1. Depression Glass
Colored glassware from the 1920s–1940s is making a comeback. Pink, green, and cobalt blue pieces are especially popular. While common items might sell for just a few dollars, rare patterns can reach into the hundreds. Complete sets are particularly valuable to collectors.
Part of the draw is the history—these were inexpensive, everyday items during tough economic times. Now, they carry sentimental and aesthetic value. Collectors love the way these pieces brighten up tables and displays. If you’ve got stacks of mismatched dishes, they may be more than just pretty glass.
2. Vintage Pyrex Dishes
If you’ve inherited a set of brightly patterned Pyrex mixing bowls or casserole dishes, you may want to dust them off. Collectors are paying hundreds of dollars for rare patterns like “Lucky in Love” or “Gooseberry.” What was once just sturdy kitchenware is now a design statement in retro-inspired homes. Prices vary, but some complete sets sell for over $1,000 at auction.
The appeal lies in nostalgia and durability. Pyrex from the 1940s–1960s was built to last and features designs that bring people back to their childhood kitchens. Social media has also fueled the craze, with collectors showing off rainbow-colored stacks. If you’ve got a box in the attic, it’s worth taking inventory.
3. Old Comic Books
First editions and early issues of popular superhero comics are commanding jaw-dropping sums. For instance, a copy of Action Comics #1 sold for over $3 million at auction. Even less rare issues can bring in hundreds if they feature iconic debuts. Condition is everything here, and collectors will pay a premium for well-preserved copies.
Comics capture cultural history in a colorful, accessible way. As comic-based movies dominate pop culture, interest in the originals has skyrocketed. People see them as both nostalgic and investment-worthy. If you’ve got a box of old Marvel or DC comics, it’s worth flipping through carefully.
4. Vinyl Records
Vinyl never really disappeared, but its comeback is undeniable. Pressings from The Beatles, Pink Floyd, and rare punk bands are fetching high prices. Some original records sell for hundreds or even thousands, especially if they were limited runs. Even common titles are more valuable now as demand grows.
Collectors love the tactile experience of vinyl, and younger generations see it as more authentic than streaming. Turntables have become household staples again, sparking even more interest. Limited edition colored vinyl and misprints are particularly sought-after. If you’re holding onto crates of old albums, you could be sitting on a treasure.
5. 1980s Toys
He-Man, Transformers, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles figures from the 1980s are now worth serious cash. Mint condition action figures in their original packaging can bring in hundreds. Even loose figures have value if they’re rare. Nostalgia-driven buyers are fueling the market, especially as millennials reach peak earning years.
It’s not just the figures themselves but the accessories that matter. A complete set with all weapons and gear intact is far more desirable. Collectors are willing to pay more for unopened boxes, which are increasingly rare. If you’ve got a storage bin of childhood toys, it’s worth checking the market.
6. Typewriters
Old typewriters, especially those from brands like Underwood, Hermes, and Smith-Corona, have made a stylish comeback. Some models are selling for hundreds, particularly portable ones in good condition. Writers, artists, and collectors love their tactile quality. Certain models are even displayed as décor pieces in trendy homes and cafes.
Part of their charm is that they represent a slower, more intentional form of writing. Unlike digital devices, typewriters are durable and repairable. They also evoke a sense of nostalgia for mid-20th century aesthetics. If you’ve got one gathering dust, it might be more valuable than you think.
7. First Edition Books
Rare first editions of classics are selling for eye-watering amounts. A first edition of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone sold for over $400,000 recently. Even 20th-century works like The Great Gatsby can command tens of thousands. The trick is knowing what qualifies as a true first edition, which varies by publisher.
Book collectors are drawn to the cultural and historical significance of these editions. They also see them as investments, since their rarity only increases over time. Signed copies or those with unique printing errors are even more valuable. If you have old hardcovers, it’s worth double-checking their edition info.
