26 things in your attic that could be worth a lot of money
You might be sitting on a gold mine
Coin Banks
They might hold your pocket change, but old banks hiding out in your home might be worth a lot more. Though a simple piggy bank might not get you far, if you have something with a mechanical feature, you could be in luck. The Mechanical Bank Collectors of America have been seeking out these contraptions since 1958.
What it's worth: Up to $2,500
First Edition Books
Looks like being a bookworm could pay off. If you happen to have a first edition of a popular book, it could net you thousands of dollars. Sites like Biblio can help you determine how much cash is sitting on your bookshelf.
What it's worth: $15,000+ (depending on how popular/old the book is)
Boxes of Cereal
You might not want to eat that box of cereal that's been hidden away for decades (for multiple reasons!), but there are collectors out there looking to buy vintage cereal boxes. Special edition boxes or cereals that are no longer in production could earn you big bucks, so now might be the time to bust out that "E.T." cereal you've been hiding away.
What it's worth: $100+ (based on on rarity of cereal or box)
Costume Jewelry
You don't need diamonds to make a little dough off of your jewelry. Old costume jewelry from designers like Elsa Schiaparelli are auctioned off at high price tags.
What it's worth: Up to $2,000
Outdated Electronics
It's all about keeping up with technology for most people, but don't go throwing out your old gadgets. There's a huge market for phones, computers, radios, video game systems (and video games, too) or even vintage toasters. In 2015, a woman threw away an Apple I computer valued at $200,000.
What it's worth: Up to $10,000
Guitars and Other Instruments
If you're storing any old musical pieces, better dust them off. Instruments, especially guitars, kept in good condition are worth a fortune. Gibson or Martin guitars from the 1960s or earlier are selling for thousands.
What it's worth: Up to $33,000
Lamps
The lamp you inherited that just didn't fit in with the rest of the room can possibly score you a wad of dough. Handel, Pairpoint and Fulper are just a few of the brands that collectors are looking for. Pro tip: Sometimes even just having the base is enough.
What it's worth: Up to $45,000
Lunch Boxes
Still holding on to your old lunch box? Boxes featuring The Beatles, The Jetsons and even Rambo can score a lot of cash.
What it's worth: Up to $3,100
Christmas Ornaments
Plenty of families pass down Christmas decorations, and if you have anything in your collection that's handmade, it could be worth a pretty penny.
What it's worth: Up to $500
Perfume Bottles
They just don't make 'em like they used to. Glassblowers throughout the world turned perfume bottles into an art form in the 19th century. If you have anything in pristine condition from companies like New England Glass Company or the Boston & Sandwich Glass Company, keep it somewhere safe until you get it appraised.
What it's worth: Up to $1,000
Postcards
As is the case with most of this list, the value of an old postcard depends on how old it is, how rare it is and what condition it's in. A postcard from 1840 sold at auction in London in 2002 for $50,000.
What it's worth: Up to $340
Silverware
Time to bust out your grandmother's old dinnerware. Sets of sterling silverware can be worth anywhere from hundreds to thousands of dollars. If you have a complete set from a big brand like Tiffany, you could be in for a real payday.
What it's worth: Up to $1,100
Tools
Head out back to the shed and see if you have any old saws, hand drills or any other old tools that have seen better days. There are many price guides out there to teach you which ones to look out for.
What it's worth: Up to $3,000
VHS Tapes
The VCR days are long behind us, but you may want to hunt down those old VHS tapes. Unpopular movies that never made the leap to DVD or digital are the ones to look out for (especially in the horror genre). Movies that have been banned or deemed controversial (like Disney's "Song of the South") also go for a high price.
What it's worth: Up to $50,000
Advertisements
Vintage-style ads are popular for home decor and actual vintage ads are highly sought after as well. Everything from soft drinks to gasoline can get you paid. This is especially true for anything with Coca-Cola branding.
What it's worth: Up to $15,000
Luggage Set
As air, rail and ship travel took off in the 1950s, so did luggage sales. This trio of hard-sided suitcases hails from that golden era, when green marble finishes were all the rage. "Made by Towncraft, a J.C. Penney house brand, this set copies a Samsonite design, which was then one of the leaders of the industry," explains appraiser Helaine Fendelman. Single cases aren't worth much more than their original 1950s price (about $25). But because these are in good condition (no stains, tears or undesirable smells lurking inside) and are a matched set, they go for a tidy sum.
