75 Things in Your Attic that Could be Worth Money

If you have ever wondered about treasures lying among the clutter in your attic, you have good reason. Many items accumulate value over time, depending on their condition and rarity, the market, and current events that spotlight a particular person or event. It might be time to peruse your storage spaces to unearth those valuable items, or to simply declutter and make space. See these 75 things in your attic that could be worth money to help you decide what to keep and what to purge.

Printed Matter – Things in Your Attic that Could be Worth Money

Anything printed can wither or deteriorate over time, but if you’re able to keep the item intact, it can become something in your attic worth money. Consider setting aside these items for assessment by a dealer.

1. First-edition and out-of-print books: Certain titles, depending on the book or author’s success, can be highly valued.
2. Vintage cookbooks: These hold value, particularly those of the legendary Julia Child. A first-edition is a rare gem.
3. Iconic magazine issues: If you have print editions of significant dates or back issues from major publications such as TIME or LIFE, these might be worth more.
4. Rare comic books: The value depends on the artist, publisher, and condition, but some can earn you thousands.
5. Postcards: Check the design and date to determine its worth.
6. TV Guides: Certain issues with major celebrities can hold significant value.
7. Big-name event tickets: Check the artist and the date to note a potential value.
8. Concert posters from famous bands: First-edition or signed posters will be particularly profitable.

Toys

Often discarded once a child outgrows them, certain toys can hold more than sentimental value. Playthings for children can later become collectibles for adults. Look in your attic to see if any of these are tucked away for a high resale value.

1. LEGOs: Like many toy companies, LEGO issues specific editions of their toys. If you find a limited edition one, you might have some easy cash on hand.
2. Kenner Star Wars toys: The ones with the most resale value are from the 70s and 80s.
3. American Girl dolls: Check to see if you have one of the original models, from the 80s.
4. Lionel train sets: First sold in 1900, these train sets have launched a movement with add-ons and accessories also available for collectors.
5. Beanie Babies: If you were a child in the 90s, you will recall the world’s fixation on these small plush toys. Search for ones still with the tags on. Some can be worth thousands.
6. Mechanical banks: Though the world is veering towards digital, these metal containers for coins have also become a coveted item.
7. Dollhouses: Certain doll houses might hold monetary value if they reflect strong craftsmanship or reflect a specific architecture style.

Games and Cards – Things in Your Attic that Could be Worth Money

Like other items, games and cards can become valuable depending on their rarity, date of issue, and condition. Search your attic to see if you have any of these items that are worth money.

1. 1980s video game consoles and games: Many games and consoles from this era will be original, and thus valuable, editions.
2. Milton Bradley board games: Some vintage ones can be worth hundreds. Mint condition editions that have all its pieces will ensure a higher price.
3. Pokemon cards: These are the ones to seek: Test Print Blastoise Gold Border (1998), Ishihara GX Black Star Promo (2017), Snap Pikachu (1999), Pikachu No. 3 Trainer Bronze Trophy Card (1997), Signed Charizard, No Rarity Symbol (1996)
4. Magic: The Gathering Cards: These cards have their own color-coded system to indicate the card’s rarity. While black and white indicate common cards, gold means the card is rare, and purple is even more exclusive: “special rarity.”
5. Boy Scout collectibles: Like with most of these items, the older, the more value.

Clothing, Shoes, Accessories

Clothing, shoes, and accessories might be some of the most common items in storage. Some of them might have value if associated with a specific designer or celebrity. Check to see if you have any of these things in your attic worth money.

1. Retro/vintage t-shirts: Items from certain concerts or dates are considered precious memorabilia.
2. Air Jordans: Sneakers have long been popular for collecting and reselling, and Air Jordans might top all other brands. Early ones can earn you a fortune.
3. Costumes and masks: Consider the materials and manufacturing date. If the mask is still in its original box, the value can be even higher.
4. Vintage scarves: Scarves from a luxury brand like Hermès, Chanel, Christian Dior, and Louis Vuitton will sell for more.
5. Watches: The brand and features will determine its values. The watch might carry more value if it contains jewels or features like moon phases or a stopwatch.
6. Vintage handbags: Like other items, you can assess the value based on the designer.
7. Belts: Depending on the brand, craftsmanship, who wore it, or the design of the buckle, the belt might be more precious than you think.
8. Stetson hats: Even a new one is pricey, so a vintage one could fetch you a substantial amount.

Furniture – Things in Your Attic that Could be Worth Money

Furniture can reflect a certain craftsperson’s skill or aesthetic period. Search your attic to see if it holds any of these treasures.

1. 1980s and 1990s furniture: In the cycle of trends, a retro item can quickly shift from tacky to fashionable. Furniture from this era has seen a rise in popularity.
2. Mid-Century modern furniture: With clean lines and a sleek design, original pieces are desirable nowadays.
3. Lamps: Look at the design, material, and date to see if your lamp might come with a bigger price tag.
4. Cast-Iron mailboxes: These mailboxes were popular in the early 20th century, particularly ones produced by Griswold.
5. Sheet music cabinets: These rose in popularity during the 19th century, as playing music was a common recreational activity.
6. Saratoga Trunks: In the late 19th century, wealthy families would summer in places like Saratoga Springs and pack their items for the trip in this specific type of wooden trunk. With a domed lid, metal latches, and lined interior, it has become a collector’s item.

