15 Things in Your Home That You Didn’t Know Are Valuable
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We tend to overlook things we think are outdated or we don’t use very often when we are decluttering or wanting to change the look of our home. It turns out these seemingly mundane objects may have some value. Items we would consider junk, such as an old toy collection, forgotten heirlooms or vintage electronics, can have value.
With some research and some expert advice, you may find that your attic or your basement is a treasure trove. And by evaluating their worth, you may get unexpected financial rewards.
Old Vinyl Records
A small fortune could be sitting forgotten in the attic as old vinyl records. Vintage music has become a hot topic again as collectors go for classic titles. Before you sell, dust off those covers and see how much they are worth as limited editions or early pressings are especially valuable.
Antique Furniture
An old, worn out chair is more than just furniture, it is fine art. When you have well made, old and unique furniture, it will fetch top dollar from vintage furniture fans who also want a story. Restoration may even be all that is needed to restore the value of even shabby things.
Classic Comic Books
Your boyhood stack of comic books could be the best investment you ever make. This can go for very high prices of rare or first editions. For famous superheroes or special series, a simple assessment could show lucrative collectibles.
Vintage Toys
Your prized toys from your past could now be worth something. Good condition toys, especially ones still in their original packaging, are what collectors look for. There is some surprising value in popular brands such as LEGO or early edition action figures.
Old Coins and Currency
It could be that jar of spare change is more than it appears to be. Some coins or withdrawn currency are collectible treasures. Special mint marks and even historical coins may have serious worth.
Stamps
Collecting stamps might be old hat, but there is a market for rare or first edition stamps. For collectors they could be worth unique markings, or historical stamps.
Antique China and Porcelain
That tea set gathering dust on the shelf may be worth more than you think. These collector’s items are highly sought after from reputable brands or really specific eras. Before you throw them out, research to see if your set is actually a hidden gem.
Vintage Jewelry
Classic jewelry pieces never go out of style, trends come and go. Vintage, with unique designs or rare gemstones, way up, are the kind of valuable collections that you can find. They may have hidden treasures in your jewelry box: researching their qualities and history.
Classic Video Games
Don’t just toss out old video games – check their value first. They’re looking for the old classics, or the hidden gems of yesteryear, or the games that defined an era, of old consoles. Collector will even appreciate scratched or incomplete copies.
Historical Memorabilia
Coins, letters or artifacts can be surprising valuable historical items. Check for items related to important cultural or historical events because often these are ones that collectors will pay a premium for.
Sports Memorabilia
Jerseys, cards or signed equipment from famous athletes or historical games are often at high price. A little research might uncover that your sports memorabilia is a money maker.
Vintage Electronics
Even if old electronics seem useless, some brands or models are worth serious money to collectors. In recent years, vintage gaming consoles, cameras, or audio equipment has become popular. Dispose of them only after you research their worth.
Artwork
You might just have more than a decorative piece of that painting collecting dust in the attic. Original artwork, provided it is by well known artists or in significant periods in art, can actually fetch a high price at auction. You may want to have your artwork appraised.
Musical Instruments
It could be that old guitar or piano is worth more than just sentimental value. It’s not unusual for vintage instruments, particularly from a respected brand or a special one, to draw collectors, or even musicians. Have it appraised, if it has value.
First Edition Books
Although first edition copies of popular books may seem like ordinary items, to collectors they can be very valuable. It could be a pretty penny if you have a rare print, a signed copy, a limited edition, or any of the things that you might have.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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