Technically, anything over 20 years old can be coined “vintage.” But when you really think of items worth this title, your brain probably doesn’t go to Beanie Babies. Instead, it conjures up images of vinyl records and toys still made out of metal.
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If you are a collector, saver or even accidental hoarder of your old belongings, you could be sitting on a sneaky pile of cash. As a decade marked by unique cultural and aesthetic shifts, the 1970s produced a nostalgic treasure trove of vintage items worth a lot of money.
The 70s was an era of bold styles, groundbreaking music and remarkable technological advancements. Items from this decade are sought after not just for their rarity but also for the stories they tell and the memories they evoke. If you’re looking to make some extra cash, you don’t need to go to a Heritage Auction with your Grandma’s vintage Pyrex dishes.
Whether you have iconic vintage toys, Boy Scout memorabilia or complete sets of limited-edition comic books in excellent condition, you could be significantly underestimating how much items from this era are worth. Collectors and enthusiasts alike are willing to pay high prices or even top dollar for well-preserved, authentic pieces.
Here are five valuable 1970s collectibles you might just have stored in your attic or basement.
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Vintage Apple Computers
In just the span of a few decades, Apple computers changed the game for personal and home computers, and this all started in the 1970s. The Apple I Computer, released in 1976, stands out for collectors as Apple’s inaugural product. It was famously crafted by the legendary duo of Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak and embodies the pioneering spirit of the tech revolution.
While the Apple II, which was released in 1977, cost about $1,300 at the time of its launch, now it could fetch you over an estimated $6,600. If it’s in decent condition with its monitor, separate keyboard or casing and five-color on-screen graphics, it could be worth selling.
Collectors avidly seek out original Apple-1 units, especially those in working condition or with their original packaging. These rare pieces can get a whopping $220,000 at auctions, which is a testament to their enduring significance in the tech world.
Still, making a cool $6,000 for other vintage models isn’t so bad either for what you once considered junk in your garage.
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Classic Video Games
The 1970s ushered in the golden age of video gaming, with several iconic consoles and games that have become highly sought-after by both gamers and collectors. The Atari video computer system, known as the Atari 2600 after 1977, was a trailblazer in gaming entertainment.
Here are some examples of what just basic vintage games could make you if you sell them.
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Space Invaders (Atari 2600, 1978): $75 to $1,450
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Pong (original Atari Pong C-100, 1972): $100 to $150
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Asteroids (original arcade machine, 1979): $1,200
Collectors today prize well-maintained Atari consoles and rare game cartridges, with some fetching several thousand dollars. These home or arcade video games, particularly in their original, or best possible condition, can be valued between $1,000 to $5,000, making them a goldmine for those looking to clean out old boxes you’ve had stored since childhood.
Iconic Toys
The 1970s were a golden era for toys, with several iconic brands and characters emerging that are still celebrated today, such as all things Star Wars. Following the release of this culturally transformative box office powerhouse in 1977, these figures became instant favorites. And the rarer the toy, the heftier the price tag, as you can see from the following insanely valuable Star Wars toys.
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Rocket-Firing Boba Fett Prototypes (1979): Only two dozen or so were made and this action figure had a different utility than other models. This would be why it sold for $204,435 at auction.
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Obi-Wan Kenobi with Double-Telescoping Lightsaber (1977): This is a rare Star Wars toy and sold at an auction for $76,000 in 2018.
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Double Telescoping Darth Vader (1977): Though the initial version never made it to market, the ones that do exist need heavy authentication. This particular version was purchased for $24,500 at an auction, still in its box.
Particularly coveted are the originals and extremely rare models from the late 1970s, such as the Boba Fett figure with a firing rocket pack, action figures with different utilities than other models or just ones that didn’t have a lot made. These figures, particularly in mint condition and original packaging, represent not just a piece of cinema history but a lucrative investment.
Vintage Fashion
The 70s fashion scene was marked by iconic trends of legendary designers strutted on the runways from some of the world’s first supermodels. Original pieces from this era, particularly from fashion giants like Gucci, Halston, Bob Macki, Yves Saint Laurent and Dior, are highly coveted.
These vintage items can range in price from several hundred to thousands of dollars, depending on the piece and its condition. If you have 1970s pieces in good condition just sitting in your closet, you should consider selling them online yourself or through sites like Thredup, which will buy your designer pieces for resale on its site.
Retro Electronics
The late 1970s witnessed the advent of personal electronics that changed entertainment forever. The Sony Walkman TPS-L2, introduced in 1979, is a notable example. Now, it’s fetching upwards of $2,300 on platforms like eBay. Similarly, the original Sony Trinitron color TVs are valued at $1,000 or more among collectors.
In today’s mindset of always throwing away your old phone to replace it with the newest model, it’s nice to see that relics of the electronic past still have value. Before you toss your old retro televisions or Walkmans, it may be worth a Google search to see what they’re worth on eBay.
Final Take To GO
The 1970s offered a wealth of highly coveted items that peak a collector’s nostalgic interest. Whether you’re a hobbyist or just someone with a penchant for childhood artifacts, these items from the 1970s can be potentially lucrative investments. Keep an eye out for these treasures, as they will continue to appreciate and be appreciated.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 5 Items From the 1970s That Are Worth a Lot of Money