What it's worth: $175 for the set
PHOTO: David Hillegas
Milk Glass Banana Stand
Victorians wanted a dish for everything; bananas were no exception. This 1950s reproduction, used here as a flower display, features a lace edge and holds a value of $45.
What it's worth: One from the early 1900s could fetch up to $100.
PHOTO: Brian Woodcock
Cast-Iron Mailbox
This early-20th-century mailbox carries cachet because it was produced by Griswold, one of the most sought-after makers of cast iron. In operation from 1865 until 1957, the company specialized in cookware, but ardent cast-iron collectors are interested in all forms. This No. 3 mailbox from 1910 is no exception. Unpainted examples are valued at $350; because this one bears an unoriginal, though eye-catching, green paint job, its value is considerably less, says Marsha Dixey of Heritage Auctions.
What it's worth: $125
PHOTO: David Hillegas
Pearl and Cameo Bracelet
Heritage Auctions' Marsha Dixey consulted with Jill Burgum, who says that the carved cameos are from the late Victorian age when the mourning trend of black clothing and jewelry became popular. They were likely two separate brooches or pendants that were later converted into a bracelet years later.
What it's worth: $250
PHOTO: Brian Woodcock
Sterling Silver Belt Buckle
This buckle is marked "R. Schaezlein & Son," the name of a San Francisco silversmith founded in 1882 that was renowned for its Western wear. The backstamp dates this piece to the 1990s, explains Marsha Dixey of Heritage Auctions.
What it's worth: $500
PHOTO: David Hillegas
1960s Stetson Hat
In 1865, John Batterson Stetson created the first cowboy hat. His design's wide brim shaded the neck and eyes, and when turned upside down, the crown could hold water for a horse or rider, says antiques appraiser Helaine Fendelman. This model, with its original box, dates to the 1960s. Despite a few small stains, the famed Stetson name brings a handsome estimate.
What it's worth: $175
PHOTO: David Hillegas
Yo-Yo Quilt
"Hundreds of cotton circles were cut and hand-sewn together to make this coverlet," explains Marsha Bemko of "Antiques Roadshow," who consulted with Deborah Miler. It was a popular style in the 1930s, when the Yo-Yo toy was an American fad, hence the quirky name.
What it's worth: $275
PHOTO: David Hillegas
Loving Cup
This piece is a loving cup meant for sharing celebratory drinks at a wedding or banquet. The backstamp indicated it was made by Philadelphia silversmith Peter L. Krider for renowned retailer Shreve, Crump & Low. Dated 1899, it sports impressive horn handles that channel an end-of-the-century interest in hunting, says appraiser Helaine Fendelman.
What it's worth: $700
PHOTO: David Hillegas
Hooked Rug
In the early 1800s, enterprising Yankees created a cottage industry sewing fabric scraps into rag rugs. Hand-hooked versions (made by using a sailor's hook to pull scraps through a burlap backing) soon followed. This early-20th-century hand-hooked wool runner is a close descendant of those New England predecessors, says antiques appraiser Helaine Fendelman.
What it's worth: $750
PHOTO: David Hillegas
Milk Glass Easter Eggs
These delicate handblown milk glass eggs were originally sold blank so that Victorian ladies could embellish them with spring greetings and scenes. Over time, the sentiments were usually damaged by washing or handling, says Marsha Dixey of Heritage Auctions. This group, however, is in great condition with minimal wear.
What it's worth: $775 for set
PHOTO: David Hillegas
Trunk
This stunning item dates back to the 1870s, when luggage had to withstand wagon travel, says Marsha Dixey. The interior has multiple storage compartments and is fully lined with its original lithographed paper. The large size is impressive but hardly surprising: Wealthy people of this era typically decamped for the entire summer to places like Saratoga Springs, New York, the popular warm-weather destination for which this dome-topped style is named.
