Several decades ago, these items were part of everyday life, often found in junk drawers or used without a second thought. Today, they’ve turned into collector’s gold with price tags that might just surprise you. You might even have one collecting dust right now. Take a closer look and see which of these ordinary things are now worth a fortune.
IBM Wheelwriter Typewriter
Built for durability and speed, the IBM Wheelwriter became standard in U.S. offices during the 1980s. Today, its mechanical quality and historical value attract collectors. Fully functional models can sell for hundreds, especially those with rare features like spell-check or dual-pitch settings.
Polaroid Instant Cameras
Enthusiasts value their mechanical charm and the unique aesthetic of instant film photos. Original units are in good condition, especially with packaging, and can fetch several thousand dollars. Polaroid’s instant development tech made it a household name. Models like the SX-70 and OneStep are now retro icons.
Vinyl Records
Many albums once sold for a few dollars now command high prices. First pressings, limited editions, and rare cover art are especially valuable. Many artists like The Beatles and Pink Floyd have records selling for thousands. Condition and authenticity strongly influence resale demand and pricing.
Cassette Tapes
Scarcity and specific label editions often drive up their market value. Once used for mixtapes and album collections, cassette tapes are resurging. Some tapes now sell for $100 or more. Collectors seek original releases from punk, hip-hop, rock, and indie artists.
VHS Tapes
Collectors hunt for factory-sealed VHS tapes, especially horror and out-of-print cult films. Some titles sell for over $1,000. While most tapes remain cheap, a niche market for pristine or banned editions has grown, fueled by nostalgia and rarity.
Apple iPhone 1st Generation
Released in 2007, the original iPhone changed mobile technology. Sealed units have sold for over $20,000 at auctions. What makes them valuable is not just rarity but the device’s significance as a tech milestone. Collectors seek those with intact boxes and matching serial numbers.
Motorola DynaTAC 8000x
Nicknamed “The Brick,” this early cellphone debuted in 1983 and symbolized tech luxury. Today, its size and iconic design make it a conversation piece. Working units can fetch thousands. It’s particularly prized by collectors of early communication devices and vintage electronics.
Boomboxes
Once a staple of street culture, vintage boomboxes now fetch high prices among collectors. Models from the 1980s and 1990s, especially rare or high-powered ones, can sell for hundreds or even thousands. Their nostalgic appeal and retro aesthetic make them prized possessions in today’s resale market.
Vintage Levi’s 501 Jeans
Not all old jeans are valuable, but original 501s from the mid-20th century can be sold for thousands. Collectors focus on specific traits like selvage denim and red tab logos. Mining towns and estate sales have yielded pairs that now sit in private collections or museums.
Royal Doulton Dinnerware
Royal Doulton china, particularly pre-World War II patterns, has gained value. Full sets or rare pieces often appear at estate auctions and resale sites. Demand is highest for complete collections in mint condition. Some discontinued lines now sell for up to $2,500, depending on rarity.
