In the age of rapid technological advancements, it is easy to forget about the old devices gathering dust in the corner of your attic or basement. You might be surprised to learn that some of these ancient electronics are worth quite a bit more than you’d expect.
Whether they are cherished for their nostalgic value, sought after by collectors, or re-purposed for modern uses, these electronics have stood the test of time. Let’s take a journey down memory lane and see how 12 of these old electronics could potentially add some extra padding to your wallet.
1. Apple I Computer
The original Apple I computer, designed and hand-built by Steve Wozniak, is a relic of the early days of personal computing. If you’re lucky enough to have one of these in your garage, you could be sitting on a gold mine. In 2016, an Apple I sold at auction for a whopping $815,000!
While most of us don’t have an Apple I lying around, it’s a reminder that early models of now-popular electronics can be highly valuable. So next time you’re thinking about tossing that first-generation iPod or iPhone, you might want to think twice.
2. Vintage Video Game Consoles
The nostalgia factor can make old video game consoles surprisingly valuable. Collectors are often willing to pay a premium for consoles in good working condition, with original packaging and games. For example, a Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), especially if it’s the 1985 Deluxe Set, can fetch anywhere between $200 to $600.
Even if you don’t have a rare edition console, don’t despair. Older versions of popular systems like the PlayStation or Xbox can still be worth a significant amount, especially if they come with popular games.
3. Sony Walkman TPS-L2
The Sony Walkman TPS-L2, the first portable music player, was a revolution in personal audio when it was released in 1979. Today, this blue-and-silver device can fetch up to $600 on eBay, especially if it still has its original leather case and headphones.
The value of the Walkman, like other vintage electronics, is a testament to the power of nostalgia. While it may not hold a candle to today’s digital music players in terms of convenience or sound quality, it’s a sought-after item for those looking to re-capture the feel of a bygone era.
4. First Edition iPod
When the iPod was first introduced in 2001, it changed the way we listened to music. Today, these little music players can be worth a lot of money. A first-generation iPod in its original packaging sold for $20,000 on eBay in 2014!
Even if you don’t have a first-gen model, don’t fret. Older iPods with larger storage capacities, particularly those that can still hold a charge, can still fetch a good price.
5. Old Cell Phones
You probably wouldn’t think that your old brick of a cell phone could be worth anything, but you’d be wrong. Early mobile phones, particularly those from the 1980s and 90s like the Motorola DynaTAC 8000X or the Nokia 3310, can be worth hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars.
These phones are particularly valuable if they’re in good working condition and come with their original packaging and accessories. Even if they’re not working, they can still be worth something as retro decorative pieces.
6. Vintage Cameras
If you’ve got an old camera lying around, it might be worth more than you think. Certain models, particularly those made by brands like Leica, Hasselblad, or Rolleiflex, can be worth thousands of dollars.
Even if you don’t have a high-end model, older film cameras can still fetch a decent price, especially if they’re in good working condition. They’re often sought after by photographers looking for a vintage shooting experience, or by collectors looking for a piece of photographic history.
7. Old Apple Macintosh Computers
Apple’s Macintosh computers have always been popular, but some of the older models are particularly valuable. For example, an original Macintosh 128K from 1984 can fetch up to $2,000 on eBay.
Even later models can still be worth a decent amount. So if you’ve got an old iMac G3 or a Power Macintosh G4 lying around, it might be worth looking into selling it.
8. Old Calculators
Old calculators, particularly scientific and graphing calculators, can be surprisingly valuable. Models like the HP-12C financial calculator or the Texas Instruments TI-89 are often sought after by professionals and students alike.
Even if they’re not in perfect condition, these calculators can still fetch a decent price. They’re often bought by people looking for a reliable, non-digital tool, or by collectors looking for a piece of technological history.
9. Vintage Radios
Old radios, particularly those from the 1930s and 40s, can be worth a considerable amount. Brands like Zenith, Philco, and RCA made some models that are highly sought after by collectors today.
Even if your radio isn’t a particularly rare model, it can still be worth something. Many people enjoy the vintage aesthetic of old radios and will pay a decent amount for them, especially if they’re in good working condition.
10. Old Computer Software
Old computer software, particularly games, can be surprisingly valuable. Titles for the Commodore 64 or the Atari 2600 can fetch a good price, particularly if they’re still in their original packaging.
Even if your software isn’t particularly old, it can still be worth something. Software for older systems like the PlayStation 2 or the Nintendo GameCube can still fetch a decent price.
11. Vintage Televisions
Old televisions, particularly those from the 1950s and 60s, can be worth quite a bit. Models with a unique design, like the Philco Predicta, are particularly valuable.
Even if your TV isn’t particularly old or rare, it can still be worth something. Many people enjoy the old-fashioned look of vintage TVs and will pay a decent amount for them, especially if they’re in good working condition.
12. Old Typewriters
If you’ve got an old typewriter gathering dust in your attic, it might be worth more than you think. Certain models, particularly those made by brands like Royal, Underwood, or Remington, can be worth hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars.
Even if you don’t have a particularly rare model, older typewriters can still fetch a decent price. They’re often sought after by writers looking for a more tactile writing experience, or by collectors looking for a piece of literary history.