Look Out For These Garage Sale Items That Could Be Worth A Lot Of Money
Shows like American Pickers totally prove that what one person considers junk, another might see as pure treasure. Old jewelry or paintings that are collecting dust in your attic could be worth way more than you would think. A small fortune might just be hiding right under your nose. Next time you hear about a local garage sale, it wouldn't hurt to keep an eye out for these everyday items that could secretly be worth a pretty penny.
Mason Jars
The handy glass jars with airtight seals, invented by John Landis Mason in 1858, were initially used for canning purposes. Today, the most uncommon variations, like those with an upside-down logo used as dispensers, have the potential to be sold for around $1,000.
Signs
The enduring appeal of Americana means that there is a constant demand for it. Vintage signs and advertisements featuring iconic brands like Coca-Cola and Chevrolet can be sold for high prices on eBay. It's worth noting that the larger the sign, the more it could be worth.
Video Games
Old-school favorites like Mario Kart 64 continue to captivate gamers, with high demand driving prices to exceed hundreds of dollars. For those fortunate enough to stumble upon an even rarer gem, such as Nintendo's Stadium Events, the potential value can soar to over $35,000.
Books
It's unlikely that you will come across a $35 million Gutenberg Bible at a yard sale, since there are only 49 in existence. However, that doesn't mean that you can't find a valuable book with a great resale price. The trick is to search for first editions of popular books in excellent condition, such as J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, which was recently sold for $80,000.
Cuckoo Clocks
Germany's Black Forest is renowned for more than just its delicious cake. Collectors highly value cuckoo clocks originating from this region. Even modern clocks in excellent condition can fetch hundreds of dollars when resold, while antique ones can be worth even more.
Christmas Ornaments
In the 19th century, a German manufacturer introduced the first commercially sold Christmas ornaments. These ornaments, called "kugels," were made of heavy glass and are now highly valued, with prices ranging from $50 to over $1,000. They are easily recognizable due to their vibrant colors and fruit-like shapes, such as apples and berries.
Comic Books
When sifting through comic book collections at garage sales, keep your eyes peeled for The Man of Steel. The initial comic featuring Superman's debut was resold for a staggering $3.2 million, while other issues can fetch hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Toys
Vintage toys can hold significant resale value. For instance, Lite-Brites, which are no longer being produced, can now be worth up to $300. The first-edition Barbie, which was released in 1959, is now valued at an impressive $8,000. If you are on the lookout for the coveted Barbie No. 1, keep an eye out for the doll adorned in a zebra-striped bathing suit with distinctive holes in the soles of her feet.
Sneakers
The global resale market for athletic shoes, including Nike's Air Jordans, has reportedly reached a staggering $2 billion. Among these highly sought-after sneakers, the Jordan 1 Retro Legends of Summer Red Glitter stands are one of the most coveted pairs. Originally designed for the 2013 Justin Timberlake/Jay-Z tour, these shoes have been resold for an impressive price of $7,000.
Pottery
Vintage kitchenware, such as Pyrex, can be worth unbelievable prices, but it's not just limited to that. Antique-looking pottery can also have significant value. In 2013, a Chinese bowl dating back 1,000 years was purchased for a mere $3 at a yard sale. Astonishingly, this seemingly insignificant purchase later fetched over $2 million when it was auctioned off.
Jewelry
An unexpected discovery at a yard sale produced a ring worth a staggering $850,000 for one lucky person who thought they had bought simple costume jewelry. Garage sales are a great place to find all sorts of beautiful vintage jewelry, and some pieces may really be worth their weight in gold!
Model Trains
Vintage model trains have a significant value in the collector's market; some can truly rake in the dough. For instance, a 1908-14 Lionel 8 Trolley is currently listed on eBay for $7,500.
Vinyl Records
Old records can often be found at garage sales, but it's rare to come across one that can be purchased for only 75 cents at a sidewalk sale and then sold on eBay for $25,000. You may not find a rare Velvet Underground record like that, but many common vinyl treasures could fetch hundreds or thousands of dollars.
Artwork
A truck driver once purchased a valuable Jackson Pollock painting for $5 at a yard sale. There was even a documentary made about it. Incredible discoveries like this are uncommon, but they do happen occasionally. It could be worth considering the possibility of finding valuable artwork during your next garage sale excursion.
VHS Tapes
Despite having become obscolete, rare VHS tapes can bring in a ton of money for collectors. When sifting through the stacks commonly found at garage sales, keep an eye out for Disney "Black Diamond" editions of films such as The Fox and the Hound. These editions are believed to have a value of almost $1,500.
Walkmans
If you were a teenager in the 1980s, it is highly likely that you owned a Walkman. This popular portable cassette player was everywhere. Nowadays, the sentimental value attached to these devices has significantly increased their resale prices, with models like the blue TPS-L2 reaching as high as $500.
Sterling Silver Flatware
There are rumors circulating about millennials rejecting material possessions and supposedly diminishing the worth of items like sterling silver flatware. However, antique silver can still be worth a ton of money on eBay and is a worthwhile garage sale find.
Guitars
There's a huge potential for profit when purchasing an old guitar at a garage sale, regardless of your ability to play it. Renowned brands such as Martin, Taylor, and Gibson have used instruments that can be worth thousands of dollars on platforms like Reverb.
Tools
Garage sales often have a selection of old tools, which may not appear valuable at first glance. However, some of these tools can be considered antique or rare and hold significant worth. For instance, a wrench designed for the John Deere Dain all-wheel drive, four-cylinder, three-wheel tractor was sold for $15,000 in 2009.
