Attic Treasures Could Be Worth a Fortune

Additional Coverage:

10 ‘Worthless’ Collectibles That Actually Sell for a Small Fortune (financebuzz.com)

Your Attic Treasures Could Be Worth a Fortune!

Dust off those boxes, folks, because the “junk” in your attic might just be your next big payday! We’re talking about everything from childhood trinkets to kitchen gadgets that have been gathering dust. Turns out, some of the most unexpected items are now hot commodities, and you could be sitting on a small fortune.

While not every forgotten item will make you rich, the right pieces, in good condition, could bring in some serious extra cash. Get ready to dive into that stash of beloved brands and holiday nostalgia, because we’re revealing 10 surprisingly low-key collections that are worth more than you’d think!

1. Rubber Ducks

Who knew a simple bath toy could make a splash in the collector’s market? Take Charlotte Lee, for example.

She started with a few ducks to decorate her home, and now boasts a record-breaking collection of over 5,600 unique rubber duckies! From vintage finds to brand-new special editions, some of these squeaky clean collectibles can fetch up to $100 a piece on auction sites.

Time to check under the tub!

2. Snapple Caps

Remember those “Real Facts” under Snapple caps? Between 2002 and 2023, Snapple printed 1,677 of them.

Now that metallic caps are a thing of the past, collectors are in a frenzy! According to Mashed, these caps have become highly coveted, with some of the oldest and rarest facts selling for hundreds of dollars online.

3. Vintage McDonald’s Halloween Buckets

Calling all ’80s and ’90s kids! Those iconic McDonald’s Happy Meal Halloween buckets – McBoo, McPunk’n, and McGoblin – are now cult classics.

Complete sets from 1990 have sold for $85 to $130, and rare advertising displays from the same era have even topped $200. Even modern reissues could have resale potential, if you can get your hands on them!

4. Rare Starbucks Mugs and Tumblers

The Starbucks collectible craze is real, and it’s surprisingly lucrative! From international mug series to high-end collaborations, Starbucks cups are big business.

A 2020 Swarovski x Starbucks holiday tumbler recently sold for an astonishing $855, while older cityscape mugs from Tokyo and Bangkok regularly go for over $600. Limited runs, global exclusives, and collaborations like Stanley x Starbucks are especially hot!

5. Vintage Travel Souvenir Plates

Those decorative plates from mid-century road trips are increasingly sought after. Detailed decal or transferware plates from the 1950s and 1960s, featuring state or city landmarks, are particularly popular. These can typically sell for $10 to $50 each, with plates by known manufacturers like Vernon Kilns or Wedgwood, or those with hand-painted details, often commanding higher prices.

6. Souvenir Spoons

Don’t just toss that dusty box of travel spoons! Sterling silver souvenir spoons, especially from the 19th and early 20th century, can sell for over $60 each at auction.

Factors like material, condition, age, and maker’s marks are key to their value. A little polish and an eBay listing could pay off!

7. Old Coffee Tins

Antique coffee tins are now highly prized advertising collectibles. Produced as early as the 1800s, these tins come in all shapes, sizes, and lid styles, often featuring iconic logos and colorful graphics.

Ornate cans can sell for $150 to over $1,000, while plainer ones go for $75 to $150. Condition is crucial – undented, rust-free, and unfaded tins will fetch the highest prices.

8. Rare Playing Cards

Not just for game night, playing cards are seeing a slow but steady demand in the collector’s market, with rare decks appreciating up to 3.8% annually. While you might not want to start investing in them, if you inherit a stash of 500 decks, they could be worth $5 to $35 a pack online. Interestingly, “standard” decks often deliver better returns for collectors than pricey limited editions.

9. Hallmark Ornaments

Hallmark ornaments can be a bit of a gamble, but the right ones can definitely be worth some extra cash. One eBay seller reported buying 1,200 ornaments for $1,200 and selling 90% of them over a year, raking in over $15,000 in profit!

Timing, seasonality, condition, and desirability all play a role. Patience and connecting with other Hallmark fans online seem to be key.

10. Beanie Babies

It’s time to raid your childhood toy box! While the Beanie Baby frenzy has long passed its peak, many still command hundreds of dollars.

Recent eBay sales show top-priced Beanie Babies selling for $700 to $7,000 apiece. And if you’ve got a million dollars burning a hole in your pocket, you could snag a brand-new 1997 Princess Diana Beanie Baby!

The Bottom Line

That dusty bin of odds and ends in your basement or attic may hold more than just clutter. From rubber duckies to Snapple caps and souvenir spoons, those ordinary items you’ve amassed over the years could now have serious cash value. Sorting through your stash is a smart way to declutter and make some extra money on the side!