What it's worth: $700
PHOTO: David Hillegas
Coin Banks
They might hold your pocket change, but old banks hiding out in your home might be worth a lot more. Though a simple piggy bank might not get you far, if you have something with a mechanical feature, you could be in luck. The Mechanical Bank Collectors of America have been seeking out these contraptions since 1958.
What it's worth: Up to $2,500
First Edition Books
Looks like being a bookworm could pay off. If you happen to have a first edition of a popular book, it could net you thousands of dollars. Sites like Biblio can help you determine how much cash is sitting on your bookshelf.
What it's worth: $15,000+ (depending on how popular/old the book is)
Boxes of Cereal
You might not want to eat that box of cereal that's been hidden away for decades (for multiple reasons!), but there are collectors out there looking to buy vintage cereal boxes. Special edition boxes or cereals that are no longer in production could earn you big bucks, so now might be the time to bust out that "E.T." cereal you've been hiding away.
What it's worth: $100+ (based on on rarity of cereal or box)
Costume Jewelry
You don't need diamonds to make a little dough off of your jewelry. Old costume jewelry from designers like Elsa Schiaparelli are auctioned off at high price tags.
What it's worth: Up to $2,000
Outdated Electronics
It's all about keeping up with technology for most people, but don't go throwing out your old gadgets. There's a huge market for phones, computers, radios, video game systems (and video games, too) or even vintage toasters. In 2015, a woman threw away an Apple I computer valued at $200,000.
What it's worth: Up to $10,000
Guitars and Other Instruments
If you're storing any old musical pieces, better dust them off. Instruments, especially guitars, kept in good condition are worth a fortune. Gibson or Martin guitars from the 1960s or earlier are selling for thousands.
What it's worth: Up to $33,000
Lamps
The lamp you inherited that just didn't fit in with the rest of the room can possibly score you a wad of dough. Handel, Pairpoint and Fulper are just a few of the brands that collectors are looking for. Pro tip: Sometimes even just having the base is enough.
What it's worth: Up to $45,000
Lunch Boxes
Still holding on to your old lunch box? Boxes featuring The Beatles, The Jetsons and even Rambo can score a lot of cash.
What it's worth: Up to $3,100
Christmas Ornaments
Plenty of families pass down Christmas decorations, and if you have anything in your collection that's handmade, it could be worth a pretty penny.
What it's worth: Up to $500
Perfume Bottles
They just don't make 'em like they used to. Glassblowers throughout the world turned perfume bottles into an art form in the 19th century. If you have anything in pristine condition from companies like New England Glass Company or the Boston & Sandwich Glass Company, keep it somewhere safe until you get it appraised.
What it's worth: Up to $1,000
Postcards
As is the case with most of this list, the value of an old postcard depends on how old it is, how rare it is and what condition it's in. A postcard from 1840 sold at auction in London in 2002 for $50,000.
What it's worth: Up to $340
Silverware
Time to bust out your grandmother's old dinnerware. Sets of sterling silverware can be worth anywhere from hundreds to thousands of dollars. If you have a complete set from a big brand like Tiffany, you could be in for a real payday.
What it's worth: Up to $1,100
Tools
Head out back to the shed and see if you have any old saws, hand drills or any other old tools that have seen better days. There are many price guides out there to teach you which ones to look out for.
What it's worth: Up to $3,000
VHS Tapes
The VCR days are long behind us, but you may want to hunt down those old VHS tapes. Unpopular movies that never made the leap to DVD or digital are the ones to look out for (especially in the horror genre). Movies that have been banned or deemed controversial (like Disney's "Song of the South") also go for a high price.
What it's worth: Up to $50,000
Advertisements
Vintage-style ads are popular for home decor and actual vintage ads are highly sought after as well. Everything from soft drinks to gasoline can get you paid. This is especially true for anything with Coca-Cola branding.
What it's worth: Up to $15,000
Luggage Set
As air, rail and ship travel took off in the 1950s, so did luggage sales. This trio of hard-sided suitcases hails from that golden era, when green marble finishes were all the rage. "Made by Towncraft, a J.C. Penney house brand, this set copies a Samsonite design, which was then one of the leaders of the industry," explains appraiser Helaine Fendelman. Single cases aren't worth much more than their original 1950s price (about $25). But because these are in good condition (no stains, tears or undesirable smells lurking inside) and are a matched set, they go for a tidy sum.