Rugs
Handmade antique Persian rugs are not only aesthetically pleasing, but they can also be very valuable. These rugs can range in price from a few hundred dollars to millions of dollars. In fact, the highest recorded auction price for a Persian rug was set in 2013 when a 17th-century rug sold for an astonishing $33 million.
Baseball Cards
Baseball cards have always fascinated young baseball enthusiasts, who continue to trade and collect them even as they get older. The T206 Honus Wagner card from 1909-1911, set a remarkable record in 2016. This particular card was sold for an astounding $3.12 million, making it the highest-priced baseball card ever sold.
Fishing Gear
Believe it or not, vintage fishing equipment, such as rods, reels, and lures, have the potential to be worth a ton at auctions. In particular, lures have been known to sell for as high as $100,000.
Stamps
Unfortunately, the majority of used U.S. postage stamps from the past seventy years hold little to no value. However, exceptional stamps, such as the British Guiana One-Cent Magenta, can be worth large sums of money. This particular stamp was sold at an auction in 2014 for a staggering $9.48 million, a sum that could potentially secure a comfortable retirement for you and your extended family.
Important Papers
Even a box of papers can contain treasure. At a garage sale, one stumbled across a 1917 stock certificate representing 1,625 shares of an oil company that eventually merged with Coca-Cola. It was only later that they realized its value had skyrocketed to an astonishing $130 million.
Trunks
Antique American trunks in good condition typically hold a value of a few hundred dollars. However, if you're looking for an extraordinary find at a garage sale, finding a trunk from the esteemed French design house Louis Vuitton would be a remarkable feat. A brass Louis Vuitton Explorer trunk from 1888 even sold for $159,200 at an auction in 2019.
Movie Memorabilia
Americans have had a deep affection for movies since the era of silent films. That's why there's such a thriving market for film memorabilia. For instance, a 1932 poster from the movie The Mummy recently sold for an impressive half-million dollars at an auction. However, even posters from more recent classics can be valuable.
Pocket Watches
In the event that you come across one of these exquisite timepieces hidden away at a garage sale, it could be worth the purchase. Pocket watches have been known to hold incredible value, such as the 1920 Patek Philippe Supercomplication, the world's most expensive pocket watch. This particular timepiece was sold for a staggering $24 million in 2014.
Computers
Old computers you may have overlooked at garage sales could be worth a lot more than you think. For instance, a 1976 Apple 1 computer, created by Steve Jobs, is currently being listed on eBay for $1,750,000. Plus, there are various other models of old computers that are worth thousands of dollars.
Furniture
Garage sales are full of discarded furniture, and sometimes you can find a diamond in the rough and get your hands on a valuable antique piece. One fortunate individual, a teacher from New Jersey, experienced this dream come true in 1998. She brought in a simple $25 table, which was eventually sold at auction for an impressive $541,500.
Kitchen Appliances
If you happen to come across a well-preserved vintage stove or refrigerator at a yard sale, seize the opportunity. The rising popularity of mid-century aesthetics in homes has caused vintage kitchen appliances from brands like O'Keefe & Merritt to go for thousands of dollars on eBay.
Photos
Purchasing photographs of strangers' loved ones at garage sales may seem strange, but it could be worth incredible value if you're lucky. One person accidentally stumbled upon an image of Billy the Kid in a thrift store, which was later evaluated at $5 million.
Typewriters
The clickety-clack sound produced by old typewriter keys holds a certain romantic charm, an important factor in why there is such high demand for these collectible machines. Underwood and other brands of antique typewriters can typically be sold from a hundred to a couple hundred dollars. However, in 2014, a Remington No. 1 model was sold on eBay for a staggering $27,000.
Duck Decoys
Handmade antique duck decoys have the potential to go for incredibly high prices at auction, reaching the high six figures. Even decoys that are considered less valuable can still be sold for hundreds, if not thousands, on platforms like Chairish.
Perfume Bottles
There are auctions solely dedicated to these valuable glass items. When searching through garage sales, keep an eye out for those in excellent condition, still in their original packaging— and the older they are, the more valuable. One highly sought-after example is Lalique's "Les Sirenes" Flacon Collection Perfume bottle, which can be worth up to $500.
Clothing
Designer clothing can sometimes be resold for profit on eBay. In some cases, sellers unintentionally leave expensive items in pockets or bags. For example, one woman in California sold a jacket for $20 without realizing it contained a pair of earrings worth $18,000.
Cookie Jars
Decorative cookie jars have a rich history dating back to the 1930s. Noteworthy manufacturers such as American Bisque, McCoy Pottery, and McKee Glass Company crafted some of the earliest and most highly desired items, with certain jars selling for over $600.
Microphones
Musicians and music producers are often willing to invest significant amounts of money in acquiring a vintage microphone such as the meticulously crafted Neumann M49 Tube Condenser Microphone from 1951. This particular microphone was recently available for purchase on eBay at a price of $12,500.
Bone China
Bone china, the highest quality type of china, can be worth up to $100 per piece. To confirm if the place setting you are examining is made of bone china, simply hold it up to the light. If it appears almost transparent, then it's bone china. The most prized bone china originates from England, and you can identify its British origin by searching for a crown or a similar emblem on the back.
Car Parts
Vintage auto parts have expanded beyond their traditional use in cars. They have become highly sought-after collectibles, with items like hubcaps, hood ornaments, and other accessories holding their own value. Interior designers have also recognized the appeal of repurposing these treasures, such as head and tail lights, to add a fashionable industrial touch to various spaces.
T-shirts
Vintage concert t-shirts and those adorned with advertising logos or slogans are currently in high demand and can be quite valuable. For instance, a t-shirt from the 1990 Reading music festival in England is currently listed on Etsy for nearly $14,000.