8. Costume Jewelry
Vintage costume jewelry from designers like Miriam Haskell and Trifari is attracting collectors again. While these pieces weren’t made with precious metals, their craftsmanship and design make them valuable. Unique pieces can sell for hundreds, especially if they’re signed by the maker. The demand is strongest for bold, mid-century statement jewelry.
Part of the interest comes from the fact that many of these designs aren’t replicated today. They offer a mix of glamour and accessibility. Collectors appreciate the artistry and durability of these pieces, which have often aged gracefully. If you’ve got a jewelry box from a grandmother or aunt, it could be worth digging through.
9. Coca-Cola Memorabilia
Signs, bottles, and advertising pieces from Coca-Cola’s long history are in high demand. Some vintage signs from the 1930s and 1940s sell for thousands. Even glass bottles from certain eras are collectible, especially unique regional designs. The brand’s iconic status makes its memorabilia globally recognizable.
Collectors see Coca-Cola items as both Americana and timeless pop culture. They’re easy to display and resonate with people across generations. Condition is key, especially for large metal signs or porcelain items. If you’ve got one tucked away from a family diner or gas station, it might be worth a lot.
10. Pocket Watches
Antique pocket watches, especially from makers like Waltham and Elgin, have regained popularity. Gold or silver-cased models fetch higher prices, but even base-metal ones have collectible value. Intricate engravings and mechanical movements add to their appeal. Some limited or railroad-grade watches can command thousands.
Their resurgence is tied to appreciation for mechanical craftsmanship. Unlike mass-produced quartz watches, these timepieces showcase old-world precision. Many are also passed down as heirlooms, adding emotional value. If you’ve got a pocket watch sitting unused, now might be the right time to appraise it.
11. Advertising Signs
Porcelain and tin signs from the early-to-mid 20th century are being snapped up by collectors. Gasoline, soda, and farm supply signs are especially hot. Large, well-preserved signs can sell for several thousand dollars. Even rusted or weathered ones have value if the brand is iconic.
The appeal lies in their bold graphics and historical context. They’re conversation starters in man caves, bars, and retail spaces. Many signs were discarded decades ago, making survivors rare. If you see one hanging in a garage or barn, it could be worth salvaging.
12. Mid-Century Modern Furniture
Pieces from designers like Eames, Knoll, and Hans Wegner have seen a resurgence in demand. The clean lines and minimalist aesthetic are a perfect fit for today’s interior design trends. Authentic mid-century modern furniture can fetch thousands, even if it shows signs of wear. Some coffee tables and chairs have doubled in value over the past decade.
Part of the appeal is that these designs are both functional and timeless. They blend easily into contemporary homes, unlike bulkier antiques from earlier centuries. Many of these pieces were mass-produced but have become scarce due to wear or disposal. That scarcity is driving the price upward for originals.
13. Vintage Sewing Machines
Old Singer sewing machines, especially early models with ornate detailing, have found new fans. Some are selling for hundreds, while rarer models can hit the thousands. Collectors prize both their functionality and decorative appeal. Machines in original cabinets or with accessories are worth more.
Their durability is unmatched compared to many modern models. Many still work perfectly after decades of use. They’re also sought after as design pieces, adding character to homes and studios. If you come across one at a flea market, it could be a smart buy.
14. Milk Glass
Once considered everyday kitchenware, milk glass has found new life among collectors. Popular during the late 19th and mid-20th centuries, its opaque white finish adds a vintage charm to any display. Bowls, vases, and candy dishes are among the most sought-after pieces. Complete sets or unusual shapes can bring in significant profits.
The appeal comes from its versatility—milk glass fits in with both farmhouse and modern décor. Collectors also love the craftsmanship of earlier pieces, which often featured intricate patterns. With more people styling their homes around vintage finds, demand has surged. If you’ve got a stash in the cupboard, now’s the time to reassess its value.