Decorative Items

These items, perhaps inherited from a family member, might be seen as tacky junk. Despite their dated style, they too can hold value.

1. Depression glass: This style of glass, mass-produced during the Depression era, is identified by its translucent shade of blue, pink, green, or yellow.
2. Colorful Pyrex Dishes: Some of the older ones have higher value if they come in a set or are part of a limited edition series.
3. Murano Glass: The handcrafted glass from Italy is highly coveted.
4. Milk Glass Easter Eggs: In particular, colored milk glass is popular and rare.
5. Art Deco clocks: Whether freestanding, wall-hanging, or tableside, these clocks are known for their craftsmanship.
6. Vintage Christmas ornaments: Any that are no longer manufactured can carry some value.
7. Hubley cast-iron doorstops: Often crafted as animals, the early 20th century ones are worth more.
8. Persian rugs: Design, color and dye, pile height, and knot density factor into this item’s worth.
9. Jadeite ball jug: The hue of the green and the level of translucence will help an appraiser determine its value.
10. Perfume bottles: Some of the older ones from specific designers can be sold for thousands.

Technology – Things in Your Attic that Could be Worth Money

The rapid evolution of technology makes devices easily become antiques. Here are some tech-related things in your attic worth money.

1. Turntables: Some people insist that turntables offer a superior listening experience. As a result, they can be more costly than any other type of music player.
2. Old microphones: Ones used by a famous musician or during a significant event will carry more value.
3. Typewriters: Some designs manufactured at the turn of the nineteenth century are especially sought after.
4. Auto parts: These are often traded in, so check to see if you might be able to sell these through an online marketplace.
5. Polaroid cameras: The Polaroid SX-70, Polaroid Model 100, and Polaroid 690 hold particular value.
6. Film cameras: With so many people using digital, see if your film camera is one of the rare models.
7. Retro video games: In the booming industry of gaming, many games carry nostalgia and are popular among collectors.
8. Vinyl records: Condition is vital here, as it affects the playing quality. Records without scratches or bends will be worth pursuing for resale.
9. RCA Victor radios: Models from the 1940s are most valuable.
10. VHS Tapes: Some of these have become collector’s items, especially if they are still sealed. They may also hold value if the film is not available on any other platform.
11. Fender and Gibson guitars: The 1950s ones can bring in the most cash.
12. Musical instruments: The Stradivarius brand especially carries value.

Kitchen

1. Cookie jars: Lefton, Hull, and Abingdon, and American Bisque are the brands to seek.
2. Children’s lunch Boxes from the 1950s and 1960s: Ones with iconic figures, like The Beatles or Superman, will sell for more.
3. Mid-Century barware: This style has started to trend again, so consider putting these up for sale.
4. Small kitchen appliances: Items from well-known brands like KitchenAid, Vitamix, Instant Pot, Breville, and Cuisinart have more value.
5. Upside-down Ball Mason jars: These jars, only issued between 1900 and 1910, have become rare and precious.
6. Special Edition Cereal Boxes: These have become collectible, with so many editions and varieties and design updates.
7. Silver Flatware: These brands are considered luxury: Reed & Barton, Georg Jensen, Steiff Silver, Towle, Wallace, Tiffany, Robert Welch, Robbe & Berking, Gorham, and Christofle.
8. Soda crates: These containers for soda bottles can be valuable, depending on their condition and the style.
9. Loving cups: These large drinking vessels have two handles, one on each side. They’re often made of silver and can be distributed as trophies.

Bedding – Things in Your Attic that Could be Worth Money

1. Vintage bedding sets: See the pattern and quality to help learn about its value.
2. Two-color pieced quilts: Depending on their age and materials, the blanket could be a precious relic.
3. Yo-yo quilts: These colorful quilts were popular from the 1920s to the 1940s.

Sports

1. Sports trading cards: For baseball, Mickey Mantle and Jackie Robinson cards have some of the highest value. For football, Joe Namath or Jim Brown are among the most coveted.
2. Used sporting equipment: The certification standards, condition, and brand item will help determine its resale value.
3. Super Bowl memorabilia: Any association with iconic moments or any autographs will make the item rarer and more desirable.
4. Football Programs: Since football games no longer offer these, they have become an interest for collectors.

Art – Things in Your Attic that Could be Worth Money

1. Equestrian paintings: Any by artists George Stubbs, Rosa Bonheur, and Eugène Delacroix are highly coveted.
2. Women’s suffrage memorabilia: Buttons, banners, posters, or toys from this era can be rare.
3. Ozark tourist pottery: This pottery, made from concrete, was popular in the 1930s and 1940s.

Additional Resources

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