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- 12 Rare Disney Collectibles That Are Worth a Small Fortune (financebuzz.com)
Disney Dreamin’: Unearthing the Magic (and Money!) in Rare Collectibles
For those who live and breathe Disney, the allure of finding a hidden treasure is as captivating as any fairytale. While you might not stumble upon a priceless relic in your attic, it’s certainly fun to imagine! For the serious collector or simply the Disney enthusiast, here’s a peek at some of the rarest and most valuable Disney collectibles that have made headlines.
The Most Coveted Disney Treasures
1. 1928 Mickey Mouse Poster: The Debut That Launched a Legend
Imagine holding a piece of history marking Mickey Mouse’s grand entrance in Steamboat Willie. This 1928 poster is an absolute holy grail for collectors.
With only a handful known to exist, one in near-mint condition once commanded over $90,000 at auction. Talk about a fortune in your hands!
2. First-Edition ‘Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs’ Book (1937): A Fairytale in Print
Published alongside the film’s release, first-edition copies of the 1937 Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs book are incredibly rare. These beautiful tomes, filled with movie illustrations, have proven that even paper can be worth a pretty penny, with one pristine copy selling for around $20,000.
3. 1955 Disneyland Map: Charting the Magic Kingdom’s Origins
Original maps from Disneyland’s opening year in 1955 are more than just guides; they’re historical documents. Showcasing attractions that have since vanished, these maps are highly sought after. A well-preserved map can fetch $80,000, and with Disneyland’s enduring legacy, those prices are only going one way: up!
4. 1930s Donald Duck Mariner Watch: Time to Get Quacking!
Donald Duck fans, listen up! The rare 1930s Ingersoll Donald Duck Mariner watch, one of the first Disney-licensed timepieces, can sell for as much as $5,000 in excellent condition. If you find one still ticking, you might have a valuable piece of history on your wrist.
5. Beauty and the Beast VHS Black Diamond Edition: The Myth, The Legend (Sometimes!)
The “Black Diamond Collection” of Disney VHS tapes from the late ’80s and early ’90s has long been rumored to hold significant value. While many don’t live up to the hype, a pristine Beauty and the Beast Black Diamond Edition once sold for over $10,000. Just remember, most go for significantly less, so manage those expectations!
6. Vintage Mickey Mouse Lunchbox: Packing a Punch (of Value!)
Who knew your childhood lunchbox could be worth so much? Metal lunchboxes featuring Mickey Mouse from the 1950s and 1960s are incredibly collectible. One in mint condition can sell for around $2,000, making it an unexpectedly valuable piece of Disney nostalgia.
7. Limited-Edition Haunted Mansion Board Game: A Spooktacular Find
Haunted Mansion enthusiasts often seek out the rarest memorabilia, and the limited-edition Haunted Mansion board game from the 1970s is a prime example. Complete and in good condition, these games can fetch $2,500 or more.
8. Signed Walt Disney Check: The Signature of a Visionary
Autographed Disney items always hold value, but a personal check signed by Walt Disney himself is a true collector’s item. One such check is currently listed for around $8,000, proving that even a small signature can carry immense worth.
9. 1956 Mickey Mouse & Goofy Comic: A Classic Comic Caper
Vintage Disney comics are hot commodities. Take the 1956 Mickey Mouse & Goofy comic – in pristine condition, it’s been valued at over $200,000! A testament to the enduring popularity of Disney’s classic characters.
10. 1930s Charlotte Clark Mickey Mouse Doll: The Original Mickey
In the early 1930s, seamstress Charlotte Clark created the very first Mickey Mouse dolls, setting the standard for all Disney character toys to follow. Walt Disney was so impressed that these became the official Disney toys of the era. Original Charlotte Clark Mickey Mouse dolls are incredibly rare, with some fetching over $100,000 at auction, especially if they’re in good shape.
11. 1937 Snow White Animation Cel: A Frame of History
Original animation cels from Disney’s groundbreaking Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs are highly coveted. So much so that some are displayed in museums worldwide, while others can be found for sale, typically ranging from $3,000 to $4,000 each.
12. Unpainted Jack Skellington Puppet Heads: A Nightmare (Before Christmas) Find
The Nightmare Before Christmas, now officially part of the Disney family, has inspired countless collectibles. Among the rarest are the unpainted Jack Skellington puppet heads used in the film’s production. In 2022, a set of these original props was auctioned with an estimated value of around $1,500 – a true treasure for dedicated fans.
The Bottom Line: Magic in the Attic?
While you might not have a $200,000 comic book stashed away, it’s always fun to see what collectors are willing to pay for a piece of Disney magic. Some items are genuine fortunes, while others might be hidden gems waiting to be discovered at estate sales, thrift stores, or even in your childhood bedroom. Who knows, a little rummaging might just unearth your own piece of Disney history – and a little extra cash!
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- 12 Rare Disney Collectibles That Are Worth a Small Fortune (financebuzz.com)