15. Antique Maps
Old maps are no longer just dusty wall hangings—they’re prized collectibles. Maps from the 17th to early 20th centuries, especially those depicting now-altered borders, can be worth hundreds or even thousands. Hand-colored maps and those from famous cartographers command the highest values. The rarer the territory or edition, the more valuable the piece.
Collectors admire them for both history and artistry. Antique maps offer a glimpse into how people once saw the world, often with decorative flourishes that double as artwork. They also make striking conversation pieces in homes and offices. If you’ve got rolled-up maps in storage, they may deserve a second look.
16. Vintage Lunchboxes
Metal lunchboxes from the 1950s through the 1980s are hot collectibles today. Designs featuring superheroes, cartoons, or pop culture icons are especially desirable. Rare ones in pristine condition with their thermoses intact can sell for hundreds. Even well-loved examples are climbing in value as nostalgia grows.
Their appeal lies in the strong emotional connection to childhood. For many, a lunchbox wasn’t just a container but a daily companion at school. The colorful graphics make them fun to display as décor items. If you’ve got one tucked in the attic, it might be a surprisingly valuable piece of nostalgia.
17. Rotary Phones
Old rotary dial telephones, once abandoned as obsolete, are now in demand. Collectors prize unusual colors like turquoise, pink, and avocado green. Certain mid-century models with sleek designs can sell for more than $200. Even standard black rotary phones are gaining traction as decorative accents.
The charm is in their blend of utility and design. People love the tactile feel of the dial and the nostalgic ring tone. Many buyers repurpose them as retro décor or even functional landlines. If you’ve got one gathering dust in a basement box, it may be worth plugging back in.
18. Cast Iron Cookware
Vintage cast iron skillets and Dutch ovens, especially those from Griswold or Wagner, are fetching impressive prices. Collectors seek pieces with smooth cooking surfaces and clear maker’s marks. Restored pans often sell for hundreds, while rare sizes can reach much higher. Even rusty finds can be revived and sold to eager buyers.
The attraction comes from both performance and durability. Old cast iron is known for superior heat retention compared to many modern pans. They also carry a sense of heritage, often passed down through generations. If you’ve got one stored away, it may be time to bring it back to the kitchen—or the marketplace.
19. Antique Postcards
Postcards from the late 19th and early 20th centuries have become surprisingly valuable. Cards with holiday themes, real-photo prints, or rare town scenes are especially sought after. Some sell for just a few dollars, while rarer examples can fetch hundreds. Complete postcard albums can bring even more at auction.
Collectors appreciate them as snapshots of history and culture. They showcase forgotten places, old fashions, and personal correspondence. Their affordability also makes them an appealing entry point for new collectors. If you’ve inherited a box of postcards, don’t dismiss them as paper clutter.
20. Vintage Board Games
Classic board games, particularly early editions of Monopoly, Clue, and Scrabble, are in demand again. Rare versions or complete sets in good condition can fetch hundreds. Games featuring unique artwork or limited-edition releases are especially desirable. Even common versions have seen a rise in value among nostalgic buyers.
Part of their charm is in the shared experience they represent. Families and friends bond over these games, making them highly sentimental. Collectors also enjoy the distinctive packaging and components of older editions. If you’ve got a game closet full of vintage boxes, you might be surprised by what they’re worth.
21. Carnival Glass
Carnival glass, with its iridescent shimmer, is shining brightly in the collector market again. Produced primarily in the early 20th century, these decorative bowls, vases, and plates were once given away as prizes at fairs. Today, rarer colors like electric blue and deep purple can bring in hundreds. Even common pieces are seeing steady price increases.
The appeal lies in their dazzling finish, which looks different under changing light. Collectors also love the wide range of patterns and shapes available. Carnival glass is both decorative and relatively affordable, attracting new enthusiasts each year. If you’ve got some stashed away, it might be worth more than you expect.
This post 21 Antique Collections That Are Suddenly Worth Real Money Again was first published on Greenhouse Black.