What it's worth: $175 for the set
PHOTO: David Hillegas
Milk Glass Banana Stand
Victorians wanted a dish for everything; bananas were no exception. This 1950s reproduction, used here as a flower display, features a lace edge and holds a value of $45.
What it's worth: One from the early 1900s could fetch up to $100.
PHOTO: Brian Woodcock
Cast-Iron Mailbox
This early-20th-century mailbox carries cachet because it was produced by Griswold, one of the most sought-after makers of cast iron. In operation from 1865 until 1957, the company specialized in cookware, but ardent cast-iron collectors are interested in all forms. This No. 3 mailbox from 1910 is no exception. Unpainted examples are valued at $350; because this one bears an unoriginal, though eye-catching, green paint job, its value is considerably less, says Marsha Dixey of Heritage Auctions.
What it's worth: $125
PHOTO: David Hillegas
Pearl and Cameo Bracelet
Heritage Auctions' Marsha Dixey consulted with Jill Burgum, who says that the carved cameos are from the late Victorian age when the mourning trend of black clothing and jewelry became popular. They were likely two separate brooches or pendants that were later converted into a bracelet years later.
What it's worth: $250
PHOTO: Brian Woodcock
Sterling Silver Belt Buckle
This buckle is marked "R. Schaezlein & Son," the name of a San Francisco silversmith founded in 1882 that was renowned for its Western wear. The backstamp dates this piece to the 1990s, explains Marsha Dixey of Heritage Auctions.
What it's worth: $500
PHOTO: David Hillegas
1960s Stetson Hat
In 1865, John Batterson Stetson created the first cowboy hat. His design's wide brim shaded the neck and eyes, and when turned upside down, the crown could hold water for a horse or rider, says antiques appraiser Helaine Fendelman. This model, with its original box, dates to the 1960s. Despite a few small stains, the famed Stetson name brings a handsome estimate.
What it's worth: $175
PHOTO: David Hillegas
Yo-Yo Quilt
"Hundreds of cotton circles were cut and hand-sewn together to make this coverlet," explains Marsha Bemko of "Antiques Roadshow," who consulted with Deborah Miler. It was a popular style in the 1930s, when the Yo-Yo toy was an American fad, hence the quirky name.
What it's worth: $275
PHOTO: David Hillegas
Loving Cup
This piece is a loving cup meant for sharing celebratory drinks at a wedding or banquet. The backstamp indicated it was made by Philadelphia silversmith Peter L. Krider for renowned retailer Shreve, Crump & Low. Dated 1899, it sports impressive horn handles that channel an end-of-the-century interest in hunting, says appraiser Helaine Fendelman.
What it's worth: $700
PHOTO: David Hillegas
Hooked Rug
In the early 1800s, enterprising Yankees created a cottage industry sewing fabric scraps into rag rugs. Hand-hooked versions (made by using a sailor's hook to pull scraps through a burlap backing) soon followed. This early-20th-century hand-hooked wool runner is a close descendant of those New England predecessors, says antiques appraiser Helaine Fendelman.
What it's worth: $750
PHOTO: David Hillegas
Milk Glass Easter Eggs
These delicate handblown milk glass eggs were originally sold blank so that Victorian ladies could embellish them with spring greetings and scenes. Over time, the sentiments were usually damaged by washing or handling, says Marsha Dixey of Heritage Auctions. This group, however, is in great condition with minimal wear.
What it's worth: $775 for set
PHOTO: David Hillegas
Trunk
This stunning item dates back to the 1870s, when luggage had to withstand wagon travel, says Marsha Dixey. The interior has multiple storage compartments and is fully lined with its original lithographed paper. The large size is impressive but hardly surprising: Wealthy people of this era typically decamped for the entire summer to places like Saratoga Springs, New York, the popular warm-weather destination for which this dome-topped style is named.
