If you have a penchant for vintage, the ‘70s is a decade that offers a wealth of collectible items that are now sought after by collectors. From fashion and technology to toys and home decor, the ‘70s gave birth to many iconic designs and inventions that have stood the test of time.
With the resurgence of ‘70s trends and an increasing nostalgia for the era, these items are now highly coveted and can fetch a pretty penny. So, whether you’re a serious collector or just curious about what your old treasures might be worth, let’s take a trip down memory lane and explore 13 surprising items from the ‘70s that collectors want badly.
1. Star Wars Action Figures
In 1977, Star Wars burst onto the big screen and quickly became a cultural phenomenon. Merchandise was a huge part of its success, and none more so than the action figures. These small plastic toys were produced by Kenner and are now incredibly sought after by collectors.
Certain figures, particularly those still in their original packaging, can sell for hundreds, if not thousands of dollars. For example, a mint condition Boba Fett figure (complete with missile-firing backpack) can fetch up to $5000. So, if you’ve got old Star Wars toys gathering dust in your attic, you might be sitting on a goldmine!
2. Polaroid Cameras
Long before digital photography and smartphones, taking an instant photo meant using a Polaroid camera. These iconic cameras were a must-have item in the ’70s and have since become a favorite among vintage technology collectors.
While all models are collectible, the SX-70 is particularly desirable due to its unique folding design and the fact that it was the first to use Polaroid’s instant integral film. Depending on the condition and model, a vintage Polaroid camera can sell for anywhere from $50 to several hundred dollars. And with instant photography experiencing a resurgence, demand for these cameras is only set to increase.
3. Vintage Band T-Shirts
The ’70s was a revolutionary decade for music, with the likes of Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, and David Bowie all at their peak. Concert tees from this era, especially those that are rare or in excellent condition, are now incredibly valuable.
For example, a vintage Led Zeppelin t-shirt from their 1979 Knebworth concert recently sold for over $10,000 on eBay! So, if you’ve got old band tees stashed away, it might be worth having them appraised. Just remember that condition and rarity are key factors when it comes to value.
4. Fisher Price Toys
Fisher Price, a company known for creating high-quality, durable toys, had many popular toys during the ’70s that are now highly sought after by collectors. The Adventure People line, Little People sets, and the Play Family House are all desirable today.
Even if they have been well-loved and show signs of wear, these toys can still fetch a good price. For example, a vintage Fisher Price Play Family House in good condition can sell for around $50-$100. However, if you have any of their toys still in the original box, you could be looking at several hundred dollars or more.
5. Pyrex Dishware
Pyrex dishware was a staple in many ’70s kitchens. Known for its durability and bright, colorful designs, Pyrex has become a hot commodity among vintage collectors.
Certain patterns, like the Butterfly Gold and Spring Blossom Green, are particularly popular. A complete set of Butterfly Gold mixing bowls, for example, can sell for around $100. However, rarer patterns and pieces can sell for much more. So if you’ve got old Pyrex collecting dust in your kitchen cupboards, it might be worth a second look!
6. Original Skateboards
Skateboarding exploded in popularity during the ’70s, and original boards from this era are now highly sought after. Brands like Powell Peralta, Sims, and Alva are particularly desirable.
Collectors are willing to pay big bucks for these vintage boards, especially if they’re in good condition or feature artwork by well-known artists. For example, a vintage Powell Peralta board could sell for over $1,000. So, if you’ve got an old skateboard gathering dust in the garage, it might be time to dust it off and see what it’s worth!
7. Vintage Video Games
The ’70s saw the birth of home video gaming, with consoles like the Atari 2600 and games like Pong hitting the market. These early games and systems are now highly coveted by collectors.
Original Atari games, particularly those that are rare or still in their original packaging, can sell for hundreds or even thousands of dollars. For example, a copy of the game “Air Raid” recently sold for over $30,000! So, if you’ve got old video games stored away, they could be worth a lot more than you think.
8. Vintage Levi’s Jeans
Levi’s jeans have always been a classic, but vintage pairs from the ’70s are particularly in demand. Collectors are looking for specific details, such as the big ‘E’ on the red tab, a capital ‘V’ stitched into the top button, or selvedge denim.
These details can significantly increase the value of your old jeans. For example, a pair of ’70s Levi’s with the big ‘E’ can sell for up to $500. So, if you’ve got old Levi’s gathering dust in your wardrobe, it might be worth taking a closer look!
9. Vintage Lunch Boxes
Lunch boxes from the ’70s, particularly those with popular TV or movie themes, are now highly sought after by collectors. Brands like Aladdin and Thermos are particularly desirable.
Boxes in good condition, especially those with their original thermos, can sell for anywhere between $50 and $100. However, rarer boxes or those featuring popular characters can sell for much more. For example, a 1977 Star Wars lunch box recently sold for $625!
10. Evel Knievel Toys
In the ’70s, daredevil Evel Knievel was a household name, and his toy line, produced by Ideal, was incredibly popular. These toys, particularly the Stunt Cycle, are now highly sought after by collectors.
Even if they’ve been well-loved, these toys can still fetch a good price. For example, a vintage Evel Knievel Stunt Cycle in good condition can sell for around $100-$200. However, if you have any of his toys still in the original box, you could be looking at several hundred dollars or more.
11. Vintage Concert Posters
Concert posters from the ’70s, particularly those featuring popular bands or artists, are now highly sought after by collectors. Posters with stunning artwork, limited prints, or those signed by the band can fetch a pretty penny.
For example, an original Led Zeppelin concert poster from their 1971 tour recently sold for over $10,000. So, if you’ve got old concert posters stored away, they could be worth a lot more than you think.
12. Vintage Barbie Dolls
Barbie dolls have always been collectible, but ’70s Barbies are particularly in demand. Collectors are looking for dolls in good condition, particularly those that are still in their original packaging.
Even dolls that have been played with can still be valuable, especially if they come with their original clothes and accessories. For example, a 1971 Malibu Barbie in good condition can sell for around $100-$150. However, rarer dolls or those still in the box can sell for much more.
13. Vintage Soda Cans
Believe it or not, vintage soda cans are a big deal in the world of collectibles. ’70s cans, particularly those that are unopened or feature popular brands like Coca-Cola or Pepsi, are highly sought after.
The value of vintage soda cans can vary greatly depending on the brand, design, and condition. For example, an unopened 1970s Coca-Cola can could sell for around $10-$20. However, rarer cans or those featuring popular characters or themes can sell for much more. So, if you’ve held onto old soda cans, you might be sitting on a small fortune!