One man’s trash is another man’s treasure, right? This age-old saying is especially true when it comes to selling items on eBay. The online marketplace has become the go-to platform for selling everything from household items and vintage clothing to rare collectibles and artwork.
What many people may not realize, however, is that some seemingly ordinary things can fetch a serious price tag on eBay. Below, we’ve compiled a list of ten items you’d never guess are worth a fortune on this platform. You might just have a goldmine sitting in your garage or attic!
1. Vintage Lunchboxes
These aren’t just your average lunch carriers. Vintage metal lunchboxes, especially those with pop culture themes, can be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars on eBay. The rarity, condition, and the popularity of the theme can greatly influence the price. For instance, a 1954 Superman lunchbox sold for $13,000 in 2018. If you’ve got a vintage lunchbox gathering dust somewhere, it might be time to dust it off and list it.
2. Old Board Games
Just because they’re played out doesn’t mean they’re worthless. Vintage board games can be worth a fortune on eBay, especially if they are in good condition and have all of their pieces. Some of the most valuable games are those that were based on TV shows or films. For example, a 1960s “Lost in Space” 3D Action Fun Game sold for $1,500 on eBay. Before you toss away that old Monopoly or Clue game, it might be worth doing a little research to see what it’s worth.
3. Boy Scout Memorabilia
If you were a Boy Scout or have a family member who was, you might want to take a second look at those old badges and uniforms. Vintage Boy Scout memorabilia can be quite valuable on eBay, particularly patches, merit badges, and Order of the Arrow items. A rare, vintage Eagle Scout badge from the 1930s recently fetched over $1,000 on eBay. So, don’t discount those old scouting mementos just yet!
4. Vintage Computers
While most old electronics lose their value over time, vintage computers are an exception. Early models from companies like Apple and IBM can fetch a high price on eBay. For example, an Apple I computer sold for $905,000 in 2014. Even empty boxes from vintage computers can sell for hundreds of dollars. So if you happen to have an old computer or its original packaging sitting around, it might be worth listing.
5. Old Magazines
Depending on the issue and its condition, old magazines can be worth a surprising amount on eBay. Rare editions or those featuring iconic covers, such as the first Playboy featuring Marilyn Monroe, can be particularly valuable. A Life Magazine from 1969 featuring the moon landing sold for $4,000 on eBay. So before you toss out those old periodicals, it might be worth checking their value.
6. Antique Christmas Ornaments
Christmas comes but once a year, and so does the chance to cash in on vintage holiday ornaments. Antique Christmas ornaments, particularly those from the early 20th century, can fetch a high price on eBay. Rare, hand-blown glass ornaments can sell for hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars. For example, a rare set of Kugel Christmas ornaments from the 19th century sold for $18,000 on eBay.
7. Vintage Toys
Remember those toys you played with as a kid? They might be worth a lot more than you think. Vintage toys, particularly those still in their original packaging, can be highly sought after on eBay. For example, a mint condition “Luke Skywalker” action figure from the original Star Wars series sold for $25,000. So, don’t be so quick to toss out those old toys gathering dust in the attic!
8. Old Concert T-Shirts
Your old concert tees could be music to someone else’s ears, and wallet. Vintage concert t-shirts, particularly those from iconic bands or tours, can fetch a high price on eBay. For example, a rare Led Zeppelin t-shirt from the 1979 Knebworth concert sold for $10,000 on eBay. So don’t be so quick to toss out those old band tees!
9. First Edition Books
If you’re a bookworm, you might want to take a closer look at your library. First edition books, particularly those signed by the author, can be worth a fortune on eBay. For instance, a first edition copy of J.K. Rowling’s “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” sold for over $90,000. So, it might be worth dusting off those old books and checking their publication date.
10. Vintage Advertising Signs
Last but not least, don’t overlook those old advertising signs. Vintage advertising signs, particularly those made out of porcelain or neon, can fetch a hefty price on eBay. For example, a rare porcelain Coca-Cola sign from the 1930s sold for $5,600. So, if you’ve got an old sign gathering dust in the garage, it might be worth cleaning it up and listing it.
Now that you’re armed with this knowledge, why not take a look around your home? You might just find a treasure trove of items worth a fortune on eBay. Happy hunting!