19 things in the house that may be worth a fortune
While most people today are constantly on the move to declutter and organize, it may be worthwhile to hold on to some precious items from the past. Apart from their sentimental value, these items could be worth a lot of money today! So, get ready to sift through cupboards and other storage spaces to find these hidden gems. Here are 19 things around the house that could be worth a lot of money:
Old magazines
Several people have trouble throwing away old magazines. Over time, some magazines may become lucrative collector’s items, valued at over a hundred dollars today. Their rarity, condition, and number of printed issues determine their valuation.
Vintage furniture
Vintage and antique furniture are always in demand, with some pieces fetching thousands of dollars on sale. With the growing popularity of retro, mid-century, and vintage styles, now may be the perfect time to sell any vintage or antique furniture pieces one may have lying around the house.
Old cameras
Since the advent of smartphones with picture and video-taking capabilities, cameras seem obsolete to many. As a result, old devices have just been collecting dust. If one has any old cameras at home, consider getting them valued. Rare, vintage cameras are a big hit in the photography community and could fetch a handsome sum.
Old currency
Old coins and banknotes are a popular collector’s item, and rare currency can be worth a lot of money today. According to certain sources, quarters, dimes, half-dollars, and silver dollars minted before 1964 were 90% silver. Depending on their year of circulation and denomination, these coins could be worth $0.93-$82.20 in melted silver. Other rare coins may hold value beyond their material, with some being valued at as much as $3000.
Books
Old books could be worth a lot of money too. First editions of classic novels could fetch owners between $100 and $2 million! If one owns old editions of classics or other books, one must get them valued by a professional to find out their current worth.
Stamps
While current stamps are relatively inexpensive, rarer versions could be worth millions of dollars. For instance, the Inverted Jenny stamp from World War I sold for $1,351,250 in 2016! Keep an eye out for any old stamps lying around the home, and have them valued promptly.
Glassware
Glassware is also a collector’s item and can fetch a fair amount of money. If one has glasses from the Depression era, carnival glass, old soda bottles, or vintage canning jars at home, it is advisable to have them valued by an antique expert.
Vinyl records
Thanks to a wave of nostalgia, record players have come back in fashion. As a result, more people are looking for vinyl records, driving up their value. In fact, records by some popular bands have sold for upwards of $15,000 in recent times. It may be worth the effort to have old vinyl records valued to find out how much these records may cost today.
Old VCRs
VCRs died out over two decades ago as CDs took over. Today, many film enthusiasts continue to look for old VCR taps of popular films and shows and may be willing to offer hundreds of dollars for the same.
Cassette tapes
This one may sound wildly unexpected, but cassette tapes are making a comeback! According to experts, high-end cassette-buying is a growing trend, with some fetching as much as $4000.
Childhood toys
Some childhood toys can also be worth a lot of money today. From unopened dolls and action figures to collectible cards in mint condition, collectors are willing to shell out upwards of $5000 per item.
Typewriters
Vintage typewriters are worth a pretty penny today. Those who own a functional typewriter from the 1940s may be sitting on around $800!
Rotary phones
While rotary phones were the norm a little while ago, their rare status today has led to a significant increase in their value. Rare, vintage models could be worth hundreds of dollars. Be sure to have these precious items valued by a professional before getting rid of them.
Vintage luggage
Vintage luggage is another sought-after collector’s item. Since these do not serve much purpose today, it may be a wise idea to have them valued and sold off. Mid-century luggage in good condition could be worth hundreds of dollars today.
Perfume bottles
It may sound like an odd hobby, but perfume bottle collecting is a rather common hobby! While the perfume itself may not be worth a lot of money, the glass bottle could sell for hundreds of dollars.
Vintage purses
While designer purses are worth a lot of money, vintage designer purses may be worth more! With styles and seasons changing frequently, their value keeps fluctuating. Those who have old designer purses at home may want to get them evaluated by a luxury goods expert.
Signed yearbooks
Some people went to school or college with a well-renowned celebrity and may have a signed yearbook lying around the house. If so, one should have it valued by a professional, as it may be worth a small fortune today.
Clocks
Antique clocks with trademarks are a treasured item, with sales bringing in over a thousand dollars. If one has a fancy old clock at home, it is advisable to have it appraised by a professional.
Artwork
Old or antique paintings in the house could be worth thousands of dollars. These do not need to be the masterful works of world-renowned artists, either. It may be a good idea to have these works of art evaluated by a professional to find out if one has something of value.