What it's worth: $700
PHOTO: David Hillegas
Coin Banks
They might hold your pocket change, but old banks hiding out in your home might be worth a lot more. Though a simple piggy bank might not get you far, if you have something with a mechanical feature, you could be in luck. The Mechanical Bank Collectors of America have been seeking out these contraptions since 1958.
What it's worth: Up to $2,500
First Edition Books
Looks like being a bookworm could pay off. If you happen to have a first edition of a popular book, it could net you thousands of dollars. Sites like Biblio can help you determine how much cash is sitting on your bookshelf.
What it's worth: $15,000+ (depending on how popular/old the book is)
Boxes of Cereal
You might not want to eat that box of cereal that's been hidden away for decades (for multiple reasons!), but there are collectors out there looking to buy vintage cereal boxes. Special edition boxes or cereals that are no longer in production could earn you big bucks, so now might be the time to bust out that "E.T." cereal you've been hiding away.
What it's worth: $100+ (based on on rarity of cereal or box)
Costume Jewelry
You don't need diamonds to make a little dough off of your jewelry. Old costume jewelry from designers like Elsa Schiaparelli are auctioned off at high price tags.
What it's worth: Up to $2,000
Outdated Electronics
It's all about keeping up with technology for most people, but don't go throwing out your old gadgets. There's a huge market for phones, computers, radios, video game systems (and video games, too) or even vintage toasters. In 2015, a woman threw away an Apple I computer valued at $200,000.
What it's worth: Up to $10,000
Guitars and Other Instruments
If you're storing any old musical pieces, better dust them off. Instruments, especially guitars, kept in good condition are worth a fortune. Gibson or Martin guitars from the 1960s or earlier are selling for thousands.
What it's worth: Up to $33,000
Lamps
The lamp you inherited that just didn't fit in with the rest of the room can possibly score you a wad of dough. Handel, Pairpoint and Fulper are just a few of the brands that collectors are looking for. Pro tip: Sometimes even just having the base is enough.
What it's worth: Up to $45,000
Lunch Boxes
Still holding on to your old lunch box? Boxes featuring The Beatles, The Jetsons and even Rambo can score a lot of cash.
What it's worth: Up to $3,100
Christmas Ornaments
Plenty of families pass down Christmas decorations, and if you have anything in your collection that's handmade, it could be worth a pretty penny.
What it's worth: Up to $500
Perfume Bottles
They just don't make 'em like they used to. Glassblowers throughout the world turned perfume bottles into an art form in the 19th century. If you have anything in pristine condition from companies like New England Glass Company or the Boston & Sandwich Glass Company, keep it somewhere safe until you get it appraised.
What it's worth: Up to $1,000
Postcards
As is the case with most of this list, the value of an old postcard depends on how old it is, how rare it is and what condition it's in. A postcard from 1840 sold at auction in London in 2002 for $50,000.
What it's worth: Up to $340
Silverware
Time to bust out your grandmother's old dinnerware. Sets of sterling silverware can be worth anywhere from hundreds to thousands of dollars. If you have a complete set from a big brand like Tiffany, you could be in for a real payday.
What it's worth: Up to $1,100
Tools
Head out back to the shed and see if you have any old saws, hand drills or any other old tools that have seen better days. There are many price guides out there to teach you which ones to look out for.
What it's worth: Up to $3,000
VHS Tapes
The VCR days are long behind us, but you may want to hunt down those old VHS tapes. Unpopular movies that never made the leap to DVD or digital are the ones to look out for (especially in the horror genre). Movies that have been banned or deemed controversial (like Disney's "Song of the South") also go for a high price.
What it's worth: Up to $50,000
Advertisements
Vintage-style ads are popular for home decor and actual vintage ads are highly sought after as well. Everything from soft drinks to gasoline can get you paid. This is especially true for anything with Coca-Cola branding.
What it's worth: Up to $15,000
Luggage Set
As air, rail and ship travel took off in the 1950s, so did luggage sales. This trio of hard-sided suitcases hails from that golden era, when green marble finishes were all the rage. "Made by Towncraft, a J.C. Penney house brand, this set copies a Samsonite design, which was then one of the leaders of the industry," explains appraiser Helaine Fendelman. Single cases aren't worth much more than their original 1950s price (about $25). But because these are in good condition (no stains, tears or undesirable smells lurking inside) and are a matched set, they go for a tidy sum.
