've got some valuable loose change.
5. Books
While you probably don't have the original copy of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland (worth $2M!!) tucked away in your bookshelf, you may have some old classics, children's books or even uni textbooks that are worth a bit of cash.
Sites like Amazon and Abe Books allow you to sell books online.
6. Stamps
Who didn't collect stamps when they were a kid? Believe it or not, stamp collectors still exist! There are hundreds of rare stamps on eBay alone range from tens to thousands of dollars.
Dig out your old stamp collection and see if you have any winners!
7. Old china
With any kind of old pottery, dinnerware, or china, the embossed sign underneath could be a sign that an item is a collectible. Do a quick search on eBay to see if it might be worth something.
Keep a look out for fine bone china teacups by design houses such as Shelley, Wedgewood and Royal Doulton, as these are always sought-after items.
9. Glassware
Depression-era glass, carnival glass, even old soda bottles and vintage canning jars can be worth more than you think.
Have a look on Ebay or get an antique expert's advice to find out what it's worth before letting it go.
8. Jewellery
If you've got some old jewellery lying around that you no longer wear or want to get rid of due to the wrong kind of sentimental value, it's worth looking into trading it in for cash.
Although it's unlikely you will get back what you paid or what it's worth, it's a quick and easy way to make some money from unwanted goods. Look online for reputable dealers.
10. Records
Loved for their sense of nostalgia and intimacy, record players are making a comeback as a hip home accessory.
While old record players may not be of much value, some records are! If you've got some old Beatles records lying around, you could be sitting on a small fortune.
Maybe we should be hanging on to those old CDs?
11. Vintage bakeware
You might be surprised to know that your mum's old CorningWare baking dish languishing in the back of the cupboard could be worth a small fortune.
The most common floral pattern is the instantly recognisable Cornflower range, which is still available to purchase today.
There are however, several rarer designs which could be worth a hefty sum. Look for rare designs that were originally introduced in the 1970s, such as the 'Wildflower' and 'Floral Bouquet' patterns. Dishes with these designs can fetch up to $10,000 at auction.
12. Old VCRs
Sure the humble VCR was outmoded almost a decade ago, but film buffs are still out there, searching for rare copies of their favourite blockbusters.
VHS tapes of the original Star Wars Trilogy and classic Disney films are the most valuable of the bunch.
13. Casette tapes
Call your dad and tell him to put his tape collection in the will. These old things – which no one thought would make a comeback – are again having their time in the limelight. Experts say a high-end cassette-buying trend is emerging.
Because cassette tapes declined significantly with the introduction of the CD, they are incredibly rare, a fact which has driven their value up in recent years. In 2016, a copy of The Artist album by Prince, sold for $4117 on Dsicogs.
14. Childhood Toys
Open up your toy cabinet and you could be sitting on a small fortune. Even if you're a child of the 90s, there are some treasures to be found. Unopened miniature Polly Pocket sets, have been known to fetch up to $600 at auction.
Likewise, original Tamagotchis and rare Pokemon cards could be worth thousands. A Charizard Holo card from 1999 is worth upwards of $5000.
Valuable toys from the 80s include View Masters and Cabbage Patch Kids. Even things like the free toys you'd get in a Happy Meal could be worth a couple of hundreds of dollars.
15. Original Tupperware
For decades, Tupperware has had a dedicated fan base. Aficionados of the brand regularly scour auction sites for rare and unused vintage designs. A pair of mid-century 'Millionaire Collections' salt and pepper shakers could be worth up to $50-70.
Many original Tupperware designs, including the Wonderlier Bowls (which debuted in 1946) and the Servalier Astro Bowls (from 1972) have also retained their value, selling for around $30 a pop.
It may not seem like much, but considering many people purchased Tupperware in bulk, these small values will quickly add up to a decent fortune.
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Certainly! The article you provided touches on various household items that might unexpectedly hold considerable value. Here's an overview and additional insights on each concept mentioned:
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Old Magazines: Magazines, especially those from past decades or defunct publications, can be valuable to collectors. Their worth depends on factors like rarity, condition, and historical significance. Niche or specialized publications often garner interest among collectors.
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Vintage Furniture: Furniture trends change over time, and certain pieces become sought after. Styles such as mid-century or retro designs are popular now. Items like teak furniture from the 1960s or unique pieces from specific designers hold considerable value in today's market.
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Old Cameras: Vintage cameras, particularly rare models or those associated with iconic brands or periods, can be highly sought after by photography enthusiasts and collectors.
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Rare Coins or Notes: Certain coins and notes, due to printing errors, limited editions, or historical significance, can fetch substantial sums from collectors. Examples include the Australian 1930 penny and the 2000 'mule' coin with a printing error.
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Books: While extremely rare editions like the original 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland' fetch astronomical prices, even common old books, especially classics or textbooks with historical significance, can have value, especially when in good condition.
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Stamps: Stamp collecting remains a hobby, and rare stamps can command high prices in the collector's market. Researching and identifying rare or sought-after stamps can reveal their value.
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Old China: Vintage pottery, dinnerware, or fine bone china, especially pieces from renowned design houses like Shelley, Wedgewood, or Royal Doulton, might hold significant value, especially if they feature rare designs or markings.
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Glassware: Certain types of glassware, like Depression-era glass, carnival glass, vintage soda bottles, or canning jars, can be valuable, especially in specific colors or unique designs.
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Jewelry: While sentimental value might not match market prices, old or antique jewelry pieces, especially if they contain precious stones or are crafted by renowned designers, can fetch good prices.
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Records: Certain vinyl records, especially from iconic bands like The Beatles or featuring rare editions or unique covers, hold considerable value among collectors.
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Vintage Bakeware: Certain vintage bakeware designs, like specific patterns from brands like CorningWare, can be highly sought after by collectors and may command high prices at auctions.
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Old VCRs: While VCRs might seem outdated, rare VHS tapes, especially of classic movies or rare editions like the original Star Wars Trilogy, can be valuable among film enthusiasts.
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Cassette Tapes: Rare or unique cassette tapes, particularly those from a specific era or featuring iconic artists, have seen a resurgence in value among collectors.
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Childhood Toys: Vintage toys, especially those from the '80s and '90s like unopened Polly Pocket sets, original Tamagotchis, rare Pokémon cards, or specific McDonald's Happy Meal toys, can hold significant value among collectors.
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Original Tupperware: Vintage Tupperware designs, especially rare or unused pieces from certain collections or eras, can be sought after by dedicated collectors and may fetch decent prices.
These items' value often depends on their rarity, condition, and current demand among collectors or enthusiasts. Checking online marketplaces, consulting experts, or participating in auctions can help determine the potential value of these items before selling them.