What it's worth: $175 for the set
PHOTO: David Hillegas
Milk Glass Banana Stand
Victorians wanted a dish for everything; bananas were no exception. This 1950s reproduction, used here as a flower display, features a lace edge and holds a value of $45.
What it's worth: One from the early 1900s could fetch up to $100.
PHOTO: Brian Woodcock
Cast-Iron Mailbox
This early-20th-century mailbox carries cachet because it was produced by Griswold, one of the most sought-after makers of cast iron. In operation from 1865 until 1957, the company specialized in cookware, but ardent cast-iron collectors are interested in all forms. This No. 3 mailbox from 1910 is no exception. Unpainted examples are valued at $350; because this one bears an unoriginal, though eye-catching, green paint job, its value is considerably less, says Marsha Dixey of Heritage Auctions.
What it's worth: $125
PHOTO: David Hillegas
Pearl and Cameo Bracelet
Heritage Auctions' Marsha Dixey consulted with Jill Burgum, who says that the carved cameos are from the late Victorian age when the mourning trend of black clothing and jewelry became popular. They were likely two separate brooches or pendants that were later converted into a bracelet years later.
What it's worth: $250
PHOTO: Brian Woodcock
Sterling Silver Belt Buckle
This buckle is marked "R. Schaezlein & Son," the name of a San Francisco silversmith founded in 1882 that was renowned for its Western wear. The backstamp dates this piece to the 1990s, explains Marsha Dixey of Heritage Auctions.
What it's worth: $500
PHOTO: David Hillegas
1960s Stetson Hat
In 1865, John Batterson Stetson created the first cowboy hat. His design's wide brim shaded the neck and eyes, and when turned upside down, the crown could hold water for a horse or rider, says antiques appraiser Helaine Fendelman. This model, with its original box, dates to the 1960s. Despite a few small stains, the famed Stetson name brings a handsome estimate.
What it's worth: $175
PHOTO: David Hillegas
Yo-Yo Quilt
"Hundreds of cotton circles were cut and hand-sewn together to make this coverlet," explains Marsha Bemko of "Antiques Roadshow," who consulted with Deborah Miler. It was a popular style in the 1930s, when the Yo-Yo toy was an American fad, hence the quirky name.
What it's worth: $275
PHOTO: David Hillegas
Loving Cup
This piece is a loving cup meant for sharing celebratory drinks at a wedding or banquet. The backstamp indicated it was made by Philadelphia silversmith Peter L. Krider for renowned retailer Shreve, Crump & Low. Dated 1899, it sports impressive horn handles that channel an end-of-the-century interest in hunting, says appraiser Helaine Fendelman.
What it's worth: $700
PHOTO: David Hillegas
Hooked Rug
In the early 1800s, enterprising Yankees created a cottage industry sewing fabric scraps into rag rugs. Hand-hooked versions (made by using a sailor's hook to pull scraps through a burlap backing) soon followed. This early-20th-century hand-hooked wool runner is a close descendant of those New England predecessors, says antiques appraiser Helaine Fendelman.
What it's worth: $750
PHOTO: David Hillegas
Milk Glass Easter Eggs
These delicate handblown milk glass eggs were originally sold blank so that Victorian ladies could embellish them with spring greetings and scenes. Over time, the sentiments were usually damaged by washing or handling, says Marsha Dixey of Heritage Auctions. This group, however, is in great condition with minimal wear.
What it's worth: $775 for set
PHOTO: David Hillegas
Trunk
This stunning item dates back to the 1870s, when luggage had to withstand wagon travel, says Marsha Dixey. The interior has multiple storage compartments and is fully lined with its original lithographed paper. The large size is impressive but hardly surprising: Wealthy people of this era typically decamped for the entire summer to places like Saratoga Springs, New York, the popular warm-weather destination for which this dome-topped style is named.
What it's worth: $700
PHOTO: David Hillegas
You might be sitting on a gold mine
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We all have things we hold onto, even if we're not exactly sure why. Before you toss anything, find out if it could be worth something. You may have some hidden treasures!